Corps of Engineers and Prairie Restoration: Synopsis of the First Corps Prairie Workshop, Follow-up Actions, and Thoughts on the Future of Prairie Restoration and Management on Operational Projects

摘要

The restoration of native prairie ecosystems has emerged as an important natural resources land management issue on many Corps of Engineers operational projects. A Corps-wide data call in 2004-2005 re- vealed that at least 21 Districts and 172 projects were involved to some extent in prairie/grassland restoration and management efforts. A need was recognized for greater attention to managing grassland ecosystems on Corp projects, and the first Corps of Engineers Prairie Workshop was held in Manhattan, Kansas, in August 2006. The workshop included 13 presentations by prairie enthusiasts representing the Corps, other government agencies, and private organizations. Presentations focused on management issues and a variety of approaches and associated techniques for prairie restoration (e.g., site conversion, prescribed burning, invasive species control, management of endangered species, and formation of partnerships). Follow-up actions resulting from the workshop included news releases, bulletin articles, conference presentations, and e-mail comments from participants. Finally, the future of prairie restoration and management on Corps projects was discussed. Major challenges include conflicting management philosophies and priorities, a need for improved technology, better communication within and outside the Corps, and a critical need to conduct thorough inventories of grassland habitats on operational projects.