Habitat-Based Approach to Management of Tallgrass Prairies at the Tewaukon211 National Wildlife Refuge

摘要

National Wildlife Refugees are required to manage habitat in accord with an211u001eapproved Comprehensive Conservation Plan containing specific, measurable habitat 211u001eobjectives. Tallgrass habitat is of critical concern at the Tewaukon National 211u001eWildlife Refuge. Habitat management directed at improving conditions for 211u001edeclining bird species, rare butterflies, and a diversity of tallgrass flora is 211u001eassumed to contribute substantially toward the broad goal of maintaining native 211u001ebiodiversity in tallgrass prairies. Such management should consider the size of 211u001etallgrass patches, the amount of woody vegetation, providing a mosaic of 211u001evegetation heights, and improving overall floristic quality. Selection of 211u001eappropriate management strategies followed by monitoring and evaluation of 211u001ehabitat conditions will allow for adaptive management and appropriate 211u001emodifications over time.