Synopsis
In the heart of America’s grasslands, a battle for survival is unfolding. The lesser prairie-chicken, an iconic species of the Great Plains, is on the brink of extinction. But there’s a growing network of producers and partners across the plains looking to change that.
Today on the show, can ranchers and partners work together to save the lesser prairie-chicken while supporting their livelihoods and communities? We’re headed to eastern New Mexico to find out.
“The only places they are left today are where these caring ranchers are stewarding the habitat and stewarding the landscape and stewarding these native prairies.”
Ted Koch, Director, North American Grouse Partnership
“What we’re looking at doing here is building an over-110,000-acre stronghold right here in this part of the world.”
Bret Riley, Rancher, Caprock, New Mexico
Links and references from What do carbon and cows have to do with lesser prairie-chickens?
Learn more about the New Mexico Rangelands Enhancement Project
The science on grasslands as carbon sinks, and reliability compared to forests in a changing climate
Credits
Working Wild U is a production of Montana State University Extension and Western Landowners Alliance with support from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and you, our listeners.
This episode was written and produced by Zach Altman with support from our hosts, Jared Beaver and Hallie Mahowald.
Louis Wertz and Jared Beaver are our Executive Producers. Music is from Artlist and Blue Dot Sessions.
Special thanks to Bryce and Jami Peterson, Bret Riley, Jesse Juen, Kris Hulvey, Megan Nasto, Grant Beauprez, Ted Koch, Bre Owens, Kirk Gadzia, Hana Weaver, the Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, New Mexico State Lands Office, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Thornburg Foundation and the Carroll Petrie Foundation.
