Bison Reintroduction

No animal better represents the majesty of the American grasslands than the bison. As a keystone species, bison affect the distribution and reproduction of prairie vegetation, aerate soil with their hooves, and create wallows that can sustain ecosystems of their own during wet seasons. While bison originally numbered in the tens of millions, demand for bison robes and materials in the east, combined with the easy transport afforded by the railroad, nearly eradicated the bison from the prairies; there were just 23 wild bison left in the country by 1902. Since then, conservation efforts have helped the bison population rebound to 500,000 animals. However, only around 30,000 are in conservation herds; the rest are livestock. While livestock bison have provided invaluable contributions to the species' survival, conservation herds present the purest opportunity to return bison to the expanses, and Colorado Prairie Initiative hopes to restore the bison to its native grasslands across Colorado.

Recreational Shooting Cleanup

The Pawnee National Grasslands provide great opportunities for Coloradans to experience the majesty of the prairies on public land, whether through hiking, birdwatching, or hunting. Recreational shooting is also extremely popular on the grasslands, and is regulated by rules put out by the U.S. Forest Service. Unfortunately, not enough shooters adhere to the requirement that they clean up their targets and shell casings. The Colorado Prairie Initiative is working with the USFS to change the regulations to facilitate cleanup of popular shooting areas, while still encouraging people to get out to enjoy the grasslands in whatever capacity they choose.

CPI is also organizing volunteer trips to the Pawnee Grasslands to help clean the shooting areas. Trash, broken targets, and old electronics are just some of the things littering our public lands, and the wildlife and plants need it gone. If you are interested in joining CPI for a cleanup effort, please contact us.