U.S.-MEXICO GRASSLAND BIRD CONSERVATION

In this phase partners will: 1) expand the Sustainable Grazing Network (SGN) to enroll and protect at least another 10,000 acres, 2) enhance at least 10,000 acres of SGN grasslands through improved grazing management, 3) restore at least 100 acres of degraded grasslands through shrub control, keyline or other intensive restoration techniques, 4) monitor grassland birds on SGN lands to assess impact, 5) train biologists in grassland bird monitoring and rangeland extension, 6) conduct outreach to SGN ranchers and managers using the results of our bird and vegetation monitoring to inform adaptive management, 7) permanently protect 514.5 acres of grasslands and foothill shrublands in Larimer County, Colorado from exurban development, and 8) assist local governments in conserving grassland birds through monitoring populations on protected open space lands.

Through this multi-pronged approach, we aim to increase wintering populations of Sprague's Pipits and other high priority species, including Baird's Sparrow and Chestnut-collared Longspur, on SGN lands over the next 5-10-years and maintain breeding grassland bird populations in Larimer County, Colorado.

The proposed activities will be conducted in cooperation with a broad network of regional and international partners for maximum impact, efficiency and synergy.