Kansas has lost 96% of its tallgrass prairie, but a recent roundtable discussion in Shawnee suggests that bison may play a crucial role in preserving the remaining ecosystem. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids held the discussion with local officials and stakeholders to explore the potential of bison herd restoration.

Bison and Ecosystem Preservation

According to Kansas State University professor emeritus John Blair, managing the health of grassland prairies directly affects bison herds. Blair noted that indigenous people used to manage prairies with fires, which attracted bison to recently burned areas. This practice creates a shifting mosaic of different habitat types, contributing to biodiversity.

Christopher Kennedy, secretary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, appreciated the conversation about managing bison herds and interacting with tribal nations. He emphasized the importance of preserving the overall ecosystem that supports bison and other species.

The Role of Bison in Tallgrass Prairie Preservation

Tony Capizzo, director of the Flint Hills Initiative for The Nature Conservancy, highlighted the significance of bison in preserving the tallgrass prairie. The Nature Conservancy has two herds of bison in Kansas, with one herd grazing on 1,500 acres of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Capizzo noted that having bison designated as the national mammal in 2016 has helped raise public awareness about the importance of grasslands conservation.

Rep. Davids expressed her appreciation for the discussion, stating that it helped her understand the importance of preserving the American bison and its impact on the ecosystem. She hopes to apply the knowledge gained from the conversation to future bills concerning grasslands conservation, farms, and USDA programs.

Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.