It should be expected that those species associated with prairie dog systems will go extinct at higher rates that the prairie dog. As the provider of needed biological research and information, the NPS needs the assistance of BRD in all aspects of integrated prairie dog conservation management. NPS also needs assistance in the logical development of landscape level conservation management plans, development and selection of action alternatives, and in the evaluation and adaptation of management programs. A systematic integrated approach to prairie dog conservation management is needed for the entire region and for individual parks and their environs. The Santa Fe Trail passes through the site and is designated as a historical site.
Prairie dogs live at the site, and their burrowing activities are degrading the trail ruts.
NPS is interested in relocating prairie dogs off-site. Previous efforts, including the use of the Dog-Gone vacuum system, were incomplete. Steve earlier was apprised of ongoing activities involving prairie dogs. We agreed that BRD could provide technical assistance. That might include convening some experts on prairie dogs, a site visit, development of a strategy, and consideration of a range of options.