The USFS will devise a final plan based in large part on public comment. You can help improve National Grasslands management by sending your comments to the Forest Service before January 13, 2000. Seven Steps to Restoring Our Northern Plains National Grasslands The Forest Service's draft proposal begins to change the way our National Grasslands are managed, but it is not nearly enough. Let's make sure that on the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark adventure, we have a plan in place to restore our wildlife heritage to these public lands. The USFS is required to manage our public lands for the long-term conservation of all native wildlife.
Prairie dogs are the engineers that create a unique ecosystem used by dozens of prairie species.
The USFS should eliminate prairie dog poisoning and shooting to allow for the natural expansion of prairie dogs to reach this ten percent level. This will allow adequate amounts of taller grasses necessary for several wildlife species. Livestock should also be kept away from streams and wetlands. The majority of public comment supports bison restoration. Bison should be reintroduced onto our public grasslands bordering Badlands National Park and Theodore Roosevelt National Park to expand the size and range of the National Parks' present herds.