A diverse group of 4,500-plus U.S. organizations have signaled their support for the approach. The funds could help states head off a new entry onto the nation s threatened or endangered species lists, Lee said. Sometimes you can develop or implement habitat changes and prevent the decline of a plant or animal. Proponents are calling the approach preventive conservation. But it also could allow Kansas property owners more alternatives, Lee said.
Many landowners believe that if a listed species lives on their property, all use of the land ends.
That s just not true. With CARA funds, Kansas could compensate landowners, lease property or develop alternative habitats while there s still time. One state species that s already made an official list is the Topeka shiner, a small minnow-like fish. Kansans who own property that s part of the shiner s habitat are limited on what they can do in water and watershed management. For example, some watershed dams won t be built without modifications in Topeka shiner habitat.