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Oklahoma is fortunate to have Greater Prairie-Chickens and the
prairies that support them. However, the range and numbers of this
landmark prairie grouse have decreased significantly from historical
levels and continue to decline. To survive and reproduce, the GPC
needs native prairies in different stages of plant succession. Hopefully, populations of GPCs can be maintained and even increased if
prairies are restored and the proper use of fire and grazing are allowed
to drive the ecosystem.
The GPCs in Oklahoma and elsewhere occur almost exclusively
on private property and thus depend on the stewardship of private
landowners. Programs that promote conversion of native prairie to
non-native vegetation such an introduced forages or trees are not
beneficial to the GPC or other prairie wildlife. Government and private programs that encourage restoration and management of native
plant communities are needed. The GPC is a species that reflects the
health of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, and this icon of the plains is
at a critical threshold for its long-term survival. Oklahoma and many
other central and western states still have large tracts of land and the
opportunity to reclaim and restore millions of acres of native plant
communities for the GPC and other prairie species. Adequate funding,
public support, competent consultants, and landowner cooperation
are needed to accomplish this goal.(source conclusions)