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The PPJV is a broad partnership that focuses on "keeping grass in grass", "keeping wetlands wet" and working with landowners to build a healthy and sustainable prairie landscape. The PPJV recognizes that it is a critical link in the chain of habitat for migratory birds in the Western Hemisphere.
Information Coordination Resource
PPJV partners:
- Define and attain the landscape conditions needed to sustain abundant populations of wetland and grassland birds
- Forge alliances and partnerships to achieve the objectives of migratory bird conservation initiatives
- Create opportunities to maximize leveraging of Federal dollars with partner contributions
- Use existing and emerging conservation programs to enhance collective benefits to migratory birds, while respecting the unique priorities and purposes of each partner
Scientific Foundations
PPJV uses cutting-edge technology, sound science and critical evaluation to create a solid foundation for its programs and to provide partners with the tools to best target habitat work for maximum effectiveness.
Partners use Geographic Information Systems and spatially explicit modeling tools; a variety of surveys for waterfowl, shorebirds, waterbirds and landbirds; agricultural programs assessments (demonstrating the critical value of undisturbed grass cover and maintenance of large amounts of grass cover in areas of high wetland densities) for waterfowl and other prairie birds; use of a multi-agency approach to planning and evaluation to develop a coordinated, biologically sound landscape approace to the type and amount of various habitat treatments needed to reach population and habitat objectives; integrated planning for migratory bird conservation.
Partnering with the US Department of Agriculture
The success of the PPJV is enhanced and supported by a number of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs. These programs are critical for improving and protecting the PPJV landscape for wildlife and people.
The Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Grasslands Reserve Program, Wetland Conservation Compliance (Swampbuster), and Highly Erodible Land Conservation (Sodbuster) are essential for protecting wetland and grassland habitat in the PPJV.
Preserving Traditional Rural Lifestyles
PPJV programs contribute to the preservation of traditional rural lifestyles by helping keep farmers and ranchers on the land. The key is contributing to their profitability while improving habitat for wildlife. One time payments for wetland and grassland easements, technical assistance and new management practices provided by PPJV partners can enhance productivity and profits.
PPJV partners program assistance includes wetland restoration assistance, perpetual easements, shorter-term easements, managed grazing systems, perpetual grassland easements, soil erosion reduction programs, improvement of water quality by grassland restoration, and encouragement of minimum-till and no-till farming.
http://northdakotapartners.fws.gov/
http://southdakotapartners.fws.gov/
http://montanapartners.fws.gov/
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Partners/minnesota.html
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Partners/iowa.html
Communications
PPJV partners work with an extensive and diverse network of landowners, decision makers, natural resource professionals, funding partners, and researchers. The PPJV employs a variety of media, from printed materials and training programs to educational videos and websites.
PPJV communications tools help disseminate critical information from research and evaluation projects and promote sound management practices; help educate students and the general public about the PPJV’s conservation programs and the uniqueness of the region; foster understanding and cooperation among agencies, conservation organizations, corporate interests and private landlowners; and provide information to federal, state an local decision makers on legislation, funding, policies and practices that affect the region.
Teaming Internationally
The hard work, energy and money that goes into conserving breeding habitat in the PPJV may be for naught if bird populations face limiting factors on the wintering grounds or during migration. PPJV partners have been in the forefront of recognizing the need and opportunities to begin “teaming internationally”.
The PPJV continues to work closely with the Prairie Habitat Joint Venture (Canada) for a collaborative approach and coordinated approach to research and habitat conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region, seeking to develop and implement “border free” landscape planning tools; and PPJV partners are providing a variety of assistance Latin American partners and seeking to be part of a “linking of habitats” process; PPJV partners participate in numerous international networks and partnership programs.
