Texas Partners Work to "Bring Back the Boom" of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken

As part of its PLJV State Capacity Grant, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is working with the June Leland Wildlife Foundation (JLWF) to provide incentive payments to landowners in the western Panhandle to enroll in Farm Bill programs to benefit Lesser Prairie-Chickens and other wildlife, as well as create a landowner-based conservation group focused on “Bringing Back the Boom” of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. (MORE…)

Mitigation Dollars Proposed for EQIP-Like Playa Program in New Mexico

New Mexico partners are tapping into an innovative source to fund traditional conservation programs. Partners are advocating for a playa protection program in Curry County which would use $459,000 in Superfund site mitigation money to start an EQIP-like program to pay private landowners to enroll playas in 10 to 30-year conservation easements. If successful, this may be a new funding model for PLJV partners in other states. (MORE…)

All Three PLJV Small NAWCA Proposals Approved for Funding

The North American Wetlands Conservation Council recently approved $168,000 in funding for all three North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grant proposals submitted by PLJV partners in 2006. The combined projects will conserve more than 1,500 acres of wetlands and grasslands and benefit dozens of priority bird species in Oklahoma and Colorado. (MORE…)

Landowner Profile: Gary Paul - Pioneering Playa Conservationist in Colorado

Third-generation rancher Gary Paul of El Paso County, Colorado, has worked with a number of PLJV partners over the years to conserve playas and other wildlife habitat on his property. Now Paul is considering putting his land into a conservation easement. Paul talked about his positive experience working with JV partners and why a conservation easement makes sense for his operation in a recent episode of Playa Country radio. (MORE…)

Regional News and Resources:

Featured Project: Lesser Prairie-Chicken video production

This video was produced in an effort to instill an appreciation of the lesser prairie-chicken and to improve understanding of the issues associated with their long-term conservation. Funding allowed for the reproduction of 4,000 copies of the film to be distributed to landowners, teachers, USDA field staff, developers, politicians and others who are likely to influence the future of the species. Browse all 2006 projects.

Follow the Money: KDWP Landowner Incentive Program

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) officials have announced that applications for participation in the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) will be accepted from March 15 to Sept. 1, 2007. This year, KDWP has received $500,000 in funding for LIP from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to aid in the protection and management of high-priority wildlife habitats, including streams and associated riparian areas, playa lakes, and grasslands. Browse all funding opportunities.

Happenings around the PLJV: First Annual Mountain Plover Festival; Karval, CO

Join the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory for the First Annual Mountain Plover Festival in Karval, Colorado. Support the Karval Community and the economic development of rural Lincoln County through eco-tourism. $75 pays for birding tours, camping, and meals on Saturday and Sunday, April 28th and 29th. Browse all upcoming events.

Playa Country Radio - April Programming:

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