Research
Results from research programs contribute to the biological foundation for and evaluation of bird conservation activities, and are necessary to accomplish defensible biological planning. Human dimensions research is also important to track changes in stakeholder attitudes and willingness to conduct habitat conservation, estimate potential gains toward bird conservation goals and identify bottlenecks in conservation delivery.
PLJV Research Priorities
The PLJV seeks proposals that increase knowledge of PLJV birds, habitats and people, and improves conservation practices, among other priorities. Download the complete PLJV Research Priority List.
Funding Opportunities
Search the PLJV’s funding database for grants to support research. Also be sure to check out the ConocoPhillips/PLJV grant opportunity.
High Plains Landowner Survey
In March through May, 2006, the PLJV conducted a survey of 1,800 landowners in the High Plains region with the purpose of determining the baseline of landowner knowledge of playas and willingness to conduct conservation work.
- Executive Summary
- Full Report (1.5M)
- Appendix F: Frequency Analyses, Expanded to Population (1.2M)
- News Release: "New Landowner Survey Shows High Demand for Playa Conservation"
Playa Buffer Literature Review
In 2005, the PLJV partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a playa buffer literature review. The review, authored by USGS biologists Cynthia P. Melcher and Susan K. Skagen, summarizes current knowledge about grass buffers for protecting small, isolated wetlands in agricultural contexts, including information relevant to protecting playas from runoff containing sediments, nutrients, pesticides and other contaminants, and information on how buffers may affect densities and productivity of grassland birds.
Habitat Trends Literature Review
In 2006, the PLJV conducted a literature review of habitat trends in the region to better understand changes in land use that affect birds. The review was conducted by Cynthia Melcher of the U.S. Geological Survey who conducted literature searches and interviews with dozens of land-use experts that revealed several recent changes affecting the amount and characteristics of bird habitats in the PLJV.