Energy exploration has exploded across eastern Colorado. Oil and gas wells and wind farms are popping up with increasing regularity, and can have negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystems. CPI is working in tandem with industry and regulators to ensure that energy development does not endanger Colorado’s imperiled prairie ecosystems.
Prairie dogs are a keystone prairie species and historically inhabited nearly all of eastern Colorado. Today, they are regarded as pests that threaten development and agriculture. Subjected to virtually unregulated hunting and exterminated at the whim of landowners, prairie dogs and the animals that depend on them are under constant attack in Colorado. CPI is working to change the regulatory frameworks that dictate prairie dog management at the state and federal level in an effort to protect these important animals.
Predators play a vital role in prairie ecosystems. Without animals like coyotes and foxes, grassland food chains can become imbalanced. Unfortunately, state and federal programs encourage the killing of these animals to protect livestock and other agricultural interests. CPI is engaged in research to study the diets and interactions of predators to prairies, and is working to alter predator management policies in ways that benefit the prairies.
Birds provide the prairies with many important services: from seed dispersal to prey for other animals to aesthetic beauty. However, birds face several unfortunate and unnecessary challenges to their survival. Stock water tanks lure birds in to drink, and without wire ladders for escape, the birds can drown. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services program targets tens of thousands of prairie birds every year for extermination. CPI is dedicated to on-the-ground improvements that help prevent bird deaths, and is working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife to prevent the unnecessary killing of birds by federal officials.
Recreational target shooting is a popular pastime on the Pawnee National Grasslands, but irresponsible use has created a large litter problem. CPI is working with the U.S. Forest Service to improve the regulations and rules governing target shooting, and is committed to providing volunteers to help clean up the problem.
Bison were once the kind of the prairies, and numbered as many as 65 million animals. Today, most bison are livestock on ranches. The conservation herds at places like Yellowstone National Park are restricted to certain areas. CPI has a vision for herds of wild bison roaming freely once again across the landscape, and is working to change the regulations and perception that prevent bison from once again being treated as wildlife.