Section-B: Frequently Asked Questions
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When did The Nature Conservancy get involved with this project?
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The Nature Conservancy (TNC) became interested in the creation of a tallgrass
prairie preserve in the late 1970s, and our active and direct involvement
began in 1988. We bought the Barnard Ranch in 1989. Since then, we have been
soliciting financial support to maintain the restoration effort.
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The Nature Conservancy (TNC) became interested in the creation of a tallgrass
prairie preserve in the late 1970s, and our active and direct involvement
began in 1988. We bought the Barnard Ranch in 1989. Since then, we have been
soliciting financial support to maintain the restoration effort.
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Why did the The Nature Conservancy decide on this particular site?
- This kind of land doesn’t come up for sale every day. In fact, this property hadn’t been for sale for more than 70 years. We were extraordinarily lucky that this opportunity came our way. The Conservancy was able to respond quickly when the Barnard Ranch came on the market. This was an ideal location for many reasons. Foremost among these are (1) its size, (2) the mix of natural community types found here, (3) the property is bisected by Sand Creek, and (4) it has never been plowed. The Barnards were wise stewards, and the land was in excellent condition.
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This region has some of America’s most productive grasslands with lots
of topographic and soil diversity. We have documented more than 750
different plant species on the Conservancy’s 38,600-acre preserve. The
combination of weather, topography, and soil creates a landscape of
extraordinary productivity, one that can effortlessly sustain a herd of
3,200 bison. In an average year, the preserve produces from 1,300 to
9,000 pounds of above-ground biomass per acre, depending on depth of
soil, slope, and moisture. As you visit the Preserve throughout the
year, observe the difference in plant growth from the south
entrance of the Preserve to the Headquarters.
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How much bigger will the Preserve get?
- The Preserve is currently 39,133 acres, or 61 square miles. The preserve design is based on science; and at this point, if we do not acquire another acre, we can restore an example of the tallgrass prairie as a fully functioning ecosystem.
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Since purchasing the Barnard Ranch, we have turned down several offers
from people who have approached us about buying their land. If other
properties become available, we will look at them in the context of our
overall conservation plan. As is our policy elsewhere, we will acquire
property only if it meets our conservation goals, and then only on a
willing buyer, willing seller basis.
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Will The Nature Conservancy coerce people into selling their properties?
- The policy of the Conservancy is to work only on a willing-seller, willing-buyer basis with landowners. We have worked with more than 20,000 landowners in our 40-year history and can provide the names of local landowners who can attest to our business-like approach to conservation.
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We do not encourage government agencies to use condemnation as a
means of acquiring land. It is contrary to our philosophy of business
— which is to work only with willing sellers.
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How much will the total Tallgrass Prairie Preserve plan cost?
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In 1988 we launched a $15-million campaign that includes land
acquisition, startup and long-term management costs. The total cost of
the land was just under $7-million. Several in-holdings (privately owned
areas within the general preserve boundaries) are leased by The Nature
Conservancy, or are not part of the preserve at the present time.
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In 1988 we launched a $15-million campaign that includes land
acquisition, startup and long-term management costs. The total cost of
the land was just under $7-million. Several in-holdings (privately owned
areas within the general preserve boundaries) are leased by The Nature
Conservancy, or are not part of the preserve at the present time.
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Any government funding?
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No, all private funds.
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No, all private funds.
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Does The Nature Conservancy pay taxes? Is the rate the same as other landowners?
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Yes. We pay the same rate of ad valorem (property) taxes as our
ranching neighbors. This amount is approximately $25,000 a year.
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Yes. We pay the same rate of ad valorem (property) taxes as our
ranching neighbors. This amount is approximately $25,000 a year.
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What do your neighbors think? Any problems?
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They are generally supportive of our efforts.
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They are generally supportive of our efforts.
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Preserve design?
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Preserve Design Criteria: (1) large enough area to recreate dynamic,
process-driven landscape at an appropriate scale, (2) include as much
biodiversity as possible, and (3) attempt to preserve a complete
watershed (the area of land from which water drains to a given point).
Land acquisition is very focused. We are only interested in tracts that
are within our preserve design. We have declined numerous offers to buy
area lands not within our area of interest or that do not meet our
criteria.
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Preserve Design Criteria: (1) large enough area to recreate dynamic,
process-driven landscape at an appropriate scale, (2) include as much
biodiversity as possible, and (3) attempt to preserve a complete
watershed (the area of land from which water drains to a given point).
Land acquisition is very focused. We are only interested in tracts that
are within our preserve design. We have declined numerous offers to buy
area lands not within our area of interest or that do not meet our
criteria.
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Why is it important to save the tallgrass prairie ecosystem?
- That is like asking why we should save the bald eagle, only on a landscape scale. Tallgrass prairie was once one of the largest ecosystems in North America. Now it is the most altered. We want to preserve a viable sample so that it can continue to evolve.
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Less than 10 percent of the original tallgrass prairie remains, much of
that along railroad rights of way and in cemeteries. The last large
examples are in northeastern Oklahoma and eastern Kansas. Even in the
Prairie State
of Illinois, only 1/1OOth of 1 percent of the original prairie exists. In Iowa, where tallgrass prairie once covered 90-percent of the landscape, only 240 acres of this ecosystem are protected. It is easier to find virgin groves of old-growth redwoods in California than it is to find a virgin acre of tallgrass prairie. -
Because there were originally 142-million acres of tallgrass prairie,
we can hardly say we are recreating the entire ecosystem. We are,
however, putting an appropriately sized and designed landscape back
under the original forces of nature that created and maintained it. In
essence, we are trying to protect a viable piece of the tallgrass
prairie so plants and animals can continue to evolve under the original
disturbance regime. Although there are other prairie preserves, this is
the largest and the only one mimicking natural conditions with the
patch dynamics of random, but controlled, fire and grazing bison
controlling the landscape.
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Are there any practical uses for the tallgrass prairie?
- The Native Americans who lived on the tallgrass prairie used many plants for food and medicine. Scientists are just beginning to study their potential.
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We hope that this research and our management techniques will provide
spin-off benefits for others who manage grasslands.
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What are the roles of bison and fire on the tallgrass prairie?
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Over about 10,000 years, life on the prairie evolved to withstand and,
in fact, thrived under fires and intermittent grazing of bison. This
ecosystem is
disturbance dependent
, and fire and grazing bison are the main sources of disturbance. - Grazing bison are essential to a fully functioning tallgrass ecosystem. Their wallowing habits and their selective and highly mobile grazing influences the plant diversity of the prairie and alters composition of the natural communities.
- The tallgrass needs fires. The dominant prairie plants are perennials that grow during the spring and summer and become dormant each autumn. Above ground, this cycle leaves vast quantities of dried plant matter — perfect fuel for fires. Fires eliminate dead vegetation, control encroaching woody growth, and typically increase flowering and prairie productivity.
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The grasses and plants of the prairie are highly fire-tolerant. They
evolved to withstand the above-ground flames by placing their renewal
capacities underground. When a fire hits, the temperature above ground
can reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit. But just below the surface, the
temperature is normal. After a prairie fire, the ground is charred, but
in a few days, new growth is sprouting. Bison are attracted to the
fresh vegetation.
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Over about 10,000 years, life on the prairie evolved to withstand and,
in fact, thrived under fires and intermittent grazing of bison. This
ecosystem is
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How many mammals and plants have been found ?
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80 mammals and over 750 plants so far. We also have found more than 20
species of fish, including 5 species of sunfish. The bird population,
estimated at 300 species, is still being inventoried.
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80 mammals and over 750 plants so far. We also have found more than 20
species of fish, including 5 species of sunfish. The bird population,
estimated at 300 species, is still being inventoried.
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Is camping, hunting, fishing, or horseback riding allowed at the Preserve?
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No. No camping, hunting, fishing, or horseback riding is allowed on the
Preserve. Information about area campgrounds is available at Pawhuska
Chamber of Commerce. Hunting may be used in the future as a management
tool, based upon biological need. If needed, we intend to have
controlled hunts handled by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation.
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No. No camping, hunting, fishing, or horseback riding is allowed on the
Preserve. Information about area campgrounds is available at Pawhuska
Chamber of Commerce. Hunting may be used in the future as a management
tool, based upon biological need. If needed, we intend to have
controlled hunts handled by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation.
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Is The Nature Conservancy trying to promote tourism for Pawhuska and the surrounding area?
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The Nature Conservancy is interested in finding that delicate balance
between the need to make a living and the preservation of ecosystems.
While The Nature Conservancy itself does not promote tourism, visitors
to the Preserve are likely to help local communities by patronizing
local eating and shopping establishments. The Nature Conservancy prides
itself on working with many different factions, including local
chambers of commerce. While staying within our mission, we are trying
to position the Preserve to be an economic asset to the local
communities.
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The Nature Conservancy is interested in finding that delicate balance
between the need to make a living and the preservation of ecosystems.
While The Nature Conservancy itself does not promote tourism, visitors
to the Preserve are likely to help local communities by patronizing
local eating and shopping establishments. The Nature Conservancy prides
itself on working with many different factions, including local
chambers of commerce. While staying within our mission, we are trying
to position the Preserve to be an economic asset to the local
communities.
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Is The Nature Conservancy drilling for oil? If not, who owns the oil wells in operation on the Preserve?
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The Nature Conservancy is not drilling for oil. The Osage Nation owns basically all of the
mineral rights in the county, which includes this Preserve. Independent
petroleum producers lease oil and gas drilling rights from the tribe.
There are more than 100 producing wells on the Preserve. We hope this
Preserve will demonstrate that ecosystem preservation can coexist with
economic uses, if carefully coordinated.
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The Nature Conservancy is not drilling for oil. The Osage Nation owns basically all of the
mineral rights in the county, which includes this Preserve. Independent
petroleum producers lease oil and gas drilling rights from the tribe.
There are more than 100 producing wells on the Preserve. We hope this
Preserve will demonstrate that ecosystem preservation can coexist with
economic uses, if carefully coordinated.
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Has this land been taken out of production?
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No. A southern portion of the Preserve remains in cattle production in
late spring through summer. As the bison herd grows, this area becomes smaller
each year.
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No. A southern portion of the Preserve remains in cattle production in
late spring through summer. As the bison herd grows, this area becomes smaller
each year.
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Where once there was a flourishing cattle ranch, now
you have a nature preserve. Isn’t this effort taking jobs away from the
local economy?
- The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve employs twice the number of people that worked on the ranch when we bought it. There are currently six full-time employees and five part-time employees working for The Nature Conservancy’s Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
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The Preserve staff tries to buy all its supplies locally and hires
local tradesmen for building improvements on the property. Moreover,
the Preserve is contributing to the revitalization of Pawhuska. Each
year the Preserve attracts over 10,000 people from all 50 states and
over 50 foreign countries.
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What happened to the idea of protecting the tallgrass prairie as a national park?
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The National Park Service has wanted to incorporate an example of
tallgrass prairie into the park system since the 1930s. In 1987,
Senators Boren and Nickles of Oklahoma and Bumpers of Arkansas
introduced a bill to create a Tallgrass Prairie National Park in Osage
County. The bill collapsed under the weight of some local opposition. A
1996 bill created the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Kansas
Flint Hills, 11,000 acres at the site of the former Z-Bar Ranch. It
will be interesting to see how this Preserve is developed and managed.
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The National Park Service has wanted to incorporate an example of
tallgrass prairie into the park system since the 1930s. In 1987,
Senators Boren and Nickles of Oklahoma and Bumpers of Arkansas
introduced a bill to create a Tallgrass Prairie National Park in Osage
County. The bill collapsed under the weight of some local opposition. A
1996 bill created the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in the Kansas
Flint Hills, 11,000 acres at the site of the former Z-Bar Ranch. It
will be interesting to see how this Preserve is developed and managed.
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The Nature Conservancy sells a lot of property to the
federal government. What is to keep The Nature Conservancy from selling
this?
- The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve has become a flagship preserve for the Conservancy — one of our crown jewels — and we have no intention of ever letting it get away from us. We have just begun our work by restoring the forces that will allow the ecosystem to evolve as it did under presettlement conditions.
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The Conservancy is committed to owning and operating this land. We will
continue to work with the local community to make the Preserve a
showcase of private conservation at its best. There is a place for
public and private conservation, and The Nature Conservancy’s
involvement at the Tallgrass Prairie is through private funding.
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Who owns the cattle on the Preserve? Why are they here?
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The Nature Conservancy enters into a contract with an area rancher for the grazing of
yearling cattle on the Preserve from December through mid-July. An
exciting cattle
patch-burn
study was initiated with Oklahoma State University in 2001 on 7,300 acres, and was expanded to 11,400 acres in 2008. This study is testing the wildlife and plant community responses, and cattle gains, in patch-burn versus completely burned pastures. The objective is to achieve similar conservation benefits as those documented in the fire-bison unit by patch burning in cattle units to diversity the landscape.
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The Nature Conservancy enters into a contract with an area rancher for the grazing of
yearling cattle on the Preserve from December through mid-July. An
exciting cattle
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Aren’t bison a threat to cattle? Won't they pass diseases?
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All of the Conservancy’s bison herds (this is our fourth) are 100
percent brucellosis and tuberculosis free. Our institutional policy is
to test the animals before they arrive on our property and before they
leave. This herd, donated by Ken-Ada Ranches of Bartlesville, is a
disease-free herd and we will keep it that way. We are very aware of
threats to cattle and we will only bring in animals that have been
certified by a veterinarian to be disease-free. As with our other bison
herds, we will round up the Tallgrass herd for brucellosis vaccinations
each year. We have a stringent program and pride ourselves on our
herds’ physical and genetic health.
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All of the Conservancy’s bison herds (this is our fourth) are 100
percent brucellosis and tuberculosis free. Our institutional policy is
to test the animals before they arrive on our property and before they
leave. This herd, donated by Ken-Ada Ranches of Bartlesville, is a
disease-free herd and we will keep it that way. We are very aware of
threats to cattle and we will only bring in animals that have been
certified by a veterinarian to be disease-free. As with our other bison
herds, we will round up the Tallgrass herd for brucellosis vaccinations
each year. We have a stringent program and pride ourselves on our
herds’ physical and genetic health.
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Will the bison roam the entire Preserve?
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Not in the immediate future. The bison roam approximately 26,000 acres
of the Preserve. In October 1993, 300 bison were released into a
5,000-acre enclosure. As the herd expanded, we enlarged the enclosure
to its present size. Most of the remaining acres are currently used for
research on cattle grazing. The areas around ranch headquarters and the
trail system are kept unstocked.
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Not in the immediate future. The bison roam approximately 26,000 acres
of the Preserve. In October 1993, 300 bison were released into a
5,000-acre enclosure. As the herd expanded, we enlarged the enclosure
to its present size. Most of the remaining acres are currently used for
research on cattle grazing. The areas around ranch headquarters and the
trail system are kept unstocked.
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Does the Conservancy think that there should be less
cattle ranching and more bison ranching, in general?
- We are not in the bison ranching business. We are in the ecosystem preservation business. We are using bison to restore this ecosystem.
- Cattle grazing, done wisely, is compatible with the preservation of many of America’s most important ecosystems. The Nature Conservancy believes that well-managed cattle ranches are one of the best hopes we have for maintaining rural communities and wildlife habitat. This land had been grazed with cattle for nearly 80 years and was in excellent shape when we acquired it.
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That said, it must be noted that there are significant differences
between cattle and bison grazing. The bison diet, for instance,
consists of more grasses. In addition, there are behavior differences
that affect the landscape. Bison exhibit much stronger herding
instincts, remaining largely in tight groups. They also are much more
mobile in their grazing than cattle. Over time, these different
patterns can result in significant changes in the composition of plant
communities. To recreate and restore the original tallgrass ecosystem,
bison are required.
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Why are you bringing bison out here? I thought buffalo roamed North America.
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Buffalo is the word commonly used in America to describe bison, but
taxonomically the term is incorrect. Early French explorers called
bison
bouef
the French word for cattle. English settlers later changed this to buffalo. -
It is the bison that roamed the Great Plains in numbers up to 60
million. Although members of the same scientific family as bison, true
buffalo, like the Asiatic water buffalo, are not native to this
hemisphere.
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Buffalo is the word commonly used in America to describe bison, but
taxonomically the term is incorrect. Early French explorers called
bison
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What will you do with the animals you cull?
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We will sell the animals live to other private producers for breeding
stock or meat production through a sealed bid process or at auction.
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We will sell the animals live to other private producers for breeding
stock or meat production through a sealed bid process or at auction.
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What type of fencing material is used for the bison fence?
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Steel T-posts and pipe brace posts; most fencing is made of 7 strands
of King Ranch barbed wire 6 feet high; the King Ranch is a famous
ranch in south Texas; the barbed wire was developed there. Along
roads, the fence is a wire mesh and barbed wire combination.
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Steel T-posts and pipe brace posts; most fencing is made of 7 strands
of King Ranch barbed wire 6 feet high; the King Ranch is a famous
ranch in south Texas; the barbed wire was developed there. Along
roads, the fence is a wire mesh and barbed wire combination.
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Stocking rates for cattle and bison?
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Approximately 2.0-2.5 acres/head for yearling cattle (500 lb. each);
approximately 10 acres/animal unit/year for bison; an animal unit is a
1,00-lb animal. Rather than animals per acre, we determine stocking
rates by calculating how much forage is being removed. Actual
consumption rate is 15-percent; trampling rate is about 10-percent, to
make the total removal rate about 25-percent.
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Approximately 2.0-2.5 acres/head for yearling cattle (500 lb. each);
approximately 10 acres/animal unit/year for bison; an animal unit is a
1,00-lb animal. Rather than animals per acre, we determine stocking
rates by calculating how much forage is being removed. Actual
consumption rate is 15-percent; trampling rate is about 10-percent, to
make the total removal rate about 25-percent.
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Bison predators?
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No major bison predators, such as wolves and grizzly bears, exist in Osage County.
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No major bison predators, such as wolves and grizzly bears, exist in Osage County.
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If you are truly restoring the prairie ecosystem,
will you then reintroduce major predators, such as the grizzly and
wolves?
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We have no plans to reintroduce bears or wolves to the prairie.
First, the predators require a much larger range than this preserve
provides. Second, the sub-species that did occur here are now extinct.
We will act as the predator and cull the bison herd to keep the
numbers in balance. We will simulate the natural predators in our
culling by primarily removing older adults and calves.
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We have no plans to reintroduce bears or wolves to the prairie.
First, the predators require a much larger range than this preserve
provides. Second, the sub-species that did occur here are now extinct.
We will act as the predator and cull the bison herd to keep the
numbers in balance. We will simulate the natural predators in our
culling by primarily removing older adults and calves.
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How about elk? Antelope? Any plans for reintroducing them?
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Elk was the second most abundant large herbivore on the prairie;
white-tailed deer was third; antelope was fourth. We have no plans in
the near future to reintroduce these species.
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Elk was the second most abundant large herbivore on the prairie;
white-tailed deer was third; antelope was fourth. We have no plans in
the near future to reintroduce these species.
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Were bison here much? Nomadic?
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Yes, year-round. Bison probably moved nomadically, responding to
changing forage quality conditions.
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Yes, year-round. Bison probably moved nomadically, responding to
changing forage quality conditions.
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Why did the bison almost become extinct?
- The first reason was economic. Bison were a valuable commodity in the marketplace, and they were slaughtered for their meat and their hides.
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Secondly, bison impeded settlement of the plains, because of their
population density and their central role in the physical and spiritual
lives of Native Americans. When the bison’s availability declined,
Native American cultures were changed forever. In an unwritten policy
encouraged by the federal government, hunters were encouraged to kill
bison for sport to undermine the Native Americans resistance. In 1888,
there were 541 plains bison left in the world.
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Does fire kill animals, plants? How do animals escape the fires?
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Invariably some species will die during a burn, just as they would in a
natural fire. Invertebrates usually are killed, but small and large
mammals rarely are. Plants require a very complex answer; it depends on
the time of year, biology, soil moisture, etc. Animals escape by going
underground or fleeing. When planning a burn, we always allow an escape
route for animals. This one reason is why we will never burn the entire
prairie at one time.
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Invariably some species will die during a burn, just as they would in a
natural fire. Invertebrates usually are killed, but small and large
mammals rarely are. Plants require a very complex answer; it depends on
the time of year, biology, soil moisture, etc. Animals escape by going
underground or fleeing. When planning a burn, we always allow an escape
route for animals. This one reason is why we will never burn the entire
prairie at one time.
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How do you control the fires?
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Our staff only burns under
prescribed
conditions. Staff ignites fires after measuring such variables of wind, temperature, humidity, and fuel levels, amount of vegetation. Staff calculates the rate a fire will spread, and flame height by inserting these variables into an equation. Staff conducting prescribed burns are required by The Nature Conservancy to complete fire training, meet health/stamina requirements and wear approved fire resistant clothing. Detailed planning and staff training occurs prior to conducting prescribed burns.
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Our staff only burns under
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Will you suppress naturally occurring wildfires or
let burn
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We will vigorously suppress all fires we do not set.
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We will vigorously suppress all fires we do not set.
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Why does everyone else in Osage County only burn in March/April ?
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Burning in these months minimizes the length of time cattle are without
forage, because it greens up soon after, ensures fairly dependable
moisture, add controls
weeds
and favors dominant grasses. The popularity of early-intensive-stocking grazing systems require burning to maximize cattle weight gains in a short grazing period.
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Burning in these months minimizes the length of time cattle are without
forage, because it greens up soon after, ensures fairly dependable
moisture, add controls
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When was the oil boom?
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The last one was in the early 1980s. The first one was in the Personia
field in 1914.
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The last one was in the early 1980s. The first one was in the Personia
field in 1914.
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Were all of these trees here 100 years ago?
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Current patches of cross timbers were for the most part already here in
1872, at the time of the first survey, although the density and
structure of the forests have changed.
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Current patches of cross timbers were for the most part already here in
1872, at the time of the first survey, although the density and
structure of the forests have changed.
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Are these natural ponds? Do you plan on keeping them?
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The ponds are not natural, they were constructed for watering cattle.
Yes, we do plan on keeping them.
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The ponds are not natural, they were constructed for watering cattle.
Yes, we do plan on keeping them.
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Who lives in the bunkhouse? Can we stay here? Who lives on the Preserve?
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No one lives in the Headquarters bunkhouse; it is used for Conservancy
purposes. Five permanent staff are living on the Preserve at scattered
locations.
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No one lives in the Headquarters bunkhouse; it is used for Conservancy
purposes. Five permanent staff are living on the Preserve at scattered
locations.
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When is the Headquarters open to the public?
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As part of their regular shift, docents provide brief tours of the
headquarters when the Visitor’s Center is open. The tour is limited to
the dining room only, and doesn’t include the bedrooms. The Visitor’s
Center is locked when a docent, working a shift alone, is providing a
tour of the headquarters.
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As part of their regular shift, docents provide brief tours of the
headquarters when the Visitor’s Center is open. The tour is limited to
the dining room only, and doesn’t include the bedrooms. The Visitor’s
Center is locked when a docent, working a shift alone, is providing a
tour of the headquarters.
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How big was the Chapman-Barnard ranch?
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More than 100,000 acres. Chapman & Barnard also had ranching operations
in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
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More than 100,000 acres. Chapman & Barnard also had ranching operations
in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
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How many cowboys were on the ranch in the past?
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Up to 40 in its
heyday
.
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Up to 40 in its
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How is the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve different from other preserves?
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The Tallgrass Prairie is an effort to protect an ecosystem at a
landscape level
. It is the most aggressive attempt to recreate a functioning tallgrass prairie ecosystem and the largest in North America, more than four times the size of the Konza Prairie in Kansas.
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The Tallgrass Prairie is an effort to protect an ecosystem at a
Revised: February 2010