In 2008—with a gift of $50,000 donated by a private individual—the Foundation was able to purchase 90 acres of land to become part of Bryson's Hope Conservation Area. The Missouri Department of Conservation also provided $140,000 toward the purchase. The initial 196-acre tract was purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 2006.
Bryson's Hope CA area falls within the Green Ridge Focus Area as identified in the Greater Prairie Chicken Recovery Plan. The Focus Area in turn is within the Cole Camp/Hi Lonesome Conservation Opportunity Area. When acquired, the habitat was intensively row-cropped with very little habitat for grassland wildlife. Since acqusition, the area has been converted to a variety of cool-season and warm-season grass mixtures. The purpose of this area is to provide optimum nesting and brood-rearing habitat not only for prairie chickens, but also other grassland species. High quality grasslands are important habitat for many species. Area managers use prescribed fire, grazing, and other management practices to maintain healthy grasslands, simulate disturbances, and limit the negative impacts of invasive species.
Funding Amount:$50,000
Year:2008
Type:
Fish Conservationwildlife and plant conservation