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This month we’re taking a look at how IMBCR data is being used in west Texas to measure bird response to grassland restoration efforts.
We’ve also compiled a list of some of the top stories from 2019, in case you missed any of them.
And, read about the latest PLJV Capacity Grant Award, thoughts from PLJV staffers on the Winter Water Technology Expo and KAWS Playa Workshop, learn more about the upcoming PLJV Management Board meeting and read what it’s like to go birding in New Mexico.
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Restored grasslands at Matador Wildlife Management Area.
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IMBCR data backs up findings in west Texas
These days, when Matt Poole and his team go out to survey the land at Matador Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in west Texas, they’re pretty happy with what they see. Where these areas of the Rolling Plains of Texas used to be overrun with invasive plants like mesquite, they are now seeing it return back to native grasslands.
And with the restoration of the grasslands also comes the birds who thrive in these landscapes.
“Grassland birds are declining across all prairies, and with the conversion of these dense woodlands back into savannah or grassland, we should see an uptick in grassland bird species,” said Poole, Assistant Project Leader for the Panhandle WMA Complex. “When you look at the overall diversity, we can see that it’s a lot better now than it was.”
Using data from the Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) program for PLJV, it is possible to see the extent to which restoration efforts are helping the local bird population.
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Dive deeper: Want to know more about the IMBCR program? Read through the details here.
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in case you missed it
2019 highlights
Take a look back at some of the most popular articles from 2019.
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conservation funding
PLJV awards capacity grant to Ranchland Trust of Kansas
PLJV is proud to announce that it has awarded a $100,000 capacity grant to Ranchland Trust of Kansas to support the launch of a four-year project that will enhance, increase, or protect grassland habitat in western Kansas through conservation easement efforts.
As an agricultural land trust, Ranchland Trust of Kansas will build new relationships with area ranchers and farmers, grow public confidence, and initiate dialogue between mutual conservation partners to establish new easements. This project will grow long-term project capacity and funding, and will help transition Ranchland Trust of Kansas from a regional to a statewide conservationist.
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Some background: Since 2002, PLJV has awarded capacity grants to organizations that are at a point where a multi-year investment can help them develop the ability to deliver long-term grassland habitat conservation. This year, ConocoPhillips has joined PLJV as a program partner with a contribution of $100,000 to help extend the reach of our capacity grants and contribute additional acres of grassland habitat.
Updates to come: Watch for an interview with Ranchland Trust of Kansas Executive Director Lynn Gentine in the coming months.
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playas for water conservation
Attending the Winter Water Technology Expo
 Earlier this month, landowners and producers spent a day in Garden City, Kansas for the third annual Winter Water Technology Expo where they discussed technologies and mechanisms producers can use to maximize water use efficiency.
Matt Smith, PLJV’s conservation delivery specialist, attended the water expo and said he was excited to gain a greater understanding of the technology that drives water conservation in western Kansas as well as continue to remind people of the important role playas can play in water quantity and quality.
“Being at such an event allows me to talk with the people on the front lines of innovation and technology,” he said. “It may seem like an odd place for a bird conservation group to be, but if we want to be relevant and understand the issues, it’s right where we need to be."
Participating in these kinds of events supports PLJV's approach of bringing playa conservation into the mix of efforts to conserve the Ogallala aquifer.
While technology is addressing water use efficiency, playa restoration efforts are broadening the conversation about recharge and the important role of playas.
"Ultimately we have the same goals as everyone at this conference. We want to see sustainable communities that are supported by healthy natural systems as well as see the amazing technological advances that are happening today,” Smith said. “Seeing our playa message become increasingly relevant gives me hope we can reach those goals.”
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behind the scenes
Management Board heads to Kansas
The PLJV Management Board will gather in Larned, Kansas later this month to discuss the joint venture’s various projects, as well as take a tour of the land. Each meeting, the board meets in a different city in PLJV’s region, taking the opportunity to learn more about the states they represent.
 The Larned area provides several examples of agricultural transition, a subject of great interest to PLJV and the Management Board. Nearby is R9 Ranch, a piece of land purchased by the city of Hays to transfer water rights to municipal use. The ranchland is a striking image of the past and future as there are old tires, pump motors and pivots now resting in restored grasslands across about 7,000 acres. The tour will serve as an example of how the landscape can change rapidly and prompt conversation about the future and vision for the land.
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in the field
PLJV connects with landowners at KAWS playa workshop
 “I am increasingly struck by how the tide is turning on playa conservation and how landowners are implementing and considering playa conservation within their bottom line,” PLJV Coordinator Mike Carter said.
During the fourth annual Playa Lake Tour and Workshop, the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (KAWS) and PLJV, along with a group of partners, had the opportunity to hear what landowners and agencies are saying about playa conservation.
The event, held earlier this month in Garden City, Kansas, included information about the value of playas and conservation programs for landowners with playas on their land. Participants also took a tour to see functioning playas in the field and experts were on hand to explain the value playas have for groundwater recharge, water quality, recreation uses and more.
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recognizing conservation efforts
NAWCA 30th anniversary
In 30 years, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) has supported the conservation of over 30 million acres of wetlands and associated habitats.
This has allowed for waterfowl populations to grow and thrive, cleaner waterways and water resources and greater recreation opportunities.
Take four minutes to watch this video about NAWCA and the 30th anniversary of the act.
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Year by year: Take a look at the major years for NAWCA through this timeline.
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news to note
Birding in northeastern New Mexico
Northeastern New Mexico has some of the best birding opportunities. Read this article from New Mexico magazine to get a feel for what it’s like to spend a few days there with the birds.
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More bird-related reading: “Conservation ranching is for the birds – and the cows” from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.
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job opportunity
Smoky Valley Ranch Rangeland Specialist
The Nature Conservancy is hiring a Rangeland Specialist at Smoky Valley Ranch — a 17,500-acre, custom-grazed cattle and bison operation with a diversity of management goals and conservation targets. The ranch carries 700 cow-calf pairs during a grazing season from March through October, with about 150 bison grazing year-round.
The Rangeland Specialist participates in property operations, maintenance, management, and has primary responsibility for livestock care. To apply, visit https://careers.nature.org, search for job 48400, and upload a cover letter and resume. The deadline to apply is February 7, 2020.
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