A Habitat-Based Approach to Management of Tallgrass Prairies at the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge

National Wildlife Refuges are required to manage habitat in accord with an approved Comprehensive Conservation Plan containing specific. measurable habitat objectives. Tallgrass prairie habitat is of critical concern at the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge Habitat management directed at improving conditions for declining bird species, rare butterflies and a diversity of tallgrass flora is assumed to contribute substantially toward the broad goal of maintaining native biodiversity in tallgrass prairies. Such management should consider the size of tallgrass patches, the amount of woody vegetation, providing a mosaic of vegetation heights. and improving overall floristic quality. Selection of appropriate management strategies followed by monitoring and evaluation of habitat conditions will allow for adaptive management and appropriate modifications over time.