100 



CM nn cMsi^i^ffiis Mwn mmm. ^mmwMmm 



INTRODUCTION 



"Prairie Management Plan" is a proposed project based 

 on Lakota cultural traditions and improved range management 

 techniques which will result in restoration of the prairie 

 ecosystem and the coexistence of prairie dogs and other 

 wildlife species with livestock production on the Cheyenne 

 River Sioux Reservation. Although the catalyst has been the 

 matter of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) 

 and black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) , the project is 

 directed at correcting a much broader problem -- outmoded 

 range management practices geared towards the single purpose 

 of cattle production. 



For most of this century, prairie dogs have been 

 systematically and successfully targeted for elimination 

 through poisoning by livestock producers and state and 

 federal agencies. Success has been measured by the 98% 

 reduction in acres of prairie dog towns throughout the west: 

 the Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens) is listed as a 

 threatened species. A tragic result of the loss of prairie 

 dog habitat has been the near extinction of the black- footed 

 ferret which relies exclusively on prairie dog towns for 

 food and habitat. In 1967, the black-footed ferret was 

 listed as endangered pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. 

 In addition, several other endangered, threatened or 

 candidate species on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation 

 are linked to prairie dogs or their habitat. 



"Prairie Management Plan" is a unique response 

 to federal mandates to facilitate black-footed ferret 

 recovery. The pilot project will accomplish the goal of 

 enhancing the prospects for recovery of the black- footed 

 ferret in compliance with the Endangered Species Act. It 

 will also facilitate restoration of the prairie ecosystem, 

 an improved range resource for livestock production, and 

 enhanced populations of many other wildlife species. 

 Further, it will increase the capability for the government 

 to fully exercise its trust responsibility to effectively 

 manage reservation trust lands for the benefit of the Tribe 

 and individual Indians. 



LAKOTA WORLD VIEW 



The Lakota world view and cultural beliefs are 

 holistic -- based on a recognition of the interrelationship 



