Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2024 03 13

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benefit from the colony. Local species found around prairie dog colonies will be included in the artwork. Proposed Text: Behold the black -tailed prairie dog, very social members of the squirrel family! These cute rodents are considered "keystone species" whose expansive habitat once covered thousands of acres of the High Plains. Over decades of habitat loss, disease, and poisoning; prairie dog populations have been reduced significantly from their original size along the Front Range. Prairie dogs are considered a "keystone species" of healthy grassland ecosystems due to the number of species that depend on them. Prairie dog colonies provide an important food source and habitat for a variety of wildlife. In intact grasslands, prairie dogs' digging activities can stimulate new plant growth. However, in areas where non-native species have created unsuitable vegetative conditions, their burrowing can create barren land. Historically, prairie dog towns would gradually move across the plains, stimulating new native plant growth with their digging activities. Today, many prairie dog towns in cramped urban areas cannot move, causing them to graze the same area down to bare ground and encouraging weeds. Conflicting views about species protection vs. over -crowding and dispersal concerns, creates challenges for land managers to maintain healthy populations. Blurb: Prairie dogs are an important food source for coyotes, large hawks and eagles, bobcats, foxes, and the critically endangered Black -footed Ferret (not found on Louisville Open Space). Their burrow system provides shelter for burrowing owls, swift fox, rabbits, snakes, insects, and even salamanders! Picture of example prairie dog sign 12