The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies announced on July 1 that recent aerial surveys show an approximate 25 percent increase in lesser prairie-chicken populations in three of the four ecoregions across the birds' five state range. The survey suggests that ongoing conservation efforts through the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Range-wide Conservation Plan, along with abundant rainfall in the spring have been beneficial to the Threatened species. So far, about 180 industry partners have committed $46 million in enrollment and mitigation fees used to pay for conservation actions. In addition, landowners have agreed to protect nearly 100,000 acres of habitat through 10-year and permanent conservation agreements.

"An overall 25 percent increase in the lesser prairie-chicken population across its five-state range is welcome news", said Ross Melinchuk, chairman of WAFWA's Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative Council. "This year's increase, on the heels of last year's 20 percent increase, is evidence of the species' ability to rapidly recover from downturns as a result of drought and poor range condition. With continued improvement in nesting and brood-rearing habitat associated with more abundant rainfall and private landowner actions to conserve and restore their habitat, we are optimistic the species will recover to historic population levels."