McClanahan, Lester F., Shilts, Deane M. and Klukas, Richard W. 1981. Environmental Assessment: Prairie Dog Management, Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota. 11 p.

Abstract

One of the primary goals in Wind Cave, as in all national parks, is to preserve and/or restore the environment to that which existed at the time of European Man's entry into the area. Included as essential elements of the "environment" are the dynamic ecological and biological processes as well as the flora, fauna, soils, geology and all other natural features. Maintaining or restoring environmental integrity requires in most instances little more than actions which are protective in scope. There are of course occasions and situations where more direct measures must be taken. One example at Wind Cave is found in the restoration of the park's natural plant communities. It is now understood that fire is important in the maintenance of native plant communities and that it must be reintroduced to properly manage the vegetation and associated wildlife.

Vegetation studies have also led to the establishment of range carrying capacities and attendant programs for the control of elk and bison populations.

Since the mid-1950's the growth and spread of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) has been monitored through periodic surveys (Appendix A). Recent studies in the park have focused on prairie dog behavior, emigration patterns, non-lethal methods of control and the impact of predators. Surveys of the growth and spread of prairie dog towns indicate that the accreage has increased from 330 acres in 1956 to over 1600 acres in 1980. Currently prairie dog colonies dominate 5.7 percent of the park's surface area (Appendix B). Considering just the prairie habitat of the park (80% prairie) the percent occupied is approximately 7% (Appendix C). Prairie dogs tend to colonize level areas with fairly deep soils. Such soil types cover less than 25 percent of the park's surface yet support the most productive grassland plant communities and are highly favored by bison and elk as grazing areas. The impact of prairie dogs on prairie vegetation is such that, outside of the "edge" areas grazing qualities are reduced.

A study presently in progress has determined that prairie dogs from dogtowns within the park emigrate to surrounding private and National Forest lands and are a major source of new towns starts and population expansions in those areas. As towns within Wind Cave National Park continue to expand and increase in number there is increasing concern among park neighbors over the absence of a program to manage prairie dog populations within the park. The purpose of this assessment is to detemine the best approach to the management of the park's prairie dog populations. The strategy selected must be based on National Park Service wildlife management policies, sound ecological principles and on the interests of adjacent property managers and owners. Approved by James B. Thompson, Regional Director.