Wind Cave National Park - Resource Ramblings 2007-08 (U.S. National Park Service)

The Resource Management Division manages wildlife populations, especially bison, elk and prairie dogs, to ensure that forage consumption at the Park won’t result in prolonged over-utilization of vegetation resources. Towards this end, the Division maintains precipitation records, evaluates forage production and condition, and estimates wildlife populations, each year and throughout the year. The Range_Wildlife_Status_2007 spreadsheet, shown here and maintained on the WICA Shared Drive, provides a summary of recent, current and predicted conditions for available forage and wildlife populations. The information included in this spreadsheet supports decision-making at the park regarding wildlife and vegetation management. (Marie Curtin)

Wind Cave National Park Range/Wildlife Status, 2004-2007				July 2007
FORAGE (AUMs) AVAILABLE	2004	2005	2006	Prediction for 2007
	AUMs allocated for bison and elk, April 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005	AUMs allocated for bison and elk, April 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006	AUMs allocated or bison and elk, April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007	AUMs allocated for bison and elk, April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008
WICA RANGE EVALUATION FIELD WORK. Calculated with NRCS double-sampling methodology (48 transects in 2005 and 2006, 45 non-dogtown transects), and reflecting known/estimated prairie dog acres in poor range condition. Prediction for 2007 adjusted to reflect 2005 and 2006 precipitation levels (Reece et al, 1991).		8894.12	7245.09	6138.58
NRCS TECHNICAL GUIDES. Calculations reflect known/estimated prairie dog acres in poor range condition, remaining acres 1/2 in fair condition and 1/2 in good condition, medium canopy in forest/woodland areas, and assume average precipitation.		8184.05	8157.65	8112.65
FORAGE (AUMs) REQUIRED	AUMs required Oct 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004	AUMs required Oct 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005	AUMs required Oct 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006	AUMs required Oct 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007
BISON # of Adults	350	425	330	310.00
Animal equivalent	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.20
# of months in Park	12	12	12	12.00
TOTAL AUMs FOR BISON	5040	6120	4752	4464
ELK # Year-round of Adults	475	425	430	450
Animal equivalent	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6
# of months in Park	12	12	12	12
AUMs required	3420	3060	3096	3240
# of Wintering Adults	200	400	100	200
Animal equivalent	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.6
# of months in Park	6	6	6	6
AUMs required	720	1440	360	720
TOTAL AUMs FOR ELK	4141	4500	3456	3960
FORAGE (AUMs) REQUIRED FOR BISON & ELK	9180	10620	8208	8424
BISON CULLED or available TO BE CULLED	0	157	135	70
PRAIRIE DOG ACREAGES	~1950	2162	~2250	~2400
SUMMARY ASSESSMENT - FIELD WORK	2004	2005	2006	PREDICTION FOR 2007
AUMs allocated for bison and elk (25% of total)		8894.12	7245.09	6138.58
AUMs required for bison and elk		10620.00	8208.00	8424.00
AUMs over- or under-utilized		(1725.88)	(962.91)	(2285.42)
% Utilization (Utilization goal = 25%)		29.85%	28.32%	34.31%
SUMMARY ASSESSMENT - NRCS GUIDES (assumes average precipitation)	2004	2005	2006	Prediction for 2007
AUMs allocated for bison and elk (25% of total)		8894.12	7245.09	6138.58
AUMs required for bison and elk	9180.00	10620.00	8208.00	8424.00
AUMs over- or under-utilized		(1725.88)	(962.91)	(2285.42)
% Utilization (Utilization goal = 25%)		29.85%	28.32%	34.31%
PRECIPITATION	2004	2005	2006	50+ year average
Growth Year Precipitation (October - September)	13.95	19.01	14.10	17.76
% of average	78.55%	107.04%	79.39%
Calendar Year Precipitation (January - December)	13.11	18.90	13.77	17.76

Comments and feedback about Resource Ramblings are encouraged and should be directed to Dan Foster, in person, or via email.

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