Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MDC Adds Grassland Tract To Public Prairie In Western Missouri

Missouri Department of Conservation

A public prairie in western Missouri is now larger, and conservationists hope that will benefit grassland birds.  The Missouri Department of Conservation acquired a 320-acre grassland tract near the Wah’Kon-Tah (wuh-CONE-tuh) Prairie Conservation Area in St. Clair County.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the acquisition filled a gap between existing tracts and will allow them to manage contiguous native grassland on the prairie’s northern boundary.

Stasia Whitaker, MDC wildlife management biologist, said in a news release, that fragmentation of surviving native grasslands has contributed to grassland birds being among the fastest declining species in North America.

MDC manages Wah’Kon-Tah (wuh-CONE-tuh) for native prairie plant and wildlife species.  Area cattle ranchers graze livestock on selected acres.

Much of the 3,350-acre prairie is owned by the Nature Conservancy, and parts of it are owned by MDC, but MDC manages the entire area.

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.