How are fire and grazing interconnected with the health of the prairie?
The prairie requires both fire and grazing. Fire rids the prairie of woody plants and dead undergrowth that slows the growth of new grasses, while grazing allows seeds to develop in newly disturbed areas. Grazing also stimulates plant growth. Historically bison were the largest (size) grazers on the prairie landscape. After the almost complete slaughter of the bison in an attempt to control the American Indian, the Flint Hills eventually developed into a prime location for fattening cattle before shipment to market. Cattle can gain up to two pounds per day on the lush bluestem grasses of the Flint Hills. The Flint Hills area is so rocky it cannot be easily farmed, so it became useful to large cattle ranchers. Historically it became common practice to ship cattle to the Flint Hills to graze before selling at market. This practice still holds true today. The preserve works with its partners to optimize the amount of grazing on the landscape to promote the full expression of a diverse pra
