LIP Priority Areas
Prairie and Savanna Habitat

Prairie and savanna habitat is found in approximately the southwestern two-thirds of Wisconsin. During the 5,000 years preceding European settlement, prairies and oak savannas dominated this area with a variety of plants and animals that are tied to remnants because of their biology.

Over the past 150 years, prairie and savanna have been greatly reduced and degraded throughout their range. Most prairie and savanna habitat has been converted to crop production or invaded by shrubs and trees.

Invasive plants have become a major threat to the integrity of prairies and savannas. These species have the ability to invade natural systems and proliferate, often dominating a community to the detriment and sometimes the exclusion of native species.

Private landowners of prairie and savanna habitat are vital to meeting the challenge to protect and manage prairie and savanna habitats in a way that will perpetuate the remaining biodiversity. Additional information on prairies and savannas can be found in the Natural Communities of Wisconsin and Wisconsin’s Biodiversity as a Management Issue report.

Projects:
Landowner Incentive Program projects for this area include control of invasive species, planting native species and other projects to manage or restore habitat for at-risk species.

At-risk species in the Prairie and Savanna habitat

For more information on these species and Prairie and Savanna Habitat, contact:

Darcy Kind
Prairie and Savanna Habitat Biologist
101 S. Webster St., Box 7921
Madison , WI 53707-7921
Phone: 608-267-9789