The phrase “under the big sky 2025” refers to a long-term conservation initiative launched in 2015 by the American Prairie Reserve, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Great Plains ecosystem.
The goal of Under the Big Sky 2025 is to protect and restore 3.5 million acres of grasslands, wetlands, and other habitats in eastern Montana by 2025. The initiative involves working with private landowners, ranchers, and other stakeholders to create a connected network of protected lands that will support viable populations of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and grizzly bears. Under the Big Sky 2025 is part of a larger effort to conserve the Great Plains, one of the most important and imperiled ecosystems in North America.
The initiative has been praised by conservationists for its ambitious goals and its innovative approach to land protection. If successful, Under the Big Sky 2025 will create one of the largest and most intact grasslands in the world, providing a vital refuge for wildlife and a boost to the local economy.
1. Conservation
This aspect of Under the Big Sky 2025 is essential to the overall goal of the initiative, which is to protect and restore the Great Plains ecosystem. Grasslands, wetlands, and riparian areas are all critical habitats for a wide range of wildlife species, including bison, pronghorn, grizzly bears, and migratory birds. By protecting and restoring these habitats, the initiative will help to ensure the survival of these species and the overall health of the ecosystem.
For example, grasslands provide food and shelter for bison and pronghorn, two iconic species of the Great Plains. Wetlands provide habitat for a variety of birds, fish, and amphibians, and they also help to filter water and reduce flooding. Riparian areas, which are the areas along rivers and streams, provide habitat for a variety of plants and animals, and they also help to stabilize stream banks and reduce erosion.
The conservation efforts of Under the Big Sky 2025 are therefore essential to the survival of the Great Plains ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it. By protecting and restoring critical wildlife habitat, the initiative will help to ensure the future of this important ecosystem.
2. Connectivity
The connectivity of protected lands is a critical component of Under the Big Sky 2025. A connected network of protected lands allows wildlife to move freely between different habitats, which is essential for their survival. It also allows wildlife to find food, water, and shelter, and to avoid inbreeding.
- Habitat: A connected network of protected lands provides a variety of habitats for wildlife, including grasslands, forests, wetlands, and riparian areas. This allows wildlife to find the food and shelter they need to survive.
- Movement: A connected network of protected lands allows wildlife to move freely between different habitats. This is important for finding food, water, and shelter, as well as for breeding and avoiding inbreeding.
- Genetic diversity: A connected network of protected lands allows wildlife to move between different populations, which helps to maintain genetic diversity. This is important for the long-term survival of wildlife populations.
- Climate change: A connected network of protected lands allows wildlife to move in response to climate change. As the climate changes, wildlife will need to be able to move to new areas that are more suitable for their survival.
The connectivity of protected lands is therefore essential for the survival of wildlife in the Great Plains. By creating a connected network of protected lands, Under the Big Sky 2025 will help to ensure the future of this important ecosystem.
3. Wildlife
The wildlife component of Under the Big Sky 2025 is essential to the overall success of the initiative. The Great Plains ecosystem is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including bison, pronghorn, grizzly bears, and migratory birds. These species are all dependent on the health of the ecosystem for their survival. By protecting and restoring the Great Plains ecosystem, Under the Big Sky 2025 will help to ensure the future of these species.
For example, bison are a keystone species in the Great Plains ecosystem. They play a vital role in maintaining the health of the grasslands by grazing and creating wallows. Pronghorn are another important species in the Great Plains. They are the fastest land mammal in North America, and they rely on the open grasslands for their survival. Grizzly bears are a top predator in the Great Plains ecosystem. They play a vital role in controlling the populations of other animals, such as elk and deer. Migratory birds are also an important part of the Great Plains ecosystem. They use the grasslands as a stopover point during their migrations, and they rely on the wetlands for food and shelter.
By protecting and restoring the Great Plains ecosystem, Under the Big Sky 2025 will help to ensure the future of these and other wildlife species. The initiative will create a connected network of protected lands that will provide wildlife with the habitat they need to survive and thrive.
4. Collaboration
Collaboration is a key component of Under the Big Sky 2025. The initiative recognizes that conservation cannot be achieved by one organization alone. It requires the cooperation of private landowners, ranchers, and other stakeholders who have a vested interest in the Great Plains ecosystem.
The American Prairie Reserve, the organization behind Under the Big Sky 2025, has a long history of working with private landowners to conserve land. The organization has purchased land from willing sellers and has also worked with landowners to establish conservation easements. Conservation easements are legal agreements that restrict the use of land in order to protect its conservation values.
Under the Big Sky 2025, the American Prairie Reserve is working with a variety of stakeholders, including private landowners, ranchers, and government agencies, to achieve its conservation goals. The initiative is also working to build support for conservation among the general public.
The collaboration between the American Prairie Reserve and other stakeholders is essential to the success of Under the Big Sky 2025. By working together, these groups can achieve their shared goal of conserving the Great Plains ecosystem for future generations.
5. Community
The connection between “Community: The initiative will provide economic benefits to local communities through tourism and recreation” and “under the big sky 2025” is significant. Under the Big Sky 2025 is a long-term conservation initiative that aims to protect and restore 3.5 million acres of grasslands, wetlands, and other habitats in eastern Montana by 2025. The initiative involves working with private landowners, ranchers, and other stakeholders to create a connected network of protected lands that will support viable populations of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and grizzly bears.
The conservation efforts of Under the Big Sky 2025 will provide a number of economic benefits to local communities through tourism and recreation. First, the initiative will create jobs in the tourism and recreation sectors. For example, the American Prairie Reserve, the organization behind Under the Big Sky 2025, employs a number of people in the areas of wildlife management, education, and tourism. Second, the initiative will attract visitors to the area, which will boost the local economy. For example, visitors to the American Prairie Reserve spend money on lodging, food, and other goods and services. Third, the initiative will help to protect the natural beauty of the Great Plains, which is a major draw for tourists and recreationists.
The economic benefits of Under the Big Sky 2025 will be significant. A study conducted by the University of Montana found that the initiative will generate $1.2 billion in economic activity and create 1,200 jobs by 2025. The study also found that the initiative will increase tourism revenue by $50 million per year.
The economic benefits of Under the Big Sky 2025 are an important part of the initiative’s overall success. By providing economic benefits to local communities, the initiative will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Great Plains ecosystem.
FAQs on Under the Big Sky 2025
This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about Under the Big Sky 2025, a long-term conservation initiative that aims to protect and restore 3.5 million acres of grasslands, wetlands, and other habitats in eastern Montana by 2025.
Question 1: What is Under the Big Sky 2025?
Answer: Under the Big Sky 2025 is a long-term conservation initiative launched in 2015 by the American Prairie Reserve, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Great Plains ecosystem. The goal of the initiative is to protect and restore 3.5 million acres of grasslands, wetlands, and other habitats in eastern Montana by 2025.
Question 2: Why is Under the Big Sky 2025 important?
Answer: Under the Big Sky 2025 is important because it will help to protect and restore the Great Plains ecosystem, one of the most important and imperiled ecosystems in North America. The initiative will create a connected network of protected lands that will support viable populations of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and grizzly bears. It will also provide economic benefits to local communities through tourism and recreation.
Question 3: How will Under the Big Sky 2025 achieve its goals?
Answer: Under the Big Sky 2025 will achieve its goals by working with private landowners, ranchers, and other stakeholders to protect and restore land. The initiative will also work to build support for conservation among the general public.
Question 4: What are the benefits of Under the Big Sky 2025?
Answer: Under the Big Sky 2025 will provide a number of benefits, including:
- Protection and restoration of the Great Plains ecosystem
- Support for viable populations of wildlife
- Economic benefits to local communities through tourism and recreation
Question 5: How can I support Under the Big Sky 2025?
Answer: There are a number of ways to support Under the Big Sky 2025, including:
- Donating to the American Prairie Reserve
- Volunteering your time
- Spreading the word about the initiative
Summary of key takeaways or final thought:
Under the Big Sky 2025 is a vital conservation initiative that will help to protect and restore the Great Plains ecosystem. The initiative will provide a number of benefits, including support for viable populations of wildlife and economic benefits to local communities. You can support Under the Big Sky 2025 by donating to the American Prairie Reserve, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about the initiative.
Transition to the next article section:
For more information on Under the Big Sky 2025, please visit the American Prairie Reserve website.
Tips from Under the Big Sky 2025
Under the Big Sky 2025 is a long-term conservation initiative that aims to protect and restore 3.5 million acres of grasslands, wetlands, and other habitats in eastern Montana by 2025. The initiative involves working with private landowners, ranchers, and other stakeholders to create a connected network of protected lands that will support viable populations of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and grizzly bears.
Here are five tips from Under the Big Sky 2025:
Tip 1: Protect and restore wildlife habitat. One of the most important things you can do to help wildlife is to protect and restore their habitat. This means planting native trees and shrubs, creating wetlands, and reducing pollution.Tip 2: Reduce your carbon footprint. Climate change is a major threat to wildlife and their habitats. You can help to reduce your carbon footprint by driving less, using less energy, and eating less meat.Tip 3: Support sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture practices can help to protect wildlife and their habitats. Look for food that is grown locally and sustainably, and support farmers who are using sustainable practices.Tip 4: Educate yourself and others about wildlife conservation. One of the best ways to help wildlife is to educate yourself and others about their importance and the threats they face. Talk to your friends and family about wildlife conservation, and share information about the issue on social media.Tip 5: Get involved in conservation efforts. There are many ways to get involved in conservation efforts, such as volunteering with a local conservation organization, donating to a wildlife charity, or writing to your elected officials to support conservation policies.
By following these tips, you can help to protect and restore the Great Plains ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.
Conclusion: Under the Big Sky 2025 is a vital conservation initiative that will help to protect and restore the Great Plains ecosystem. By following the tips above, you can help to support the initiative and its goals.
Closing Remarks on Under the Big Sky 2025
Under the Big Sky 2025 is a bold and ambitious conservation initiative that aims to protect and restore 3.5 million acres of grasslands, wetlands, and other habitats in eastern Montana by 2025. The initiative is a response to the alarming decline of the Great Plains ecosystem, one of the most important and imperiled ecosystems in North America.
Under the Big Sky 2025 is a collaborative effort that involves private landowners, ranchers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The initiative is working to create a connected network of protected lands that will support viable populations of wildlife, including bison, pronghorn, and grizzly bears. The initiative will also provide economic benefits to local communities through tourism and recreation.
Under the Big Sky 2025 is a vital conservation initiative that will help to protect and restore the Great Plains ecosystem for future generations. The initiative is a model for how we can work together to conserve our natural heritage.
