Remnants:

• Buffer – remnants need to be surrounded by a buffer of land planted with seed from the remnant (or appropriate ecotype), to protect the remnant from invasive species, tree encroachment, spray drift, and other problems.
• Identify – the known remnants need to be documented, and unknown remnants need to be found and identified, especially when landowners are getting advice on how to manage their land.
• Conservative management – the rarity of remnants requires an extremely cautious approach when making management/restoration decisions.
• Adjacent or nearby plantings – introduction of invasive species or contamination of the remnant gene pool by pollen from non-ecotype species can occur if inappropriate plants are located too close to the remnant
• Lack of fire – a variety of reasons prevents many remnants from being burned so some of the most important pieces are degrading, possibly past the point of return.

Summary of Problems Related to
Permanent Protection and Permanent Stewardship
of Small Prairie Remnants

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