Colorado was once home to tens-of-thousands of lesser prairie-chickens (LPC), with many homesteader accounts calling the bird “as numerous as the grass they live in” and recording observations of “flocks as great in numbers that the birds overtook the sun and darkened the ground.” However, over time, habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, drought and blizzard, have led to population decline.

According to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Pheasants Forever’s survey efforts done every spring, Colorado’s LPC populations are in decline. Numbers from the previous three years of surveys are as follows: 89 males observed in 2024, 84 males observed in 2025, and in 2026, only 77 males were observed. This substantial decline raises significant red flags for conservation-minded people. So, can we reverse this trend? In short, I believe we can, and we will!

Here’s three steps that Pheasants Forever has taken to conserve lesser prairie-chicken populations in Colorado:

Step 1: Taking a Targeted Approach:

Lesser prairie-chickens are primarily found south of I-70, and east of Highway 287. However, much of this land is being developed for renewable energy projects. Renewable energy development leads to a fragmented landscape, with roads, substations, and utility lines spread across the landscape, impacts to all wildlife are significant. Pronghorn, mule deer, and other wildlife show decreased populations in highly developed areas for renewable energy. Additionally, structures over 6 feet in height hold a perceived threat in the eyes of a lesser prairie chicken. A bird that evolved on the tree-less grasslands of the great plains associates tall structures with one thing: birds of prey. The perception causes strong avoidance to these areas, and with pockets of habitat that are few and far between, this often means the end of the line for the chickens that call those areas home. A great example of this is a complex of leks in Cheyenne County. Once home to around 45 males, this lek complex was encroached on by recent wind energy projects and has shrunk to less than 18 males across 6 leks. This disturbance combined with recent plow outs of native grass in the area, spells the end for this chicken population. With these considerations in mind, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other conservation partners have defined an area of extreme southeastern Kiowa County, and eastern Prowers County as a wildlife-focused “stronghold” area. This means that most if not all lesser prairie-chicken work will be focused within the boundaries of this area. Named “Colorado’s Sand Sage Generational Grasslands” this area is the least likely to be impacted by renewable energies, hosts the bulk of Colorado’s lesser prairie-chickens, and has the most potential for quality habitat outcomes. As a team of conservation partners, we have decided that we will focus our efforts on creating and improving habitat in “the stronghold.”

Step 2: Building of the “A Team”

A dedicated team of biologists and habitat specialists from conservation organizations and agencies across the state have come together to advance the mutual goal of conserving LPC habitat and populations. This team, comprised of PF staff, state and federal partners, and other non-profit conservationists has impacted thousands of acres across no less than six counties in Colorado.

Specifically, the Pheasants Forever team that are tirelessly working on LPC conservation in the southeast is comprised of three staff members: two Pheasants Forever Habitat Specialists, Arick Jaime and Tyler Batson, and one Pheasants Forever Senior Private Lands Conservationist (PLC), Trey McDowell. With years of expertise and guidance, Habitat Specialist Arick Jaime has proven to be irreplaceable. Guiding in-the-field habitat implementation, equipment maintenance, and possessing proven knowledge, Arick has provided Team CO PF with leadership and wisdom that only years of experience could provide. Arick is constantly searching for a better or more efficient way to do things, and this pushes others on the team to think critically. Additionally, Tyler Batson has joined the fight with incredible effort, an up-beat personality, and unique perspective on many of the projects we have worked on. Tyler has been valuable to the team in many aspects. From his hard work mind set to his incredible golfing and singing talents, Tyler fills gaps in the team that others could not! Finally, Senior Private Lands Conservationist Trey McDowell rounds out the team, providing knowledge of federal programs, relentless effort, passion, and project coordination; Trey is a critical member of the team.

Step 3: Full Steam Ahead!

Developing and implementing a plan is only half the battle. Restoring quality habitat and creating a real impact on the ground is a challenging and exhausting job. Whether it’s 70+ hour weeks, 3 AM alarms, or 18 hour days, Team CO PF has been, and will continue to be, dedicated to getting habitat on the ground, and more birds on the landscape. For example, the team has either converted or improved a whopping 6,800+ acres of lesser prairie-chicken habitat in just the winter/spring of 2025-2026 alone. Those acres are projects that included improving CRP habitat immediately adjacent to leks (4,200acs), crop-to-grass conversions (1,300 +/- acres), obstruction removal, and landowner outreach efforts. It’s safe to say, if there is an avenue to improve upland habitat in southeast Colorado, Team CO PF has thoroughly explored it.

In conclusion, Team CO PF is working diligently to create more habitat, work with private landowners to meet their goals, and create meaningful partnerships that stand the test of time. This effort has not been easy, but the fruits of our labor have not gone unnoticed either. From increased upland wildlife populations to meaningful personal relationships, Team PF is doing incredible work for incredible species!

Call to action: If you are interested in LPC conservation efforts, please reach out to Senior Private Lands Conservationist Trey McDowell at 719-688-9516 or tmcdowell@pheasantsforever.org

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