The scale and speed of woody plant encroachment in the western Great Plains demands the development of innovative approaches to brush management and prevention. To help address this, PLJV is working with local conservation districts, NRCS field offices, and other conservation partners to connect producers with effective brush management strategies as part of a three-year NRCS National Conservation Innovation Grant.

Playa Lakes Joint Venture is working with local conservation districts, NRCS field offices, and other conservation partners to connect producers with effective brush management strategies.

The goal of this project is to develop an effective outreach model by integrating social science insights into targeted strategic communications that increase brush management and prescribed fire on rangelands in Kansas and Oklahoma.

After collecting social science information about brush management needs and barriers to participation in management activities, PLJV staff will create and evaluate targeted communication messages and products that address those barriers and aim to increase participation in management actions. We will then work with agencies, conservation programs and local partners to deliver these communication messages to producers through targeted marketing communications campaigns and producer-focused outreach events.

Project activities will be centered in six conservation districts in Kansas (Osborne, Lincoln, and Barber Counties) and Oklahoma (Roger Mills , Woods, and Beaver Counties). Once the social science is complete, strategic messages will be incorporated into regular outreach events hosted by partners.

The social science insights and communication products can then be adapted and used by partners across the region.

If you have questions about the project or are interested in participating in this effort, please contact PLJV Social Science Specialist Ryan Roberts or PLJV Grassland Conservation Marketing Manager Lindsay Shorter. There contact information is listed on Our Team page.