Lesser Prairie-Chicken
The Lesser Prairie-Chicken (LPC), Tympanuchus pallidicinctus, is slightly smaller and paler than its near relative the Greater Prairie Chicken. The LPC is found primarily in the sandhills and prairies of Western Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle, the Llano Estacado of Texas, and Eastern New Mexico. They are also rarely found in Southeastern Colorado and Western Kansas.
In Oklahoma, approximately 40% of LPC mortality is caused by fence collisions. Raptors are also responsible for a great percentage of LPC mortality. Research has shown that LPC sense increased danger from raptor attacks and will avoid areas with overhead transmission lines, which are known to serve as raptor perches.
Lesser Prairie-Chicken Habitat Assessment Surveys
A LEPC Habitat Assessment Survey will need to be performed in order to determine accurate mitigation fees for some mitigation programs. Typically WAFWA estimates mitigation fees prior to the actual Habitat Assessment. The Habitat Assessment in most cases lowers the actual mitigation fees. These surveys can be performed year-round after construction. Reagan Smith staff is certified to evaluate your project area of disturbance and habitat quality. Knowledge of lek presence is required for implementing avoidance measures.
Lesser Prairie-Chicken Aerial Surveys
Lesser Prairie-Chicken Aerial Surveys are recommended for large areas or areas that are difficult to access. Surveys take place from March 15th to May 7th. The LEPC aerial surveys take place between sunrise and 1.5 hours after sunrise. Reagan Smith Energy Solutions has six LEPC survey crews available. Final LEPC aerial survey reports will be submitted to the required wildlife agency with maps, GIS files, and reports.
Lesser Prairie-Chicken Booming Ground Surveys
Lesser Prairie-Chicken Booming Ground Surveys can be performed in areas where there are gaps in the range-wide surveys. These are recommended in areas of previously unimpacted acreage to be developed, where LPC surveys have not been conducted in the last five years, or where the proposed project is located within a focal area, connectivity zone, or areas identified as high probability lek habitat based on the Conservation Habitat Assessment Tool. Each route is surveyed twice between March 15th to May 7th. The surveys take place between 30 minutes before sunrise and 1.5 hours after sunrise. Final survey /reports will be submitted to the required wildlife agency with maps, GIS files, and reports.
LEPC Mitigation Measures
Fence markings are required under the Range Wide Conservation Plan within 1.25 miles of a lek and may be required as a Condition of Approval for Federal projects along with other stipulations. Reagan Smith coordinates the fence marking with State and Federal agencies to ensure that the areas marked are beneficial to the LEPC. After coordination, Reagan Smith marks the designated fence as well as the fence around the location. Once the fences have been marked, Reagan Smith schedules an inspection with the BLM Wildlife Biologist.