12.10 Making Connections

THE BUFFALO COMMONS AND THE FUTURE OF THE GREAT PLAINS

Background: Allan Savory’s planned grazing methods are one approach to reverse desertification in the Great Plains. But according to some, not only is farming and ranching ecologically unsustainable, it is economically impractical as well. Several researchers have proposed that cattle and grazing be replaced by wildlife refuges, where bison (buffalo) could once again be allowed to roam freely. In 1987, Rutgers scientists Frank and Deborah Popper suggested converting about 360 square kilometres of the Great Plains, which they argued would most likely become depopulated anyway, into wildlife preserves called the Buffalo Commons.

Case: You have been assigned the task of determining the future of the Great Plains. Select between the following two options:

1. The federal government should use financial incentives to attract people to the Great Plains and should also offer subsidies to encourage sustainable grazing practices.
2. As the Great Plains become depopulated, the unoccupied land should be purchased and transformed into ecological reserves supporting activities such as ecotourism, wind farms, and free-range bison ranching.

Research these two alternatives and write a report recommending one of the two options above. In your report include the following:

1. An analysis of the pros and cons of each proposal including: a discussion of the consequences of each choice both for local human communities and for the grassland ecosystem, and a reflection on the values underlying each proposal.
2. Based on the information at hand, what is the best option for the future of the Great Plains and who should be involved in this decision? Provide justifications for your proposal.