Dr. Edward O. Wilson University Research Professor Emeritus, Honorary Curator in Entomology, Harvard University

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1 American PrairiE RESERVE

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3 If American Prairie Foundation s vision is achieved, we will create a benefit not only for America s natural heritage, its living heritage its fauna and flora but for the long term benefit of the American people. Dr. Edward O. Wilson University Research Professor Emeritus, Honorary Curator in Entomology, Harvard University

4 MISSION The mission of American Prairie Foundation is to create and manage a prairie-based wildlife reserve that, when combined with public lands already devoted to wildlife, will protect a unique natural habitat, provide lasting economic benefits, and improve public access to and enjoyment of the prairie landscape.

5 PHILOSOPHY We believe that Montanans, the American public, and people everywhere value access to open spaces where plants and animals thrive in their natural environment. We feel the existence of an access to inspirational landscapes like the open prairie will be increasingly desired as world population rises further and land continues to be locked up for the benefit of only a select few. Also, we believe the rich natural heritage of North America s native prairie is of immeasurable value and should be conserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations. We believe a prairie reserve and agricultural enterprise can thrive together.

6 I ve been in the venture capital business for thirty years, helping found hundreds of companies, and watching them succeed, but most of them are gone now. That s why this project is so exciting it s a once-ina-lifetime chance to build something really important, something that will actually last forever. Gib Myers American Prairie Foundation Board Chairman

7 message from our board chair Dear Friend of the Prairie, I have served on many boards over the years, and in my career as a venture capitalist have helped build fine companies and organizations; yet, I consider this effort to create American Prairie Reserve to be one of the most important undertakings of my life. It is an opportunity to restart the era of largescale conservation in the United States by setting aside a truly vast, iconic place for wildlife and public enjoyment. We are building something that will last far beyond my generation, something that will be there for my kids and their kids forever. I ve been involved with American Prairie Foundation (APF) since its inception. It s been very rewarding to witness the phenomenal progress we ve made, not just in terms of the amount of habitat we ve purchased, but on many other levels as well. Awareness of the project has grown since the release of American Serengeti, National Geographic s film about our project. We now have fans not just in the United States, but all over the world. Clearly our vision of a vast prairie reserve has global appeal. Through the addition of facilities like the campground, visitor maps, trails and signage, we are making it easy for everyone to experience this remote, magical landscape that is American Prairie Reserve. Volunteers are becoming increasingly engaged as we provide opportunities for people to assist with projects that restore habitat, improve facilities and aid wildlife. This living laboratory we re building is attracting many scientists who come to study the ecology and wildlife, and we partner with other organizations to provide on-the-ground environmental education programs for students. The Northern Great Plains is a uniquely American landscape, emblematic of the spirit and possibility that defines our nation. Together we are revitalizing this magnificent place that inspires the mind and revives the spirit, while ensuring public access for study, bird watching, camping and life s other inspiring pursuits. We look forward to continuing our exciting progress. I hope to see you soon on the prairie! Gib Myers Chairman, Board of Directors

8 message from our PRESIDENT Dear Friend of the Reserve, When American Prairie Foundation began in 2001, it was a question of if a large-scale prairie wildlife reserve could be assembled in the grasslands of northeastern Montana. Now, it is firmly a question of when and the answer is much sooner than we originally thought possible. The energy and enthusiasm for this project on a national and international level has been amazing and inspiring. This support has enabled us to move decidedly beyond the proof of concept phase. A core Reserve has been established, our bison herd is rapidly expanding, and important science work is being conducted to assess and improve the health of the ecosystem. The vision of American Prairie Reserve as a legacy for our children and grandchildren is within our grasp. Please take a moment to peruse our list of Benefactors on the enclosed insert. These are the people largely responsible for making this bold dream possible. Their gifts are purchasing the land, building the endowment, supporting on-the-ground projects and keeping the APF staff focused on our end goal. From all walks of life artists, writers, scientists, historians, philanthropists, politicians, business people, and others they give generously to numerous important causes, yet many of them tell us that helping create American Prairie Reserve is one of the most, if not the most, gratifying in all of their philanthropy. They are enjoying the opportunity to help with something so tangible, so big and so likely to succeed. I would like to give a very heartfelt thanks to all of you for joining us and for continuing to give of your time, energy, ideas and money to help make the vision of American Prairie Reserve a reality. I look forward to spending time with you on the Reserve soon! Sean Gerrity President Member, Board of Directors

9 Exhaustive research by World Wildlife Fund... has demonstrated that the Northern Great Plains is of global importance for saving the diversity of life on Earth, that the Montana project area is of top priority within this region, and that, if we are to create a grassland reserve of national and global significance, there is an urgent need and opportunity to act now. Curt Freese, PhD. Former Managing Director, World Wildlife Fund s Northern Great Plains Program

10 B OWDOIN N ATIONAL W ILDLIFE R EFUGE FORT PECK INDIAN RESERVATION UPPER MISSOURI RIVER BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT F O R T BELKNAP INDIAN RESERVATION American Prairie Reserve CHARLES M RUSSELL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE M I L E S C A N A D I A N B O R D E R M O N T A N A N W Y O M I N G I D A H O

11 APF s progress at acquiring prairie properties has been very exciting and encouraging. In my 20 years of land conservation work, I have never experienced such a complex project. There is no road map on how to do this. The kinds of relationships we are developing are rare, the model is different from any other project. It s also a great reminder that large-scale land conservation can be successful through the private sector and doesn t always have to rely on Federal or State funding. Scott Laird APF Director of Land Acquisition

12 LAND Conserving Grasslands Habitat Conservation Barely five percent of the planet s remaining temperate grasslands are protected, far less than any other habitat type. The American Prairie Reserve region has some of the largest blocks of untilled prairie in North America, presenting the best potential for large-scale grassland conservation. The Northern Great Plains have been identified as one of the most biologically significant places on Earth, with opportunities to preserve habitat for numerous endangered, sensitive and keystone species.

13 This project to establish America s Serengeti is our chance to make sure the world will always know and have the opportunity to experience the wonder, beauty and awe that exists within the pristine confines of one of the greatest habitats the world has ever known. Mark F. Rockefeller Chairman & Co-Founder of Legacy Connect, Vice-Chairman of Rockefeller Financial Land Acquisition Public Access By acquiring large tracts of private land and linking them to existing public lands, American Prairie Foundation is assembling a multi-million acre wildlife reserve. A central tenet of our mission is public access. American Prairie Reserve is open to the public for a variety of public uses from bird watching to mountain biking.

14 people Volunteers Educational Outreach Opportunities exist throughout the year for groups and individuals to volunteer on the Reserve. Our volunteers have assisted in projects ranging from fence removal and trail building to stream restoration. We partner with local and tribal schools to develop quality science and outdoor educational opportunities and encourage research opportunities at advanced levels of education. Economic Opportunity Human History Preservation We are dedicated to the notion that a prairie reserve devoted to wildlife will promote positive economic opportunities throughout our community, as well as encourage regional collaboration. In 2007, we restored the Prairie Union School, a one-room schoolhouse in operation from 1943 to 1957, and dedicated the building at a ceremony for former teachers and students and the local community.

15 I always liked where I grew up in northern Montana. The land forever folding under the big sky cultivated within me an intense passion for the prairie... for me it represents space and freedom. Clyde Aspevig Artist and APF Board Member

16 I am most enthusiastic about this project, which strikes me as the most ambitious and sensible effort for ecological restoration being proposed anywhere at this time. Donald Kennedy Chair, APF Scientific Advisory Council Editor-in-Chief, Science President Emeritus, Stanford University Bing Professor Emeritus, Center for Environmental Science and Policy Plains Bison on the Reserve Restoring Natural Riparian Processes In 2005 we reintroduced plains bison to the prairie of northeastern Montana after an absence of 120 years. The herd continues to grow and could one day be the largest conservation herd in the country. Working with our partner World Wildlife Fund, we have restored several freshwater habitats and riparian corridors.

17 SCIENCE & WILDLIFE Conserving Wildlife Corridors Unparalleled Bird Diversity The Reserve is actively removing unneeded fencing and modifying remaining fences to be wildlife-friendly. This ensures that wildlife can more easily navigate the landscape during seasonal migrations. The American Prairie Reserve region supports the largest number of endemic species of prairie birds in North America and is visited each year by a vast variety of migrating birds.

18 As we study the history of our interactions with the prairie, it s important for us to seek a balance... We need to protect sacred areas and make sure our grandchildren have the opportunity to see these spectacular places like those who came before us. Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs Author, The Lewis and Clark Companion

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20 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Visit American Prairie Reserve The Reserve can be explored year-round through hiking, walking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or snowshoeing. It is a serene and peaceful place where one can enjoy a bit of solitude, and our established campground awaits your arrival. Support Our Work American Prairie Foundation relies on the generous support of private donors to help us maintain and expand the Reserve. Please consider APF in your charitable giving, and help us build a legacy for future generations. Volunteer Opportunities to volunteer on American Prairie Reserve develop throughout the year including work safaris, trail building and restoration projects. Be the First to Know Sign up for our e-newsletter and become an American Prairie Foundation insider with news sent directly to your inbox. Join Us Online Connect with American Prairie Foundation online for the latest updates and project developments. See photos, watch video and interact with us in real time. WEBSITE americanprairie.org FACEBOOK

21 Photo Credits Front Cover: Dennis Lingohr Inside Covers: John Mix Stanley, Herd of Bison Near Lake Jesse, lithograph, Stevens Survey Print, Pages 4-5: Prairie dog by Dave Shumway. Scenic and Bison by Gib Myers. Pronghorn by Dennis Lingohr. Girl by Ganay Johnson Page 6: Sage grouse by Dennis Lingohr Page 7: Gib Myers by Scott Close Pages 8-9: Sean Gerrity by Dennis Lingohr Bison by Diane Hargreaves Pages 10-11: Kite by Dave Shumway Scott Laird by APF Staff Pages 12-13: Rainbow by Valerie Bruchon. Crested Wheatgrass by Diane Hargreaves. Ferret and pairie by Dennis Lingohr. Alison Fox by Keith McHugh. Pages 14-15: Volunteers by Meg Nicolo. Snake, Schoolhouse, and people by Dave Shumway. People with food by Dennis Lingohr Pages 16-17: Elk by Gib Myers. Bison and Pronghorn by Dennis Lingohr. Beaver and Avecots by Diane Hargreaves. Pages 18-19: Fox pups, sage grouse, flower and badger by Diane Hargreaves Kids by Valerie Bruchon, Frog and butterfly by Dennis Lingohr Pages 20-21: American Kestral by Keith McHugh Back Cover: J.J. Audobon, Prairie Dog lithograph from The Quadrapeds of North America,

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