By Scout Nelson
The Great Plains, often referred to as the “bison basket” of North America, has seen its bison population drastically reduced from millions in the 19th century to about 400,000 today. Jeff Martin, an assistant professor at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and a recognized authority on bison biology, is leading efforts to restore these majestic creatures to their former glory.
As a second-generation bison rancher with a deep understanding of bison dynamics, Martin is well-positioned to influence bison management across various sectors including public agencies, private ranches, and tribal groups.
His approach, known as the “Bison Management System,” emphasizes the interconnected nature of these sectors and the impact they have on each other.
Martin's educational outreach, primarily through his SDSU Extension program 'Decoding Bison,' offers both lectures and practical learning experiences to educate participants about bison management.
Additionally, backed by a $2 million USDA-NRCS conservation innovation grant, he is set to expand his impact through training workshops for bison producers in partnership with the National Bison Association and Tanka Fund.These efforts include specialized "train-the-trainer" workshops aimed at enhancing the capabilities of those who work directly with bison.
The focus of Martin’s research extends to the effects of climate change on bison body size and the ecological role of bison in the environment.
Collaborations with various tribes and state parks explore how bison contribute to ecological diversity, supporting species such as frogs and pollinators, and aiding in the germination of medicinal native plants through their wallowing behavior.
Martin is also involved in broader initiatives such as the Center of Excellence for Bison Studies and a significant climate-smart agriculture project funded by the USDA. These projects aim to integrate climate-smart practices into the production of bison and beef commodities, potentially offering new market opportunities that reward sustainable practices.
Through his comprehensive efforts, Martin is not only aiming to sustain the bison population but also to ensure that these animals thrive in a changing world, thereby supporting the ecosystems of the Great Plains and the communities that depend on them.
Photo Credits:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education, General