The Fight for

At the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) Annual Convention, Dr. Dirac Twidwell, a professor deeply rooted in conservation, shared his inspiring journey and insights on preserving grasslands. For Dr. Twidwell, conservation is more than a career—it’s a passion born from time spent with his father in the grasslands of Kansas. This personal connection shaped his appreciation for these landscapes and led to a lifelong mission to protect them.

Grasslands are one of the world’s major vegetation types, yet they have suffered more loss than tropical rainforests. Despite their critical role in biodiversity, food production, and water management, many people remain unaware of their importance or the threats they face. Dr. Twidwell emphasized the need for broader education to highlight the value of grasslands and the urgency of protecting them.

One of the most pressing threats to grasslands is woody encroachment, particularly from eastern red cedar. Once a rare species used for windbreaks, its unchecked proliferation has drastically altered ecosystems. Historically controlled by fire, the species has spread rapidly due to reduced fire application and widespread planting. Addressing this challenge requires a return to fire-based management and proactive strategies to prevent further encroachment.

Dr. Twidwell underscored the importance of collaboration among private landowners, natural resource agencies, and university scientists to tackle large-scale issues like woody encroachment. Grasslands are interconnected landscapes where actions on one property affect neighboring lands. This interconnectedness calls for shared visions and collective efforts.

He highlighted successful examples of landowners banding together to address conservation challenges, demonstrating that collective action is possible and essential. These initiatives showcase how a unified approach can lead to sustainable grassland management and inspire others to follow suit.

Prescribed fire is a cornerstone of grassland conservation. Dr. Twidwell pointed to its historical role in maintaining prairies and its unmatched ability to manage woody encroachment. While fire is often misunderstood and feared, it is a powerful tool for restoring ecosystems.

“If we can scale up fire, one of the most hated forces of nature, and demonstrate its value, we can achieve success in other areas of natural resource conservation,” he noted.

Conservation efforts often face hurdles, particularly for private landowners. While financial incentives help, they are not enough. Dr. Twidwell called for more workforce support to assist landowners in implementing conservation practices. Additionally, he stressed the need for better communication and education to convey the importance of grasslands to the general public, especially urban communities that benefit from their preservation.

Grasslands influence metro areas by mitigating wildfire risks, supporting water systems, and maintaining biodiversity. These connections must be highlighted to build broader support for conservation efforts.

Dr. Twidwell shared his optimism for the future of grassland conservation. He has observed a shift in how people perceive and value these landscapes. Whether it’s through open horizons, structural variability, or pollinator diversity, more groups are coming together to define a shared vision for grasslands.

This evolving perspective is creating momentum for change. As more success stories emerge, the narrative around grasslands is becoming stronger and more compelling. Dr. Twidwell believes this collective effort will help secure the future of grasslands for generations to come.

Dr. Twidwell’s message at the KACD Convention was clear: grassland conservation requires education, collaboration, and action. By embracing the challenges, leveraging the power of fire, and uniting around shared goals, we can ensure these vital ecosystems continue to thrive. His vision offers hope and inspiration for a future where grasslands are not only protected but celebrated for their unparalleled value.

Our mission: "Providing local leadership to protect and improve Kansas Natural Resources through collaboration, education and implementation."

KACD helps forge key partnerships among federal, state, and local entities all committed to a common goal: wise and efficient conservation practices to protect the state’s natural resources. These partnerships spanning more than six decades have been highly effective and mutually beneficial, allowing for shared space, equipment, and knowledge.

Visit https://www.kacd.net/ for more information and to learn about our programs and resources!