MEASURABLE OUTCOMES (5-10 YRS)
- Development of captive propagation protocols for at least 2 flagship fish species
- Establishment of freshwater mussel propagation capacity for at least 2 species
- Publication of applied research informing regional management (5 peer-reviewed journal articles and/or contributions to agency technical publications)
- Securing of at least 3 multi-year cooperative agreements
- Training of 5+ undergraduate and graduate students or early-career fisheries & conservation ecology professionals
- Regional recognition as conservation partner across at least 2 states
- The institute will conduct:
- Applied conservation research
- Environmental flow modeling
- Recovery implementation
- Public outreach
- Policy-relevant science synthesis
- Potential initial flagship/focal species:
- FISHES
- Topeka Shiner
- Sturgeon Chub
- Sicklefin Chub
- Kendall Warm Springs Dace
- Shoal Chub
- Flathead Chub
- Peppered Chub
- MUSSELS
- Higgins’ Eye
- Scaleshell
- Winged Mapleleaf
- FISHES
CONCLUSION
IF WE BUILD IT…
The Great Plains Rivers & Fishes Institute represents a strategic and urgently needed investment in the future of freshwater biodiversity across prairie river systems. By integrating conservation propagation, applied ecological research, and collaborative science, the Institute will provide the long-term infrastructure necessary to prevent extinction, restore native species, and build resilience in Great Plains freshwater ecosystems.