Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge staff are continuing to manage habitat for several rare and declining species of grassland birds. These species include short-eared owl (a state-listed endangered species), northern harrier, upland sandpiper, Henslow's sparrow (state-listed threatened species), horned lark, vesper sparrow and grasshopper sparrow (state-listed species of special concern). Two hundred acres of refuge grassland were mowed in 2003. Mowing is essential to maintain grass dominance over perennial forbs and shrubs, including goldenrod and dogwood. Without management, refuge habitats will lose suitability to grassland birds.

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge was designated an important bird area by Audubon New York because of its value to grassland birds and wintering raptors. Grassland birds have declined more precipitously and over a wider geographic area than any other group of North American birds over the past 30 years. Consequently, almost all grassland bird species appear on state lists of endangered, threatened or special concern species. All of these listed species can be found at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge.

NORTHEAST REGION, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -- Conserving the Nature of the Northeast