The Prairie Dog Advisory Board met April 23, 2025, at the Box Butte County Courthouse, in the county commissioner’s room at 4:00 PM. The purpose was to follow up on the results of the prairie dog poisoning season and to continue the agenda of the prairie dog advisory board. Members present were Jim Furman, Vice Chairman, Lynn Placek, Secretary, and Tim Sherlock. Mike Johnson and Shawn Hunter were not present. Weed superintendent, Brett Lauder, and County Attorney, Marissa Curtiss, were also present Three interested county residents were also present at the meeting, wanting information as to how to approach problems with seemingly uncooperative neighbors in controlling the prairie dogs in their area. Ideas were given by Mr. Brett Lauder, board members, as well as some legalities from Ms. Curtiss were cited.
Complaint reviews were acted upon, and recommendations were made as to whether there was a need for action by the board per the recommendations of the investigations. There was one forced control started during this past month, but as the poisoning season was terminated as of March 15th, the forced control will be re-evaluated in the fall as to how to proceed with this complaint. Most of the activity for control of prairie dogs happens between October 1, and March 15 of each year, making some inactivity of the board during the spring and summer months.
It was suggested that another community educational meeting should be planned for later this summer, and closer to the fall control season. The idea was discussed and a company control representative will be contacted for a possible August meeting. It will most likely be held at the Knight Museum again.
The board plans to follow up with senators and representatives of Box Butte county for possible support to this reduction of our prairie dog population. County residents are encouraged to contact their representatives in this important endeavor as well. The board will continue to write letters and make calls to the elected politicians, both state and federal, for their much needed support and help.
The next scheduled meeting will be June 25, 2025, unless the board chairman calls a special meeting before then.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 PM. The next board meeting will be published in the Alliance Times Herald.