CHAPTER IV: WILDLIFE HABITATS FOR MISSISSIPPI’S SGCN,
THREATS AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS^105A Encourage retention, preservation, and conservation of remaining natural habitat through
purchase, easements or MOAs.
A Control exotic and invasive species (plant and animal).
A Enhance viability of SGCN by providing habitat corridors between disjunct populations or
subpopulations.
A Provide public education about conservation of SGCN and/or their habitats.
A Discourage incompatible recreational uses.
A Promote and develop landowner incentive and assistance programs for conservation of SGCN
and their habitats.
A Encourage appreciation of SGCN and their habitats by providing public access and compatible
recreational activities.
2.2 Jackson Prairie
Value to SGCN - 51
Rank - 17th of 29 Inland Terrestrial Complexes
(Terrestrial, Wetland, Subterranean and Anthropogenic)DESCRIPTION
The Jackson prairie, located in central Mississippi, is the
second region of blackland prairie soils found in the state.
It extends along a band of Eocene-aged strata (deposited
approximately 35 million years ago) from Yazoo City to the Wayne County-Alabama border. Remnant
prairie openings are nested within extensively forested uplands, mostly restricted to the Bienville National
Forest. The soil is largely comprised of eroded Maytag soils that are derived from deposits of marls of the
Yazoo clay. The soil series is situated on gentle to moderately sloping uplands of well-drained, alkaline
soil, which are composed largely of clays that exhibit high shrink and swell characteristics. Much of the
original prairie habitat was historically cultivated by early Indian tribes and later by settlers. Of the
scattered prairies that remain, a diverse complement of grasses and forbs similar to the composition of
prairies of the northeast prairie is found. In areas not managed with prescribed fire, eastern redcedar,
white ash and sweetgum readily invade the prairie openings, eventually shading
out many of the diagnostic prairie herbs. For this reason, prairies require the use
of prescribed fire to prevent shrub and tree encroachment and to invigorate the
native perennial herbs and grasses.
LOCATION, SIZE, CONDITION AND CONSERVATION STATUS
EGCP, UEGCP
Very small patches of this subtype (1 to 100 acres) remain in the central part of
Range of Jackson Prairie