In touch with the world ... at home on the High Plains

Donate

Play Live Radio

Next Up:

0:00

0:00 0:00

Available On Air Stations

KJJP-FM 105.7 is currently operating at very reduced power and signal range using a back-up transmitter. This is because of complicated problems with its very old primary transmitter. Local engineers are currently working on that transmitter and consulting with the manufacturer to diagnose and fix the problems. We apologize for this disruption and service as we work as quickly as possible to restore KJPFM to full power. In the mean time you can always stream either the HPPR mix service or HPPR connect service using the player above or the HPPR app.

HPPR Environment

What's The Problem With Pits?

High Plains Public Radio

Published March 3, 2015 at 12:00 AM CST

A functioning playa provides water to recharge the aquifer. There's also a whole community of wetland plants and invertebrates that need the very shallow water found in a healthy playa. These plants and invertebrates provide food for migrating birds. But when a playa has a pit, it is like "pulling the drain in a bathtub" and it no longer holds water very well. Rehabilitating playas by filling pits restores natural function to those wetlands.

Participants:

Angela Safranek
Rangeland Mgmt Spec
U.S. Forest Service
Pueblo, CO

Dr. Ken Rainwater
Prof. Civil & Environmental Engineering
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Grady Grissom
partner-Rancho Largo Cattle Co.
Fowler, CO

Dr. Anne Bartuszevige
Conservation Science Dir.
Playa Lakes Joint Venture
Lafayette, CO