DOCSLIB.ORG

Explore Nebraska

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Explore Nebraska Explore Nebraska 2016 ANNUAL REPORT Mission Statement: The Nebraska Environmental Trust is established to conserve, enhance and restore the natural environments of Nebraska. A prosperous future requires a sound natural environment. We must act dynamically, progressively and systematically to ensure bountiful and thriving natural resources. The Trust is to complement existing activities, stimulate private investment and emphasize long term gain. The Trust is to lead in the development of a vision of Nebraska’s future environment. The Trust is to collaborate with public and private efforts to achieve that vision. TRUST FUNDING CATEGORIES: • HABITAT • AIR QUALITY • SURFACE & GROUNDWATER • SOIL MANAGEMENT • WASTE MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING Front Row: Rod Christen, Steinauer; Henry “Rick” Brandt, Roca; Sherry Vinton, Whitman; Robert Krohn, Omaha. Second Row: Jim Macy, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality; Jim Douglas, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission; Kevin Peterson, Osceola; Jeff Fassett, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources; Gloria Erickson, Holdrege; Gerry Lauritzen, Omaha, Paul Dunn, Omaha. Not Pictured: Greg Ibach, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Jim Hellbusch, Columbus 2 Message from the Chairman As the leaves rustle over the trail we walk I reflect on my past four years of service for the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET). I am honored to be serving the beautiful state of Nebraska and captivated by the tremendous accomplishments the NET has enabled. As an avid bird watcher and outdoor enthusiast, I have always enjoyed the sights and sounds our state has to offer. Whether it was the quiet steams or the wide-open sand hills, the call of the frogs or the song of the meadowlark, I grew to love the benefits of clear water, clean air and the well managed expanses our state offers. These last four years have granted us the good fortune of enabling successful part- nerships for projects as diverse as the Spotted Tail Creek Restoration, the Heron Haven Wetlands Sanctuary, Bike Share, Fire Training Exchange and the High Plains Weed Management Area Landowner project sites. We have watched thousands of birds rediscover the Rainwater Basin wetlands and private and public resources contribute to the rebirth of the Republican River. It is my hope that the NET can continue to be a part of these ambitious unifications of public and private entities that seek to manage and revitalize our Natural Resources for the benefit of all Nebraskans. We continue to monitor the success of numerous NET funded projects throughout the state. We received updates from the Director of the Nebraska Forest Service on the ongoing research at the Horning Farm Demonstration Forest. We were educated about the confluence of the Missouri and Platte Rivers and the associated acquisition projects that seek to preserve this unique area for everyone to enjoy. We visited Fort Robinson State Park, the Northern Cheyenne Monument, Sowbelly Canyon, and dialoged with landowners about conservation easements near the Pine Ridge land trust projects. As a board, community and state we don’t always agree with the priorities we set or the direction we take, but we dutifully listen to the professionals, our experienced staff and the opinions of all involved who help us find resolutions that best meet the interests of current and future Nebraskans. Working with a knowledgeable, dynamic and diverse team from across the state has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my service. I continue to enrich my understanding of the elements that make our state so unique while furthering my love for the many natural resources Nebraska offers. And I encourage all Nebraskans, set aside your technology, get off the interstate, smell the air, listen to the wind, hike the trails and discover the gems that exist in the state we call home. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the State of Nebraska in such a personally meaningful way. Every time I jump in the car and head home to Omaha I truly relish being part of an organization dedicated to ensuring that the Good Life will always be found so close to home. Gerry Lauritzen 3 Explore Nebraska Over the years, the Trust has had many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of various communities in Nebraska. Our Annual Report this year is intended to take you through a journey of some of these phenomenal projects and amazing treasure sites that line the seven districts of Nebraska. These projects are remarkable and their uniqueness and beauty is certainly something to be proud of as a Nebraskan. The months of July and August are usually a crucial and important time for board and staff members. It is when the board gets to make field trips, during the 3rd Quarter Board Meeting to assess and evaluate some of the project sites where grant funds had been disbursed to in the past. They get first hand experience and knowledge from grantees on how Trust funding is utilized as seed money to attract other matching dollars to the State and is crucial in creating jobs and bringing an economic boost to the various regions in Nebraska. The Trust has supported many community initiatives directly and indirectly, from agriculture to education, forestry to tourism, transportation to health to name a few. These projects are varied and have diverse interest and benefit residential and commercial sites and private citizens in one way or another. These projects could not have been accomplished without the support of the Nebraska Lottery, the only funding source of the Trust. What better way to make Nebraska a better place! “Even before we sold our first tickets in 1993, the Nebraska Lottery was dedicated to helping environmental needs. The scope and variety of projects funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust are statewide reminders of our mission, and the support and loyalty of Nebraska Lottery players and retailers.” – Brian Rockey, Nebraska Lottery Director The photos below say a million words about these Lottery dollars that have come a long way to make a difference. Here are some memorable photos of projects funded in our amazing Nebraska over the last two decades. The corresponding pages will also give you insight on more projects and their unique features. A project at Indian Cave with the Nebraska Department of Roads Bluebirds of Nebraska Saltmarsh at the Saline Wetlands 4 Geographic Distribution of Awards (1994 - 2016) Raptor Recovery Project Pollinator programs with various agencies in Nebraska Willa Cather Prairie Restoration 5 Nebraska Land Trust Photo by Larry Radant Sowbelly Ranch: A Pine Ridge jewel where beauty is more than skin deep In 1983, the late Fred Thomas wrote a popular, well-informed column for the Omaha World-Herald titled “Your Environment.” On one occasion, he “asked a few veteran Nebraska travelers to select the prettiest places in Nebraska.” According to Fred, “Sowbelly Canyon drew more mention for No. 1 than any place else.” Sowbelly Canyon creases the north slope of the Pine Ridge in the northwest corner of Nebraska. With weather-sculpted sand- stone buttes, prairie, pine forest and a trout stream, it is easy to envision as the prettiest place in the state. All of these resources are found on the 1,304-acre Sowbelly Ranch north of Harrison in the heart of the canyon. Last December, its owners Jim and Chris Voeller, permanently conserved the land through a conservation easement with the Nebraska Land Trust. 6 Pines and Buttes Preservation Project Jim and Chris Voeller were especially keen on conserving the unfragmented habitat their ranch provides for elk and bighorn sheep. In 2012, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission gained per- mission to use their ranch as a reintroduction site for bighorns. Usually, release sites are on public land owned by the agency. The Voellers provided a rare opportunity to release bighorns in ideal habitat on private land. The land is also home to other creatures great and small, as the Pine Ridge is a biologically unique landscape where eastern and western species mingle at the edge of their range. It always takes willing landowners to permanently Photo by Larry Radant conserve private land, but in this case one could add the term “generous.” With limited funds to pur- chase the easement, the Voellers offered to donate more than half of the easement’s value to the NLT through a bargain sale at less than appraised value. The Nebraska Environmental Trust, which receives 44.5% of state lottery proceeds, provided most of the balance through a grant for conservation of bighorn habitat. Other funding partners included the Nebraska Big Game Society, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Sheep Foundation, and the Iowa chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep. The diversity of partners speaks to the land’s value for wildlife. The Sowbelly Ranch is truly a place where beauty is more than skin deep. 7 Fontenelle Forest Fontenelle Forest (FF) is a private non-profit organization, a National Natural Landmark and a National Historic District. FF owns and manages 2053 acres which are comprised of upland oak/hickory woodlands with interspersed restored prairies, and floodplain wetlands. With 25 miles of hiking trails, 1 mile of wooden boardwalk trails, over 60 Nebraska Phase Earth Lodge sites, and the largest urban nature center in the region, FF provides exceptional opportunities for nature and history lovers to explore this beautiful landscape in Nebraska. Upon European settlement of the area, grazing by large herbivores and fire were eliminated from the landscape. As a result, FF properties have become severely degraded by an increasingly shade-tolerant canopy and sub-canopy, invasion by exotic plants, lack of fire, and little natural oak regeneration, all contributing to the decrease in native flora and fauna and reduced recreational opportunities. In 2015, FF was awarded a grant from NET to support oak woodland and savanna restoration efforts.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • National Areas32 State Areas33
    NEBRASKA : THE COR NHUSKER STATE 43 larger cities and counties continue to grow. Between 2000 and 2010, the population of Douglas County—home of Omaha—increased 11.5 percent, while neighboring Sarpy County grew 29.6 percent. Nebraska’s population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. The most significant growth has occurred in the Latino population, which is now the state’s largest minority group. From 2000 to 2010, the state’s Latino population increased from 5.5 percent to 9.2 percent, growing at a rate of slightly more than 77 percent. The black population also grew from 3.9 percent to 4.4 percent during that time. While Nebraska’s median age increased from 35.3 in 2000, to 36.2 in 2010 — the number of Nebraskans age 65 and older decreased slightly during the same time period, from 13.6 percent in 2000, to 13.5 percent in 2010. RECREATION AND PLACES OF INTEREST31 National Areas32 Nebraska has two national forest areas with hand-planted trees: the Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest in Blaine and Thomas counties, and the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest in Cherry County. The Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest in Dawes and Sioux counties contains native ponderosa pine trees. The U.S. Forest Service also administers the Oglala National Grassland in northwest Nebraska. Within it is Toadstool Geologic Park, a moonscape of eroded badlands containing fossil trackways that are 30 million years old. The Hudson-Meng Bison Bonebed, an archaeological site containing the remains of more than 600 pre- historic bison, also is located within the grassland.
    [Show full text]
  • Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences Index to Volumes I-XX (1972-1993)
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies Nebraska Academy of Sciences 1993 Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences Index to Volumes I-XX (1972-1993) Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/tnas Part of the Life Sciences Commons "Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences Index to Volumes I-XX (1972-1993)" (1993). Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societies. 127. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/tnas/127 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Nebraska Academy of Sciences at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Transactions of the Nebraska Academy of Sciences and Affiliated Societiesy b an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. INDEX TO VOLUMES I-xx, 1972-1993 TRANSACTIONS OF THE NEBRASKA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Publication year of volumes: 1, 1972; 2, 1973,' 3, 1976,' 4, 1977' 5 1978' 6 1978' 7 1979' 8 1980' 9 1981' 10 " 1982; 11, 1983; llSpecial Issue, 1983; 12, 1984; 13, 1985; 14, 1986; "15, 1987;" 16, 1988; 17, 1989;" 18, 1991;" 19, 1992;" 20,1993. In this index to subjects, authors, and taxa, authors' names are presented in small capitals. Only the most significant taxa are indicated; thousands of others are given in the papers. Place names refer to Nebraska unless otherwise noted. An index to maps follows on page 111. .9L (Amphibians, Nebraska) Aphodius gordoni, new species ............ AllER, J. S ................................ 10: 25-29 Ranapipiens, brain ........... 20: 73-80 ...........................................
    [Show full text]
  • RV Sites in the United States Location Map 110-Mile Park Map 35 Mile
    RV sites in the United States This GPS POI file is available here: https://poidirectory.com/poifiles/united_states/accommodation/RV_MH-US.html Location Map 110-Mile Park Map 35 Mile Camp Map 370 Lakeside Park Map 5 Star RV Map 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp Map 7 Oaks RV Park Map 8th and Bridge RV Map A AAA RV Map A and A Mesa Verde RV Map A H Hogue Map A H Stephens Historic Park Map A J Jolly County Park Map A Mountain Top RV Map A-Bar-A RV/CG Map A. W. Jack Morgan County Par Map A.W. Marion State Park Map Abbeville RV Park Map Abbott Map Abbott Creek (Abbott Butte) Map Abilene State Park Map Abita Springs RV Resort (Oce Map Abram Rutt City Park Map Acadia National Parks Map Acadiana Park Map Ace RV Park Map Ackerman Map Ackley Creek Co Park Map Ackley Lake State Park Map Acorn East Map Acorn Valley Map Acorn West Map Ada Lake Map Adam County Fairgrounds Map Adams City CG Map Adams County Regional Park Map Adams Fork Map Page 1 Location Map Adams Grove Map Adelaide Map Adirondack Gateway Campgroun Map Admiralty RV and Resort Map Adolph Thomae Jr. County Par Map Adrian City CG Map Aerie Crag Map Aeroplane Mesa Map Afton Canyon Map Afton Landing Map Agate Beach Map Agnew Meadows Map Agricenter RV Park Map Agua Caliente County Park Map Agua Piedra Map Aguirre Spring Map Ahart Map Ahtanum State Forest Map Aiken State Park Map Aikens Creek West Map Ainsworth State Park Map Airplane Flat Map Airport Flat Map Airport Lake Park Map Airport Park Map Aitkin Co Campground Map Ajax Country Livin' I-49 RV Map Ajo Arena Map Ajo Community Golf Course Map
    [Show full text]
  • April 30Th Field Trip to Indian Cave State Park
    The Meadowlark April 2005 ASO is a Chapter Volume 34 Issue 4 of the National Audubon Society Serving Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa April 30th Field Trip Dreams of Africa: The to Indian Cave State Park Landscapes and Wildlife of East Africa By Clem Klaphake By Nancy Leonard Do you want to go birding in the Loess Hills of southeasternAfrica has long been the Nebraska? Come join us on the ASO field trip to Indian Caveplace of dreams. This State Park (ICSP) on Saturday, April 30. continent of more than 30 This is usually an exciting time of the year to observe new springmillion square kilometers is passerine migrants heading north. Some of the birds we saw onhome to the world's largest the last trip here in 2003 were Northern Parula, Ovenbird,land mammal, the elephant; Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, Blue-graymore then 2,000 species of Gnatcatcher, Indigo Bunting and Broadwing Hawk, to name abirds; the world's tallest few. There always is the possibility of seeing a Pileatedmammal, the giraffe; and the Woodpecker in this park. Numerous Zebra Swallowtail butterfliesworld's fastest mammal, the were also observed. cheetah. Explorers throughout history have Ross Silcock has agreed to be our host and will meet us at thebeen drawn there in search park. He spends many hours every year birding in ICSP and isof fantastic, unknown quite familiar with the area. animals and plants, forgotten civilizations, and the origins We will meet in the southeast corner of the Southroads Shoppingof humanity. Mall in Bellevue (near the large electric power pole) at 7:00 a.m.
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of the Wetlands Reserve Program on Waterfowl Carrying Capacity in the Rainwater Basin Region of South-Central Nebraska
    Effects of the Wetlands Reserve Program on Waterfowl Carrying Capacity in the Rainwater Basin Region of South-Central Nebraska A Conservation Effects Assessment Project Wildlife Component assessment Submitted to: Charlie Rewa, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service Diane Eckles, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Skip Hyberg, USDA Farm Service Agency Sally Benjamin, USDA Farm Service Agency Submitted by: Andrew A. Bishop U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Habitat and Population Evaluation Team 203 West 2nd Street Grand Island, Ne 68801 [email protected] and Mark Vrtiska Waterfowl Program Manager Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2200 North 33rd Street Lincoln, Ne 68503 May 8, 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 2 Background......................................................................................................................... 2 Justification..................................................................................................................... 4 METHODS ........................................................................................................................ 5 Data Development and Analysis..................................................................................... 6 Component 1: Deliniate easement boundary ............................................................
    [Show full text]
  • FOREST LEGACY PROGRAM ASSESSMENT of NEED for the State of Nebraska
    FOREST LEGACY PROGRAM ASSESSMENT OF NEED For the State of Nebraska 1 | Page This document was produced in partnership with the US Forest Service. UNL does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination 2 | Page Contents List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................ 6 List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................... 6 1. Statement of Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 8 Forest Legacy Background ...................................................................................................................... 8 2. Program Direction .............................................................................................................................. 10 Goals and Objectives ............................................................................................................................. 10 Preparation for this Assessment of Need ............................................................................................. 11 Selection Ranking Procedure ................................................................................................................ 13 3. History and Cultural Heritage ...........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Lewis & Clark on the Great Plains Timeline
    Page 8 • 2004 Lewis and Clark on the Great Plains 2004 • Page 9 LLeewwiiss aanndd CCllaarrkk oonn tthhee GGrreeaatt PPllaaiinnss TTiimmeelliinnee FFrroomm NNeebbrraasskkaa CCiittyy,, NNeebbrraasskkaa ttoo PPiieerrrree,, SSoouutthh DDaakkoottaa ARIKARA July 19, 1804 – In the vicinity of Nebraska City, Nebraska. Clark, in for the boy grew up to be the famous “Struck By The Ree”, Chief of the pursuit of an elk, ascends a hill and discovers the “bound less Prairie”. SOUTH Yankton Tribe. “Struck By The Ree’s” monument is located in Greenwood, South Dakota. Lake Oahe DAKOTA July 20, 1804 – Near Nebraska City, Nebraska. Clark’s observation of TETON SIOUX the “parched prairies” was noted. As the Corps traveled through the Great September 7, 1804 – Corps camp was at “the Tower,” four miles Plains it was understood that fires were ecologically important wherever Oahe Visitor Center SANTEE SIOUX southeast of the Nebraska/South Dakota border on the Nebraska side, grass growth was abundant to prevent secondary growth. They were set near Lynch, Nebraska. The men investigated a prairie dog town, PIERRE by lightning or accidentally by humans, or often Indians set fires SANTEE SIOUX 29 described it for science and captured a prairie dog. This captured prairie BIG BEND purposely for signaling or for improving grazing. Lily Park dog survived the trip in the keelboat to Fort Mandan, wintered over and Bad River Confluence/Teton Council site Akta Lakota Museum Lower Brule YANKTON SIOUX returned back down river to Washington DC for President Jefferson. TETON SIOUX TETON CHAMBERLAIN SIOUX• July 24, 1804 – For several days the Corps stayed at a site they called 90 Lewis and Clark Information Center “Camp White Catfish”, near modern day Bellevue, Nebraska.
    [Show full text]
  • Habitat Assessment for Nebraska's At-Risk Species
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Nebraska Game and Parks Commission -- White Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Papers, Conference Presentations, & Manuscripts 8-2014 Habitat Assessment for Nebraska's At-risk Species: Descriptions of Species Models used in the CHAT (Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool) Species of Concern Data Layer Rachel Simpson Rick Schneider Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nebgamewhitepap Part of the Biodiversity Commons This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Nebraska Game and Parks Commission -- White Papers, Conference Presentations, & Manuscripts by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Habitat Assessment for Nebraska’s At-risk Species: Descriptions of Species Models used in the CHAT (Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool) Species of Concern Data Layer Rachel Simpson and Rick Schneider Nebraska Natural Heritage Program, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Lincoln, NE August 2014 Introduction As part of an effort across the western U.S. states led by the Western Governors’ Association, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission synthesized information related to habitat for at-risk native species and natural plant communities. The result, submitted to the WGA in the fall of 2013, is coarse- scale, landscape-level information that can be used by anyone for land-use planning. The product of this west-wide collaboration is called the Crucial Habitat Assessment Tool (CHAT). The information, provided through an online GIS-mapping tool, is non-regulatory and gives project planners and the general public access to credible scientific data on a broad scale for use in project analysis, siting, and planning.
    [Show full text]
  • Fact Sheet, Proposed Expansion of the Rainwater Basin Wetland
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Proposed Expansion of the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District Conserving the Rainwater Basin The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Ser- vice) is proposing to expand protection of the Rainwater Basin in southeastern Nebraska. This unique and highly di- verse area is internationally known for its spectacular bird migrations. The Rainwater Basin Wetland Manage- ment District (district) was established in 1963 with a goal of acquiring 24,000 acres to support large bird concentra- tions along the central flyway, especially during spring migration. At that time, the landscape was quite different than it is today, and the conversion of the area’s wetlands occurred more rapidly than anticipated. During the nearly 50 years since the district was established, irrigation technology has changed the landscape from diverse croplands, small fields, pastures, and wetlands to inten- sively farmed corn and soybean fields. A waterfowl production area in the late spring Many of the wetlands and nearly all of the pastureland are gone. The joint venture identified three fac- production areas in the Rainwater Ba- To date, the Service has acquired tors that would influence the selection sin are managed mainly for migratory 22,023 acres of the 24,000 acres approved of lands to be acquired: birds and were purchased primarily in 1963. The district also manages an ■■ the number of privately owned wet- with Duck Stamps. additional 4,505 acres donated by or land acres that affect management Conservation easements would focus obtained from other agencies, primar- of adjoining acres owned by the on smaller, temporary wetlands located ily the Farmers Home Administration, Service or the Nebraska Game and in cropland and grassland.
    [Show full text]
  • Nebraska SCORP
    STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN (SCORP) A GUIDE TO AN ACTIVE NEBRASKA 2016-2020 STATEWIDE COMPREHENSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION PLAN (SCORP) A GUIDE TO AN ACTIVE NEBRASKA 2016-2020 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2200 N. 33rd Street / PO Box 30370 Lincoln, Nebraska 68503-0370 OutdoorNebraska.org 2200 N. 33rd St. • P.O. Box 30370 • Lincoln, NE 68503-0370 • Phone 402-471-0641 October 14, 2015 Dear Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts: Nebraskans have a deep-seated passion for the outdoors, which is evident in our great parks and outdoor recreation resources. We value our natural environment and park areas because they help sustain an excellent quality of life. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is pleased to present the 2016-2020 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: A Guide to an Active Nebraska (SCORP). This plan provides the supply and demand of recreation in the state, issues Nebraska faces providing outdoor recreation, and recommendations on how to improve our state’s recreation infrastructure. SCORP is a guidebook for outdoor recreation providers looking to expand or improve their recreation infrastructure. Great care was taken to receive public opinion to understand the needs and desires of the public when providing for future outdoor recreation. Analysis on the current state of outdoor recreation and how it can be improved was completed as a part of this plan. Parks and outdoor recreation areas play a major role in promoting public health, livable communities, economic vitality, and conservation of our natural resources. Nebraska’s outdoor recreation resources are invaluable assets to our public and those visiting the state, and we are pleased to provide recommendations on how to protect these resources for future generations.
    [Show full text]
  • Sandhill Stats Spread of Invasives Like Red Cedar Are Causing Habitat Loss Location: North-Central Nebraska and Fragmentation Throughout the Sandhills
    United States Department of Agriculture SANDHILLS PROJECT A HOSTILE TAKEOVER The Sandhills landscape of Nebraska is speckled with lakes, wetlands, wet meadows, spring-fed streams - and unfortunately - too many eastern red cedar trees. The 19,300-square-mile grass-covered sand dune formation in north-central Nebraska serves as an oasis for wildlife, including the greater prairie-chicken and American burying beetle. The Sandhills are also critically important to waterfowl, Photos by Aaron Price, USDA Price, Aaron by Photos who nest in the region. The conversion of rangelands to cultivated crops and the Sandhill Stats spread of invasives like red cedar are causing habitat loss Location: North-Central Nebraska and fragmentation throughout the Sandhills. To reverse Habitat Type: Grassland, wetlands, wet-meadows the loss and fragmentation of habitat, NRCS is working Target Species: Greater Prairie Chicken and with agricultural producers to install grazing management American Burying Beetle practices to improve rangeland health and wildlife habitat. Other Species: Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, Dicksissel, Eastern Meadowlark, Field Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Swainson’s Hawk, Monarch LANDOWNERS ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION Butterfly, Upland Sandpiper, Western Meadowlark, Sharp-tailed Grouse and Regal Fritillary Butterfly Landowners in Nebraska are helping restore the Sandhill Partners: Landowners, Sandhills Task Force, landscape by improving the health of rangelands using Nebraska Cattlemen, Rainwater Basin Joint prescribed grazing and removing invading cedar trees. Venture, Nebraska Game and Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pheasants Forever Natural Resources Conservation Service Working Lands for Wildlife SANDHILLS PROJECT Through grazing management, mechanical removal and prescribed burning, producers can manage this threat to the landscape as cedar trees shade out other plants, which degrades the quality of forage for livestock and habitat for wildlife.
    [Show full text]
  • Sandhill Cranes Converge Crane Migration in the Spring
    TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERS Grand Island/Hall County Convention & Visitors Bureau Central 2424 S Locust St, Ste. C • Grand Island, NE 68801 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday 308.382.4400 • 800.658.3178 visitgrandisland.com Nebraska Hastings/Adams County Convention & Visitors Bureau 219 N Hastings Ave • Hastings, NE 68902 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday WILDLIFE 402.461.2370 • 800.967.2189 visithastingsnebraska.com VIEWING GUIDE Kearney Visitors Bureau 1007 2nd Avenue • Kearney, NE 68847 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday (6 weeks during Crane Season) 308.237.3178 • 800.652.9435 • visitkearney.org US Fish & Wildlife Service Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District 73746 V Road • Funk, NE 68940 308.263.3000 fws.gov/refuge/rainwater_basin_wmd WILDLIFE VIEWING INFORMATION CENTERS Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center I-80 Exit 305 (Alda) 308.382.1820 • cranetrust.org Fort Kearny State Historical Park 1020 V Road • Kearney, NE 68847 308.865.5305 • outdoornebraska.gov/fortkearny Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary I-80 Exit 285 308.468.5282 • rowe.audubon.org US Fish & Wildlife Service Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District 73746 V Road • Funk, NE 68940 308.263.3000 fws.gov/refuge/rainwater_basin_wmd NebraskaFlyway.com 18CNWG_30K THE GREAT MIGRATION THE GREAT MIGRATION NEBRASKA’S PLATTE RIVER CRANE VALLEY TRUST Each spring, something magical happens in the The Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center welcomes guests to heart of the Great Plains. More than 80 percent of rare, protected lands year round—and to the great sandhill the world’s population of sandhill cranes converge crane migration in the spring.
    [Show full text]