Nebraska

In 2002, Northern Prairies Land Trust entered into a cooperative relationship with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission to implement habitat improvement projects on privately owned prairies. Our initial work was focused in areas that are now called the Sandstone Prairies Biologically Unique Landscape (BUL) and Southeast Prairies BUL in southeast Nebraska. We subsequently extended our prairie-focused work to the Verdigris-Bazile, the Middle Niobrara River Valley, and Keya Paha Watershed BULs in northeast Nebraska. Over the past fifteen years, using funding from a series of successful NPLT grant proposals to the Nebraska Environmental Trust combined with funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, we have worked with over 300 landowners to enhance nearly 90,000 acres of grassland, primarily through implementation of invasive tree clearing, prescribed fire, planned grazing and high diversity seeding. Starting in 2009, we also began to focus some of the effort on the oak woodlands that rim the eastern side of Nebraska. Similarly to prairies, oak woodlands and savannas have experienced massive declines over the past century and the remnants are degrading due to lack of appropriate management. We are spearheading large-scale restoration efforts at Ponca State Park and Indian Cave State Park involving prescribed fire and invasive species control. In addition, we have completed more than two dozen habitat improvement projects on over 5,000 acres of privately owned oak woodlands.

Nebraska Environmental Trust Projects

Eastern Cedars Thinning on Prairies

A major problem on the native prairie lands of Nebraska is the invasive Eastern Cedar. This tree was introduced because it is hardy and provides good cover in shelter belts. Unfortunately, it likes to spread out through the open prairie, crowding out native grasses and eliminating livestock forage. As shown in the two pictures below cedar trees can be successfully removed, allowing restoration of the native prairie plants. (Top picture is before, bottom is after.)

Restoring Oak Woodlands

A similar problem is occurring in the hills and draws of Nebraska where native Burr Oak trees are being crowded out by non-native invasive plants. Once again, the combination of human power and machines removes the invasive plants and allows the native species to flourish. (Top picture is before, bottom is after.)

Using Conservation Easements to Preserve Native Habitat

We are hopeful that soon a new conservation easement will be protecting native prairie and woodlands in southeastern Nebraska. A combination of a landowner’s strong desire to preserve the land for future generations along with funding through the Nebraska Environmental Trust will preserve prime habitat and allow a working ranch to continue in an area of potential development.

Public Education and Meetings

Interacting with the public to provide information or new perspectives is an important part of starting and maintaining conservation programs. These interactions range from more formalized education meetings on important topics such as managing grasslands for wildlife habitat and livestock forage, to freestyle and innovative workshops to introduce new ideas. The photos below are from a workshop for educators designed to introduce new ideas to help get our younger generation back to the outdoors.

Prescribed Burns

The use of prescribed burns to control invasive species in prairies and woodlands, and rejuvenate native plants has proven to be a valuable tool, and is increasing in use. While Northern Prairies does not conduct prescribed burns, we do assist landowners by helping them organize cooperatives so they can carry out the burns themselves and also by providing some of the tools necessary for the burn to be conducted safely and efficiently. Our office in Royal, Nebraska is in the process of putting together a “burn trailer” with all the supplies necessary for landowners to complete the prescribed burns. Our offices in Beatrice and Valentine have also been very active in providing workshops and equipment for landowners.