2700 Freeway Blvd #1000
Brooklyn Center, MN
55430-1779
763.253.0222

Nebraska Conservation Projects

	LEARNING MORE ABOUT NEBRASKA'S ELK HEARD Once native to the state, for the past 40 years elk have been moving out of South Dakota’s Black Hills and back into Nebraska, establishing a resident elk herd in the state. In an effort to learn more about elk roaming northwestern Nebraska, Wildlife Forever joined a study in the Pine Ridge region, an area consisting of ponderosa pine forests, sandstone cliffs, ranchlands, and agricultural lands. The University of Nebraska conducted the research by determining the elk’s size, health, preferred forage, distribution, movement, and seasonal habitat use by using radio telemetry. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is utilizing the data to aid in elk management. Because of their growth, the elk have caused damage to private agricultural and ranching lands. The data is playing a key role in ensuring that future management activities are in the best interest of the elk, the landowners, and the public.
	NEBRASKA LANDOWNERS HELP UPLAND BIRDS Nebraska has improved wildlife habitat for upland birds, thanks to support from Wildlife Forever. The project focused on corners of center pivot irrigation fields by providing incentive to landowners to make long-term wildlife habitat improvements including winter cover plantings and nesting cover establishment. Over 84,000 trees and 890 acres of nesting cover were planted, providing a critical component for resident wildlife that is missing from much of Nebraska’s fields and prairies.
	BATTLING INVASIVE SPECIES 850 acres of habitat along the North Platte River in Nebraska is being restored with support from Wildlife Forever. Growth of Salt cedar, Russian olive, downy brome, musk thistle, and Canada thistle were overcoming the native plant species and disrupting the ecological balance needed for productive upland habitat. The project, undertaken in partnership with Platte River Basin Environments, will foster the return of native grassland plant species and a healthy ecosystem. The project will also restore growth of willow and cottonwood trees along the riparian river frontage. Thanks in part to the support of Wildlife Forever's members, sportsmen and women and outdoor enthusiasts will find enhanced recreational opportunities along the North Platte River corridor.