36 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2018 Annual Report
C O O L W A T E R S T R E A M P R O J E C T S
B E N E F I T F I S H A N D W I L D L I F E
Nebraska's cool water streams are found primarily in north central and northwestern
Nebraska. They are characterized by their water temperatures, which influence stream
productivity, habitat, water quality, and dispersion of aquatic organisms. Since 2015, the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has utilized nearly 80 temperature loggers across 35
streams to monitor the health of these ecosystems while learning more about their spatial and
temporal variances.
In 2016, Game and Parks completed its first cool water stream management plan. Since then,
staff have worked with the Bureau of Reclamation on enhancement of pool habitats for Plains
Topminnow (Nebraska Natural Legacy Project Tier 1 species) along Dry Creek in Loup County.
Game and Parks has completed the installation of in-stream structures on Long Pine Creek
where it passes through Pine Glen WMA in Brown County to improve habitat for two species of
trout. Eastern red cedar removal is underway along a 3-mile stretch of the Snake River in Cherry
County. This project included fencing and alternative water sources to keep livestock out of the
riparian area allowing for native grasses to reestablish and reduce soil erosion into the stream.
A stretch of Gordon Creek in Cherry County that had previously been straightened was returned
to its natural stream bed, which improved wildlife habitat and hay production of adjacent
meadows by restoring historic groundwater levels. Additional plans are underway on other cool
water streams in Nebraska.
