OutdoorNebraska

ince 1984, tax deductible donations to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund have helped thousands of species that call Nebraska home. While revenue from hunting and fishing licenses only can be spent on species that are hunted, trapped, or fished, the Wildlife Conservation Fund helps the thousands of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants that are considered nongame species and make up the majority of Nebraska's biodiversity. The Wildlife Conservation Fund is the state's primary source of funding for the research and habitat restoration necessary to ensure that spectacular nongame species, such as the whooping crane, pallid sturgeon, and monarch butterfly thrive in Nebraska. By supporting the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund with a tax-deductible donation, you are taking an active part in conserving our state's diverse wildlife and our natural legacy for future generations. Inside this newsletter you will find featured stories on projects supported by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund including river otters, Watchable Wildlife, blowout penstemon, bumble bees, Blanding's turtles, and Salt Creek tiger beetles. Many of these projects would not be possible without donations to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. 2020 Newsletter from the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund You can make the difference Remember our wildlife and the wild places that we want future generations to enjoy. Make sure to "check" for wildlife on your state tax return. Look for the peregrine falcon symbol and donate all or a portion of your tax refund to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. You can also donate throughout the year by calling (402) 471-0641 or online at NebraskaWildlifeFund .org All donations are fully tax deductible and WILD PLACES SAVING WILDLIFE PHOTO BY NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE PHOTO BY NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE PENSTEMON PHOTO BY JON FARRAR inc Ne he ho lic hunted, t S River Otters By Sarah Nevison, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Natural Legacy Biologist An Unprecedented Conservation Success Story F or the past three decades, biologists have been actively managing our native river otter populations. This species' road to recovery is one of the best conservation success stories in Nebraska's history. The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) weighs 10–30 pounds and is 3–4 feet long, including its long, strong tail which helps to propel it through the water. River otters are excellent swimmers and opportunistic carnivores, but their preferred meal is fish. River otters were densely populated throughout most of the United States until the early 1900s when habitat alteration of rivers and wetlands paired with unregulated Continued on page 2 Monarch Butterfly

• Cover