28 2 0 2 1 – 2 0 2 5 S TAT E W I D E C O M P R E H E N S I V E O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N P L A N
Region 5
The Southwest region shown in Figure 2.7 borders Kansas to the south
with mixed-grass prairie and Colorado to the west with sandsage
prairie. The northern landscape contains the Sandhills and edge of
the Dismal River headwaters. Also within this region is the Platte
Confluence and Loess Canyons. This region comprises the third largest
percentage of public access land for hunting, trapping and fishing
at 21%. Pheasant hunting is one of many hunting opportunities in
this region. The diverse land, state recreation areas, and biologically
unique landscapes provide varied recreation opportunities on both
land and water.
The largest cities in the Southwest are located along the I-80 corridor.
Dawson and Lincoln counties are bisected by I-80 and are home to
58% of this region's population. The age range of Nebraskans in the
Southwest has held steady since the last SCORP, with roughly half the
population above and half below age 45. The racial-ethnic diversity
has also not changed significantly. Educational attainment beyond
high school for Nebraskans in this region has increased by just over
2% between the 2011-2015 and 2016-2020 SCORPs and again between
2016-2020 and 2021-2025.
Pheasant hunting at NCORPE south of North Platte. (Lincoln County)
The Southwest Region contains
the third largest percentage of
public access land for hunting,
trapping and fishing.
