46 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
Revenue in tourism and
hunting recreation
Outdoor Recreation in Wetlands
Streams and wetlands are
major economic drivers
because of their role in
hunting, fishing, recreation,
and agriculture.
In the Rainwater Basin
landscape, every acre
generates $20 in revenue.
$
• Outdoor classroom
• Self-guided
interpretation
• Boardwalks
• Nature Trails
• Hunting
• Trapping
• Watchable wildlife
• Photographing
flora and fauna
Figure 3.5: Reasons for Wetland Conservation
Why should we conserve wetlands?
Sufficient
clean water
Groundwater
recharge
Diverse wildlife
Protection from
disaster
of Nebraska drinking water
comes from groundwater,
which is naturally
filtered by wetlands.
Wetlands filter
pollutants from
runoff and improve
water quality in
streams and the
underground aquifer,
reducing the need
for costly treatment.
95%
Many wetlands slowly
release water into the
ground to recharge
groundwater. Sandhills
and playa wetlands
recharge a significant
portion of the state's
Ogallala Aquifer.
Nebraska is unique in that it possesses three major wetland
complexes that are of international importance to wildlife.
Wetlands hold water,
making flooding and soil
erosion less likely.
70%
Wetlands protect Nebraska species:
100%
of amphibians
50%
of birds and plants
38%
of reptiles
36%
of mammals
Wetlands play an important role by
providing habitat for threatened and
endangered species.
of the state's threatened and
endangered species, such as
piping plovers and whooping
cranes, depend on wetlands.
The Platte River provides roosting
habitat for 90% of the continent's
sandhill crane population.
90%
