OutdoorNebraska

16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS Wetland Conservation Approaches D ue to the benefi ts provided by wetlands, there is a need for continued conservation. This is especially important for some areas due to past wetland losses and continued threats to the wetlands. The following list provides some general statewide recommendations for wetland conservation. These approaches should be tailored to meet the unique needs of each regional wetland complex. Retain — Because a vast majority of Nebraska's wetlands are in private ownership, the conservation of these areas requires understanding and meeting the unique needs of landowners. A variety of tools already are available to allow this to happen, but new ones also need to be developed. Alternative ways to retain our remaining wetlands also need to develop. These could include the use of easements to retain areas while allowing them to remain in private ownership, changes in the tax code that favor wetland retention, and seeking ways to help landowners generate more income from their wetland areas. In addition, efforts to acquire important wetland areas need to be continued. Several conservation partners have programs to help. Finally, laws that retain existing wetlands, such as the Clean Water Act, Nebraska Environmental Protection Act and Title 117 – Nebraska Water Quality Standards, and Farm Bill, need to be maintained. It is important that these laws continue to recognize the complex dynamics of wetlands and the fact that not all wetlands serve the same functions. It also is important to continue to work with landowners in fi nding ways to make wetland retention compatible with their interests and needs. Restore — Simply retaining our remaining wetland areas will not be adequate to ensure the conservation of our wetland systems and the benefi ts they provide. This is especially true for some wetland complexes where more than 90% of the wetlands have been eliminated or severely degraded. Efforts to restore wetlands, both on public and private land, need to be increased. Manage — Given that wetlands are dynamic systems historically disturbed frequently, it may not be adequate to simply put a fence around a wetland and "walk away" from it. In the absence of natural processes and disturbances, wetlands need some Most wetlands in Nebraska are on private land. There are many options available to help landowners retain, restore or manage their wetlands. Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or one of our partners like the Natural Resources Conservation Service, to learn more. JOANNA POPE, USDA, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

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