39
GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS
as it passes through an underground rock formation
containing salts deposited by an ancient sea that once
inundated what is now Nebraska and Kansas. Eastern
Saline wetlands are characterized by saline soils and
salt-tolerant vegetation.
Soil salinity varies greatly between, and even within,
these wetlands. Highly saline wetlands usually have
a central area that is devoid of vegetation, and when
dry, exhibit salt encrusted mudfl ats. Saline wetlands
having lower soil salinities are vegetated with salt-
tolerant plants.
Loss and Threats
Eastern Saline wetlands are considered critically
imperiled in Nebraska (Clausen et al. 1989) and
harbor the most limited and endangered vegetation
community in the state (Kaul 1975). It has been
estimated that there were once 20,000 acres of saline
wetlands, and more recent estimates are that only
4,000 acres remain, and many of those are highly
degraded.
Extensive wetland losses from expansion of the city
of Lincoln and agricultural activities have been noted
Saline wetlands form where salty groundwater rises to the surface; this can form salt fl ats. These fl ats are a place for
plants like saltwort and seablite to grow, but also places for animals like this badger to explore. ETHAN FREESE, PLATTE BASIN TIMELAPSE
