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GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS
Riverine
Wetlands
W
etlands are closely associated with the riparian
zones (the interface between land and a
river or stream) and associated fl oodplains (areas
formed mainly of river sediments and subject to
fl ooding) of all of Nebraska's rivers and streams.
These riparian areas are complex systems with
numerous interrelated components (e.g., wetlands,
organic matter, sandbars, tree falls, side channels,
etc.). Wetlands are an important component of this
system by producing invertebrates and other organic
matter that provide energy and food to other parts of
the streams and rivers. Additionally, these wetlands
provide spawning and nursery areas for many types
of fi sh, mussels, amphibians, and reptiles, and a
home for numerous wildlife species. Historically, there
were extensive wetlands associated with the rivers in
southeast Nebraska, such as the Little Blue, Big Blue,
Nemaha, and Little Nemaha rivers. However, these
rivers were highly altered due to channelization and
associated down-cutting, and few wetlands remain
today. Although some wetlands still occur along all of
Nebraska's rivers, this guide focuses on the wetlands
associated with the Platte, Missouri, Niobrara, and
Elkhorn rivers. These complexes appear to contain the
greatest river-associated wetland acreage remaining in
the state. The Platte River contains important wetlands
throughout its reach; however, in this guide, three
segments are singled out for special consideration
(Central Platte River, Platte Confl uence and the Lower
Platte River).
CENTRAL PLATTE RIVER
Profi le
The Central Platte River (also called the Big
Bend Reach) extends approximately 90 miles from
Lexington to Chapman. Historically the Platte River
was a broad open prairie river with a braided channel
and numerous saturated wet meadows adjacent to the
river. However, the diversion of approximately 70%
of the historic annual fl ows has changed the Central
Platte River into a narrower river with a dense band
of mixed deciduous woodland and eastern red cedars
encroaching on many of the wet meadows. Numerous
islands that at one time were open sandbars have
