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GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS
since been overgrown with woody vegetation due
to a reduction in high-water scouring fl ows. The
scouring fl ows came as a result of rapid snowmelt, on
either the plains in early spring or in the mountains
in early summer, or in response to large rain events.
Reductions in fl ow and the stabilization of sandbars
with vegetation has diminished the dynamic interplay
between sediment and water that is integral to braided
river systems, and increased the disconnection
between the river and adjacent wet meadow wetlands.
Loss and Threats
The Central Platte River valley epitomizes the
struggle between agricultural and development
interests, and wildlife, fi sh, recreation, and other
benefi ts associated with wetlands. Diminished fl ows,
Wetlands are associated with all of
Nebraska's streams and rivers. Here
the sun sets over the Central Platte
River and its associated
wetlands located on the sandbars,
in the side channel sloughs, and
in the wet meadows across the
fl oodplain. ETHAN FREESE, PLATTE BASIN TIMELAPSE
