11
GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS
Wetland Dynamics
W
etlands are highly dynamic and productive
systems. Because wetlands occupy a continuum
between wet and dry conditions, they undergo a
variety of unique changes both seasonally and from
year-to-year. Wetlands become dry and then fl ood,
are burned by prairie fi res, and are subjected to
other disturbances such as grazing. These are natural
processes that do not harm the wetland. In fact, it is the
interaction of all these dynamic processes that make
wetlands so productive. If some of these processes are
altered, for example, by maintaining a constant water
level, the wetland will begin to deteriorate.
C
onducting wetland restoration and management
activities requires a detailed understanding of site-
specifi c soils, engineering, hydrological, and biological
issues that are too extensive to address within this
guide.
To obtain more information, visit Appendices
C and D in the comprehensive Nebraska Wetland
Program Plan (LaGrange 2015) available online, or the
publications on restoration and management listed in
the General References section near the back of this
guide. In addition, prior to undertaking a restoration
or management project, contact your local Nebraska
Game and Parks district offi ce (see contact information
on page 85).
Wetland Restoration
and Management
Sandhill cranes arrive during spring migration and feed in the
wetland that now ponds some water.
Wetlands were naturally grazed by bison and elk, and prescribed
grazing by cattle is often used to keep wetlands in good
condition.
By late summer and early fall in many years, the water has dried
up and plants cover the wetland.
A late winter prescribed fi re mimics prairie fi res that occurred
naturally in the past and helps keep vegetation healthy.
Wetlands are very dynamic. They change across seasons and years. Here the same wet meadow wetland along the Central Platte River
is shown in diff erent seasons.
MICHAEL FORSBERG
