OutdoorNebraska

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS Wetland Conservation Efforts I t is beyond the scope of this publication to deal in-depth with all the wetland conservation efforts underway in Nebraska. Listed below are statewide initiatives, and regional initiatives are covered in the respective sections under Nebraska's Regional Wetland Complexes. Wetland Restoration, Enhancement, and Management Assistance — Private landowners are a key partner in doing any wetland conservation work as most wetlands are located on private lands. Programs are available to assist these land stewards with the restoration, enhancement and management of their wetland areas. These programs provide up to 100% cost-share and are fl exible enough to meet the needs of most landowners. For farmers and ranchers, these programs can provide options that benefi t wetlands and keep their land in production. For assistance or additional information, contact your nearest Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offi ce or the headquarters offi ce at P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503, (402) 471-5436. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (308-382-6468) or your local Natural Resources Conservation Service offi ce can also provide assistance as can many conservation organizations, such as Ducks Unlimited (517-242-6207). Acquisition — Several agencies have programs to acquire wetlands, on a willing seller basis, by fee title (e.g., state wildlife management areas) or by easement (e.g., the USDA Wetland Reserve Easements program). Contact your nearest Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offi ce, or the headquarters offi ce, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503, (402) 471-5436 or 5535. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, your local Natural Resources Conservation Service offi ce, Ducks Unlimited or other conservation organizations also may be able to help. Water Quality Programs — Wetlands are incorporated into several water quality improvement programs and the state water quality standards. Contact the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, P.O. Box 98922, Lincoln, NE 68509, (402) 471- 2186. Legal Protection — Several laws are in place to protect existing wetland areas and the benefi ts that they provide. The federal Clean Water Act may require that a Section 404 permit be obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prior to draining, fi lling, placing objects, or digging in a wetland or other water area. Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 8901 South 154th St., Suite 1, Omaha, NE 68138, (402) 896-0723. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy considers wetlands to be waters of the state and protects them from degradation (Nebraska Surface Water Quality Standards, Title 117). Contact the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, P.O. Box 98922, Lincoln, NE 68509, (402) 471-2186. Landowners who receive federal farm program benefi ts need to follow the wetland rules contained in the Swampbuster provision of the federal Farm Bill to maintain their eligibility for benefi ts. This program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Outreach, Education, and Planning — A variety of outreach, education and planning efforts address wetlands. Project Aquatic WILD and Project WET provide teachers and school children with wildlife and wetland curricula materials that may be used in formal and informal education settings. For Project WILD, contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503, (402) 471-5363. For Project Wet, contact the Nebraska Forest Service Conservation Education Program, P.O. Box 830965, Lincoln, NE 68583, (402) 472-2944, nfs.unl.edu/ education. Additional outreach materials are available from the Wetland Program Manager, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, P.O. Box 30370, Lincoln, NE 68503, (402) 471-5436. Visit NebraskaWetlands.com to fi nd links to a variety of wetland educational materials. River otters are one of many types of wildlife that benefi t from the conservation of wetlands in Nebraska. MICHAEL FORSBERG

• Cover