OutdoorNebraska

42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS WESTERN ALKALINE Profi le Western Alkaline wetlands occur on the fl oodplain of the North Platte River upstream from Lewellen, and along the upper reaches of Pumpkin Creek. These wetlands receive their water from a combination of overland runoff, fl ood overfl ows and springs. The hydrology of these wetlands is complex and infl uenced by local irrigation runoff. The alkalinity is primarily caused by the salts of sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate becoming concentrated in the soils as a result of high rates of evaporation in this semi- arid region. These wetlands frequently dry up, and a white crust of alkaline salts forms on the exposed soil surface. Loss and Threats Wetlands in this complex appear to have experienced fewer losses and to be less threatened than many of the other complexes in Nebraska. Much of this is because of the lack of development in the vicinity of these wetlands and because the soils are poorly suited to crop production. However, some wet meadows on less alkaline sites have been drained and converted to cropland or planted to non-native wheatgrasses. Irrigation projects have affected some sites, and the long-term effect of reduced fl ows in the North Platte River is unknown. Flows have greatly declined on Pumpkin Creek, likely as a result of groundwater depletions, and this could affect the alkaline wetlands located there. Benefi ts Western Alkaline wetlands provide nesting and migration habitat for a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. This complex is especially attractive to nesting American avocets, Wilson's phalaropes, cinnamon teal, blue-winged teal, mallards, and Canada geese. Much of the shorebird habitat is provided by the open alkaline fl ats. These wetlands provide important waterfowl hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities in this region of the state. Several plants rare to Nebraska occur in the alkaline wetlands including the Nevada bulrush, slender plantain, silverweed, eastern cleomella, thelypody, seaside heliotrope, and sea milkwort. The Western Alkaline Wetlands are mostly located within the North Platte River Biologically Unique Landscape (Schneider et al. 2011). The location of these wetlands near springs and along the Oregon Trail lends to their historical signifi cance. Conservation Success Stories Platte River Basin Environments, Inc., is an organization formed by a group of outdoor enthusiasts in western Nebraska concerned about wildlife habitat and the natural areas in the North Platte River

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