OutdoorNebraska

58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 58 GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS Benefi ts The Elkhorn River and its associated wetlands provide habitat for the state endangered least tern and state and federally threatened piping plover, especially in the vicinity of sandpit sites that provide nesting substrate. Numerous wading birds, shorebirds and waterfowl, especially wood ducks, also use the Elkhorn and its associated wetlands. Parts of the Elkhorn River are in the Elkhorn Confl uence and Elkhorn River Headwaters Biologically Unique Landscapes (Schneider et al. 2011). Freshwater mussels are imperiled across much of their historic range and are a vital part of the aquatic ecosystem. They have declined due to habitat alterations and changes in water quality. The upper stretch of the Elkhorn River from west of Stuart to downriver of O'Neill has one of the few remaining natural populations of plain pocketbook mussels found in Nebraska. Pocketbooks from the Elkhorn River have provided brood stock to assist with native mussel restoration efforts in other parts of the state. Along with pocketbooks, several other species of mussels still can be found in the upper Elkhorn, most commonly the giant fl oater and heel splitters. Mussels constantly are fi ltering water, taking in algae, small detritus, and bacteria. The wetlands associated with the river are an important source of these foods needed by the mussels. Being associated with the river's fl oodplain, the wetlands of this complex play a valuable role in maintaining the natural functions and dynamics of the river system. These functions include fi ltering the water, attenuating fl ood peaks, and providing water to the river during periods of low fl ows. The Elkhorn River provides signifi cant recreation because of its proximity to cities such as O'Neill, Norfolk, Fremont and Omaha. Conservation Success Stories The Wood Duck Wildlife Management Area provides some outstanding examples of wetlands associated with the Elkhorn River. Many of the wetlands were in good condition, but others had been altered over the years and needed restoration. The restoration of these wetlands required several years to complete and needed the help and input from an array of experts, including soil scientists, biologists, engineers, surveyors, grant managers, contractors, equipment operators, and neighboring landowners. Partners included private landowners, Ducks Unlimited, The Conservation Fund, First National Bank of Omaha, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Izaak Walton League, Todd Valley Wetland Foundation, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Cub Scout Pack 212, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (North American Wetland Conservation Act funds), Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Wetland restoration projects can be complex and take time, but watching how quickly the wildlife respond to the improved conditions makes it all worthwhile. Website: ducks.org/ nebraska. Contacts Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

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