OutdoorNebraska

60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS NIOBRARA RIVER Profi le The Niobrara River fl ows across northern Nebraska from Sioux County to Knox County. The portion of the river upstream from Box Butte Reservoir has numerous alkaline wet meadow wetlands on the fl oodplain. In the central portion of the river, mostly in Cherry County, there are a variety of wetlands that receive water from the river and the numerous springs located along the canyon walls of the river valley. These springs not only support wetlands, but are also the source of over 200 waterfalls along this reach of the river. As the river fl ows east from Cherry County, it becomes shallower and more braided, with wetlands both along the fringe of the channel and as wet meadows on the fl oodplain. The Niobrara River is a scenic treasure in Nebraska and provides a unique mix of northern, western, and eastern plant communities. A portion of the river downstream from Valentine has been designated as a National Scenic River, and the lower 20 miles as a National Recreation River under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Loss and Threats The wetlands located along the Niobrara have not been greatly altered by human activities. Some small dams have been put in place, but most of the river fl ows naturally. Invasive purple loosestrife has spread along the Niobrara and constitutes a threat because it is of little value to wildlife, and it out-competes desirable native wetland plants. Benefi ts The Niobrara River and its associated wetlands provide important habitat for over 250 bird species. Endangered whooping cranes stop along the Niobrara River during migration. Least terns and threatened piping plovers nest on unvegetated sandbars on the Niobrara. The region also hosts concentrations of migrating and wintering waterfowl and nesting colonies of wading birds such as great blue herons. The Niobrara River includes the Upper, Middle, and Lower Biologically Unique Landscapes (Schneider et al. 2011). 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 sustaining the river during periods of low fl ows. Since being designated as a Scenic River in 1991,

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