OutdoorNebraska

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 GUIDE TO NEBRASKA'S WETLANDS and endangered species, and migration habitat for waterfowl and other waterbirds. Finally, the Sandhills wetland complex in north-central Nebraska is recognized as providing important breeding and migration habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and several endangered species. Reducing Flooding and Soil Erosion — Many wetlands act as a sponge by storing water temporarily and then allowing the water to percolate into the ground, evaporate, or be slowly released back into a stream or river. This temporary storage reduces downstream fl ooding after a storm and can provide tremendous economic benefi ts. Wetlands also slow the overland fl ow of water, reducing downstream soil erosion. Supplying Water — Many wetlands slowly release water into the ground, adding water to the underlying aquifers; this is called groundwater recharge. Some wetlands also slowly release water to streams and rivers, helping to maintain stream fl ows. These water-supply functions can benefi t municipal and agricultural water users, and provide water for livestock. Producing Food and Sequestering Carbon — The soils formed by wetlands can be very productive. These fertile soils benefi t many farmers and ranchers who tap the capability of wetlands to produce hay and forage for livestock. Less conventional uses also are possible, such as raising fi sh, crayfi sh and frogs, or growing alternative crops, such as wild rice, new strains of crops adapted to wetlands, and the use of wetland plants for biomass or ethanol production (USEPA 1991). Wetlands are increasingly recognized for their important role in carbon capture and in helping to address climate change. Temperate freshwater wetlands, such as those found in Nebraska, showed some of the highest rates of carbon sequestration recorded due to their high productivity and the buildup of carbon in wetland soils. Providing Recreation and Education — Wetlands provide numerous recreational opportunities, including hunting, trapping, wildlife watching, kayaking, photography, and enjoyment of the serenity that a wetland can offer. Anglers also benefi t from wetlands because many species of fi sh use these areas for spawning, hiding, or because the foods used by the fi sh are produced in wetlands. Wetlands provide an excellent setting for environmental education because of the many unusual life forms present and because they are unique features of the landscape. Wetlands also serve a historical function because they represent a landscape much as it once appeared in the past. Wetlands along the edges of lakes and ponds provide important habitat for fi sh. Here Lexus Erickson shows off the large bluegill she caught. JULIE GEISER, NEBRASKALAND Cattle grazing along the edge of a Sandhills wetland benefi t from the abundant and nutritious forage provided. ETHAN FREESE, PLATTE BASIN TIMELAPSE

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