OutdoorNebraska

36 2024 Annual Report • Conservation Environmental reviews reduce impacts to threatened and endangered species The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has responsibility for protecting endangered and threatened species under authority of the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-801 to 37-814). Protecting these species not only includes research and conservation, but conducting environmental reviews on projects that are state funded, authorized, or carried out. Each year thousands of projects pass through the Commission's automated Conservation and Environmental Review Tool and several hundred pass directly through the hands of the Environmental Review Team at Nebraska Game and Parks. The Environmental Review Team reviews project activities against species records, life histories, and ranges, critical habitat, and natural communities. They then provide applicants with expert advice on conservation measures and best management practices to avoid and minimize the project's impacts to Nebraska's most sensitive species and habitats. Environmental reviews ensure threatened and endangered species' continued existence in our state, work toward recovery of listed species, and promote voluntary conservation and management actions. Nebraska is a nationwide leader in environmental review and species conservation, being one of only 11 states in the United States that reviews state actions for impacts to threatened and endangered species. In 2024, 2,161 projects were submitted for environmental review under the Nebraska act and 101 conservation planning reports ran through CERT to help direct conservation actions and avoid impacts to listed species. Seven CERT trainings were hosted for other state agencies, city and county offi cials, utility and natural resources district personnel, conservation habitat partners and private consulting fi rms. Collaboration with Glacial Till Vineyards benefi ts at-risk wildlife Nebraska Game and Parks teamed up with Glacial Till Vineyards in 2024 to introduce Slowpoke Cider, a tangerine fl avored beverage inspired by Nebraska's state reptile: The Ornate Box Turtle. The limited-edition drink benefi ted Nebraska wildlife education and conservation of at-risk species. For every six-pack sold, $1 went to the Wildlife Conservation Fund and the Educational Fund. The conservation fund supports nongame wildlife projects and the educational fund connects people with nature and fostering the stewardship of Nebraska's natural resources. In all, $3,200 was raised for these eff orts through this unique collaboration. Nebraska's state reptile, the ornate box turtle, was used in collaboration to help the Wildlife Conservation Fund and Educational Fund.

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