Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
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Nebraska's Biologically Unique Landscapes
Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs) touch portions of nearly all counties in Nebraska, and while the
primary focus of these habitat projects are at-risk species, we take an ecosystem approach that benefi ts game
and nongame species alike.
In 2024, targeted eff orts were made in BULs, such as the Loess Canyons in southeast Lincoln County,
Southeast Prairies and Sandstone Prairies, and the Keya Paha/Middle Niobrara River. Habitat work also was
conducted in Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan demonstration sites at Indian Cave State Park, Lewis and Clark
State Recreation Area and Schramm Park SRA.
Through these eff orts, we completed 58 legacy plan projects impacting a total of 27,338 acres. Just under
$2 million went into these eff orts, including from Game and Parks, landowners and conservation partners.
Some projects utilized State Wildlife Grant and Nebraska Environmental Trust funding, and in some areas, we
added on the use of Pittman-Roberts Act funds to target habitat improvements for game species.
In one BUL, the Southeast Prairies and Sandstone Prairies BUL, partners worked together to reduce
invasive plant species through mechanical or chemical tree and shrub removal and through prescribed
burns. Game and Parks provided cost-share payments to farmers and ranchers to facilitate adoption of
these conservation practices and also provided habitat technical assistance to an additional 150 private
landowners. Grassland birds, such as the greater prairie-chicken, Henslow's sparrow and loggerhead shrike,
and pollinator species such as the monarch, regal fritillary, Iowa skipper and byssus skipper benefi tted from
the improved grassland spaces.
The Oglala National Grasslands in
northwestern Nebraska is one of the
most intact prairies on Earth where
you can fi nd quiet, undeveloped
spaces.
