OutdoorNebraska

18 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2016 Annual Report B I G H O R N S H E E P C O N S E R V A T I O N A N D N E W R E C O R D B I G H O R N R A M December marked the completion of the 35 th year of bighorn sheep management and conservation in Nebraska. It also marked a year when a state record- breaking ram scored 190 5/8. Since the reintroduction of bighorn sheep back to Nebraska in 1981, 21 bighorns have been harvested with 100 percent success. Nebraska's bighorn sheep management program includes reintroducing bighorns back to their native lands and establishing a self-sustaining, viable population. Along with support from several conservation groups, five introductions of bighorns have occurred, with each herd establishing itself in a different location. Since, 1998 approximately $630,000 has been raised through lottery, permit application fees. Another $640,000 has been raised through permits sold through auction. Conservation groups have also contributed extensive funding to the bighorn sheep program. Bighorn sheep remain one of Nebraska's most popular species yet remain an At-Risk species in the state. Extensive management and research continue with the disease challenges that face this iconic species. Approximately 320 sheep live in the Pine Ridge and Wildcat Hills escarpments of western Nebraska, providing viewing, photography, hunting and educational opportunities. C O N S E R V A T I O N R O U N D T A B L E I D E N T I F I E S K E Y I S S U E S The Nebraska Conservation Roundtable helps the conservation community become a more cohesive voice, create dialogue and foster collaboration, serve as a resource for policy makers and provide solutions for issues impacting Nebraska's fish and wildlife habitat. The Roundtable, with representatives from approximately two dozen organizations, has identified the primary issues facing fish, wildlife and habitat conservation in Nebraska that will require a collective and collaborative effort. The issues are: eastern red cedar encroachment, degraded water resources, grassland conversion, inappropriately sited energy development, climate change, reduced state funding for conservation, and invasive species and disease. The Roundtable has recently completed a report that presents the scope of the eastern red cedar invasion, current statistics, and the necessary funding and resources to prevent more invasion. This report has proved useful in securing grants and aligning conservation partners, and will be shared with state senators in 2017. TERRY BOGLE WITH THE BIGHORN SHEEP HE HARVESTED IN THE PINE RIDGE SOUTHEAST OF CRAWFORD

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