OutdoorNebraska

2016 Annual Report • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 9 W H O O P I N G C R A N E S S T A Y O N W I L D L I F E M A N A G E M E N T A R E A S Whooping cranes are one of the most critically-endangered species on the planet. Approximately 300 of them remain in the wild population that migrates through Nebraska each spring and fall. Within the last year, six whooping cranes stopped over at Father Hupp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for 20 days and three cranes stopped at Wilkinson WMA for 11 days. Protection of the birds and their habitats is critical, so both WMAs were closed to public use during the cranes' 31-day stay. These situations created a need to "crane sit;" staff monitored the cranes and visitors to avoid any problems. This also provided an opportunity for staff to interact with observers and discuss, among other topics, funding for WMAs. The main funding sources are the sale of hunting permits and stamps (habitat and waterfowl), which allows anyone to contribute to conservation by purchasing. Funds raised through those sales are matched, by federal funding that comes from the Pittman Robertson Act. These funds are used for land acquisition, habitat improvements on WMAs, and more critical tasks that result in more places for outdoor recreation, better wildlife habitat, and more wildlife for everyone to enjoy. Father Hupp and Wilkinson WMAs were acquired and restored with those funds, along with additional funding from partners. habitat and help engage and educate the public. Game and Parks is working to establish new acres of pollinator habitat at 15 state parks, thanks to funding from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, National Fish and Wildlife Funding and State Wildlife Grants. The Cowboy Trail is a focal project for monarch and pollinator restoration and engaging communities in milkweed planting, care and maintenance, with a total of 18,500 milkweed seedlings planted since 2015. State fish hatcheries are pursuing pollinator restorations at six locations. Game and Parks has planted milkweed production plots on wildlife management areas (WMA) that are intended to produce more milkweed seeds for future needs on 32 WMAs. In 2015, 58,825 acres of Early Successional Habitat were implemented on public lands. Focus on Pheasants Initiative and farm bill programs have restored 62,899 acres that benefit pollinators and monarchs on private lands. Game and Parks is also asking Nebraskans to plant milkweed and native flowers, and then make their milkweed count through an online tracking system. Citizens and Master Naturalists are also contributing to tracking monarch populations through voluntary monarch surveys.

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