OutdoorNebraska

8 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2018-2022 Focus on the Future Invasive species affect a number of native species and may change ecological processes, structure and function. A variety of viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and prions are a growing threat to ecosystems. Although occurrence of disease in wildlife can be a normal part of a healthy ecosystem, there is an increasing trend in novel or introduced diseases with severe consequences for wildlife populations. Ongoing communication and studies will keep natural resource managers informed of disease risks and provide a better understanding of prevention, management, and potential zoonotic spillovers. High nutrient conditions and increasing water temperatures have impacted our rivers and streams. Some land management practices lead to high fluctuations in nutrient loading, sedimentation and temperature in most aquatic systems. For example, blue-green algae exhibit optimum growth rates at both high temperatures and nutrient levels. These conditions often lead to excessive blue-green algae densities that can result in harmful algae blooms that release toxins into the water. The production of toxic substances often reduce the recreational opportunities for swimming, wading, and skiing. Partnerships with land managers to institute best management practices in the watersheds represents the best strategies to minimize and mitigate impacts. Demand for new and replacement energy infrastructure is increasing the impact on landscapes in Nebraska. Large high-line transmission projects, pipelines and wind energy developments are becoming more prevalent and pose challenges to the existing habitats. Nebraska is within a key international flyway for migratory birds and bats, and energy development affects these species. FUNDING: Game and Parks must be responsive to changing, and sometimes conflicting, public desires and must balance those desires with science-based management decisions and available financial resources. Demands for new services and activities, without new funding resources, place high demands on staff and existing resources. Game and Parks is funded primarily through user fees, with less than 14 percent of our funding coming from the State General Fund (general tax receipts). We have an NGPC BUDGET BY FUNDING SOURCE PARK CASH Fund 27% GAME CASH Fund 27% GENERAL FUND 14% FEDERAL 13% HABITAT FUNDS (both) 12% Other Cash 7% PARK CASH Fund GAME CASH GENERAL FUND FEDERAL HABITAT FUNDS Other Cash PARK CASH Fund 27% GAME CASH Fund 27% GENERAL FUND 14% FEDERAL 13% HABITAT FUNDS (both) 12% Other Cash 7% PARK CASH Fund GAME CASH Fund GENERAL FUND FEDERAL HABITAT FUNDS (both) Other Cash

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