OutdoorNebraska

Conservation 17 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2025 Annual Report Watercraft inspectors conducted inspections for aquatic hitchhikers at locations across the state in 2025. ERIC FOWLER Strategies protect Nebraska waterways from invasive species The Aquatic Invasive Species Program, which works to protect our waters and prevent the spread of invasive species and educate outdoors enthusiasts, had a productive 2025 season. Nearly 7,000 watercraft inspections were conducted at more than 40 water bodies, and two zebra mussel-fouled watercraft were intercepted, preventing contamination. Staff analyzed 159 early-detection water samples for zebra mussels with no new detections — a strong sign Nebraska's prevention strategies continue to work. The year also marked a milestone in invasive aquatic plant management, with successful herbicide treatments at 12 water bodies targeting Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed. Early results suggest strong treatment success, with additional efforts planned for 2026. Nebraska also celebrated its first Aquatic Invasive Species Week in 2025, bringing new educational opportunities to communities across the state. Research supports fish in Nebraska's streams Fisheries researchers are expanding habitat- improvement techniques tailored to Nebraska's diverse stream sizes to support both sport-fish and at-risk species. Recent work on Big Bordeaux Creek Wildlife Management Area, Gordon Creek, Sowbelly Creek and Dry Spotted Tail Creek is providing real-world test cases to measure the success of renovations. Biologists report measurable gains for trout and other cool-water species where customized improvements — such as instream wood and constructed pools — have been installed. Early results show these upgrades also benefit at-risk species, which are staying in these enhanced reaches rather than dispersing in search of better water. In 2025, researchers also launched a pilot study on the movement of the northern pearl dace, a small at-risk species in Sandhills streams. Findings will guide priority restoration areas, predator management, and stream-connectivity improvements, with methods expanding to additional species and waters. This work is supported by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Aquatic Habitat Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Program, private landowners and Turner Enterprises, Inc. Game and Parks employees sample fish from Big Bordeaux Creek at Bordeaux Wildlife Management Area. JUSTIN HAAG

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