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Conservation 14 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2025 Annual Report Conservation priorities mapped in Natural Legacy plan Nebraska's updated State Wildlife Action Plan — the Nebraska Natural Legacy Plan — was approved in 2025. The plan outlines conservation priorities for the state's most vulnerable plant and animal species and reflects input from landowners, partner organizations, the public, land managers and others committed to natural resources. A major change in this edition was the new designation of a Biologically Unique Ecoregion for the Sandhills. This designation recognizes the region's ecological value and ensures it receives the same conservation focus as the 35 Biologically Unique Landscapes identified in earlier editions of the report. A conservation priority designation also was developed for aquatic habitats, with 63 watersheds selected as priorities for research and conservation. These priority areas offer the greatest opportunities for conservation, habitat management and research that benefit the largest number of at-risk species while helping keep common species common. The Tier I and Tier II species lists also were revised, with 53 species removed, 17 added, and 29 assigned a new designation: Species of Greatest Information Need; research over the next decade will prioritize these 29 species. Guidance in the plan for education and recreation also were expanded, recognizing their growing importance to conservation and public engagement. Nebraska's Natural Legacy Project remains part of a nationwide effort to address the needs of declining wildlife populations and support healthy ecosystems for future generations. Conservation Species of Greatest Information Need are species for which more research is needed before its conservation need can be fully assessed. A blowout penstemon, a federally endangered plant, grows in the Sandhills. GERRY STEINAUER The Panhandle Prairies Biologically Unique Landscape in Sioux County. JUSTIN HAAG A burrowing owl, a Tier I Species of Greatest Conservation Need. JUSTIN HAAG