A Pheasants Forever-sponsored wildlife habitat project in the Rainwater Basin region of south-central Nebraska has received $3.25 million in financial assistance through the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP).
The multi-year pilot program will allow center pivot irrigation systems to travel across wetlands and upland buffers restored and protected through the USDA's Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) as a reserved right.
The project was one of five announced by the Department of Agriculture to restore and enhance wetlands in five Midwestern states through WREP.
This pilot WREP program provides a unique conservation tool that will increase program enrollment throughout the Rainwater Basin Region.
Nearly 75 percent of the restorable wetlands are intersected by center pivot irrigation systems. In the past, multiple landowners have withdrawn Wetlands Reserve Program applications or not applied due to the uncertainty of being allowed to let their pivot cross a wetland enrolled in the program.
“In the Rainwater Basin, the number of pivots is likely to increase in the future,” said Pete Berthelsen, Pheasants Forever Senior Field Coordinator. “The overall impact of center pivots on wetlands and wildlife is likely minimal when compared to the overall benefits that long-term protection of wetlands and associated upland buffers will have on wildlife populations.”
“This pilot WREP offers landowners a unique opportunity to enroll marginal flood-prone cropland without adversely affecting their irrigation systems,” said Andy Bishop, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Coordinator.
“Wetlands preservation is a priority at USDA not only because of the role wetlands play in supporting diverse wildlife and plants, but also their importance in sustaining healthy ecosystems,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The wetland restoration and enhancements made possible through WREP will significantly increase wildlife habitat and improve water quality.”
WREP, a component of the Wetlands Reserve Program, leverages the resources of eligible partners to provide financial and technical assistance to eligible landowners to protect, restore and enhance wetlands and improve wildlife habitat through multi-year projects lasting up to five years. WREP links wetlands and non-wetlands by creating wildlife habitat and floodplain corridors.
Deer permits offered for Gifford Point WMA
Deer hunters interested in hunting at Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area (WMA) this year may apply for access permits through Aug. 15, said Pat Molini, southeast district wildlife manager of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Molini said 200 access permits will be issued to allow deer hunters access to the area along the Missouri River adjacent to Bellevue.
To be eligible to apply, hunters must have a valid statewide archery, statewide muzzleloader or Season Choice Area 21 deer permit. Successful applicants will be issued a key for the access gate to the wildlife area. Only persons holding a valid access authorization will be allowed on the area from Sept. 1 through the end of Nebraska's deer seasons.
Deer hunters may apply as “buddies,” which ensures that both or neither will draw an access permit. Only two people may apply as buddies, and both applications must be submitted in the same envelope. A buddy permit does not allow party hunting. Each individual must harvest his or her own animal.
Vehicle access will be limited to the rock road directly adjacent to the 8-foot-high deer fence on Educational Service Unit property. Only foot access to the interior of the area is allowed.
Application forms are available at Game and Parks offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, and Schilling WMA. If more than 200 applications are received, a drawing will be held Aug. 20 at the Game and Parks office in Lincoln.
Park to hold Junior Ranger activities
Every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day, the National Park Service will offer free Junior Ranger programs at the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center (Gavins Point Dam Project).
The programs, aimed toward children ages 6 to 11 but open to families and “kids of all ages,” will begin at 11 a.m., and topics will vary.
Participants will learn about the national parks and earn their Junior Ranger badge or certificate. Those interested can also learn about self-guided Junior Ranger activities and how to earn a Junior Ranger Patch.
CALENDAR
TUESDAY
• Family Fishing Night, Bowling Lake, Lincoln.
WEDNESDAY
• Lower Platte Archery Club 3D Shoot, Schramm Park State Recreation Area archery range, 6 p.m., free.
THURSDAY
• Cornhusker Fly Fishers fly-tying workshop, 6 to 8 p.m., Cabela's, La Vista.
FRIDAY
• National Park Service program, Niobrara State Park, Niobrara, Neb.
• Becoming an Outdoors Woman Kayaking Workshop, Niobrara State Park.
SATURDAY
• Becoming an Outdoors Woman Kayaking Workshop, Niobrara State Park, Niobrara,Neb.
• Buffalo cookout and entertainment, Niobrara State Park.
• Omaha Hiking Club, Chalco Hills Recreation Area, 8:30 a.m.
Please submit Calendar items to outdoors@owh.com or send to Outdoors Sports, World-Herald Sports Dept., 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102.
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