Partners For Fish and Wildlife
Table of Contents
The Nebraska "Partners Program" first began in 1989. Its mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats on private (non-federal) land. Technical and financial assistance is provided to landowners who voluntarily restore wetlands and other fish and wildlife habitat on their land. Work is accomplished by enlisting the assistance of a wide variety of other partners. These partners may include other Federal agencies, State and local governments, conservation organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and private individuals.
Although Nebraska’s Partners Program covers the entire state, there are five main focus areas. They consist of the Sandhills, Platte River Valley, Missouri River Valley, Todd Valley, and the Rainwater Basins.
The Rainwater Basin Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is primarily interested in the restoration or enhancement of naturally occurring Rainwater Basin wetlands for the benefit of migratory birds. Most of these wetlands range in size from one acre up to 40 acres. A few are larger than 1,000 acres. Rainwater Basin wetlands are characteristically shallow, with flat bottoms and gently sloping sides. Water depth in each wetland varies with the ideal level being six inches or less. These wetlands hold water principally during seasons of high precipitation. Smaller wetlands are dominated by "barnyard" grass while larger wetlands are true marshes filled with native plant life like bulrushes, pondweeds and smartweeds. To a landowner in south central Nebraska, a Rainwater Basin is often referred to as a "trouble" area. Farmers manage to plant corn or soy annually, but the crops tend to drown out frequently. The Rainwater Basin Partners Program focuses on finding a win-win solution for both the landowner and wildlife.
The Rainwater Basin Partners Program puts some emphasis on creating wetlands. This is typically accomplished by building a low berm at the bottom of the drainage to hold back areas of shallow water. Water control structures are placed so that water may be drained from the land after March 31. This allows for dual land use. Landowners continue farming in the land during the spring and summer, and seasonal habitat is created for migratory bird use from late fall to early spring.
The Partners program is interested in restoring riparian areas along the Platte River. This often involves the removal of trees along the banks as well as the restoration of stream channels or "braids" that were once found commonly along the Platte River.
The Rainwater Basin Partners Program does not provide funding for stock or fish pond construction. We can provide technical assistance that can help you improve your existing pond for general wildlife use. If you already have a pond and are interested in stocking it with fish, contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Do you have an idea, but need a little help to make it work? We can provide informal advice on the design and location of potential projects, or we can assist with the design and funding of projects under a voluntary cooperative agreement with the landowner. Under a cooperative agreement, a landowner agrees to maintain the restoration project as specified in the agreement for a minimum of 10 years. Financial assistance is dependent on current funding sources, the project type and location, and the ability of a landowner to enter into the 10-year agreement.
No. You are not required to open up your land to the public. U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees may occasionally access the project area to check on its progress.
If you think you have a project that will benefit fish or wildlife, please contact us! If we can not assist you with your project, we may be able to help you find an organization or program that will. Contact information is listed above.
Last updated: October 9, 2008
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