Nebraska's Natural Legacy Project Is...

The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project is part of a nationwide effort; all 50 states and US territories are simultaneously developing comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies. When these plans are completed in October 2005, it will mark the first time in our nation’s history that state wildlife agencies and the broader conservation community have collaborated to address the needs of declining wildlife.

This national planning effort is an outgrowth of efforts lead by the Teaming With Wildlife coalition. This 3,000 member coalition, the largest ever assembled on behalf of wildlife, has worked tirelessly for nearly two decades to secure federal funding for state-based wildlife conservation. In 2001, Congress responded to this need by creating the State Wildlife Grants program and the related Wildlife Conservation and Restoration program.

During the past four years, nearly $300 million has been allocated to state wildlife agencies using a formula based on population and land area. Nebraska’s share has been about $3 million. Nebraska has been using a portion of it’s allocation to complete Phase 1, the planning phase of the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. A large portion of the funds are being used to provide competitive grants to universities and conservation organizations to implement on-the-ground conservation.

Nebraska’s Natural Legacy Project will move beyond the traditional species-by-species approach and focus on habitat conservation on a larger, landscape scale. This approach will help keep common species common while also focusing on the needs of some of Nebraska’s rarest species.  This habitat-based approach will benefit game species as well as non-game species.

An initial draft has been sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval and implementation will proceed. Conservation opportunities identified in the blueprint consist of non-regulatory, incentive-based strategies to conserve existing high quality habitat. The Natural Legacy project will enhance existing and create new voluntary opportunities for private landowners who are interested in conserving wildlife. This project also provides new opportunities to assess the health of Nebraska’s biodiversity and address potential problems earlier and proactively, reducing the likelihood of controversies associated with endangered species listings.

The future of Nebraska’s natural heritage is at a crossroads. In order to address the needs of declining species and look towards the future needs of all species, action is needed now. Through a sophisticated and coordinated conservation effort the future of wildlife is bright.

Education Opportunities

Nebraska has a rich natural legacy, a source of pride for all Nebraskans. This pride stems from the knowledge that wildlife is a valuable part of our heritage. To further enhance Nebraskan’s knowledge and appreciation of wildlife, the Natural Legacy Project identifies educational needs and opportunities that will help all Nebraskans achieve a higher level of understanding of the state’s unique flora and fauna. During implementation of the project new and innovative partnerships will be formed with schools, nature centers, and conservation partners to implement the blueprint’s vision. Education is an essential part of long term conservation since people will only conserve what they understand and value.

What are the benefits for Nebraskans?

Everyone will benefit from Nebraska’s Natural Legacy Project. Wildlife-recreation activities such as bird watching, hunting, fishing, hiking, and canoeing will be enhanced because of more abundant and sustainable wildlife populations. Nebraska will also benefit economically. In 2001, wildlife recreationists spent more than $585 million in Nebraska on their activities. Nationally over $100 billion is spent annually on wildlife recreation contributing to millions of jobs. These expenditures will likely continue to increase in the future if wildlife populations are sustained. Nebraska is nationally and internationally known for sandhill crane and prairie chicken viewing, upland game bird hunting, and for it’s unique unspoiled landscapes such as the sandhills. These amenities should be a source of pride for all Nebraskans.