Everyone can benefit from Nebraska’s Natural Legacy Project. More abundant and sustainable wildlife populations enhance recreational activities such as bird watching, hunting, fishing, hiking, and canoeing. Nebraska also benefits 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 its unique unspoiled landscapes such as the Sandhills. These amenities are a source of pride for Nebraskans.To view more information on the biologically unique landscapes, mouse over the map below:
Reverse the decline of at-risk species (and avoid the need for state or federal listing as threatened or endangered)
Recover currently listed species and allow for their de-listing
Keep common species common
Conserve natural communities
The Legacy Project puts Habitat on the Ground
Coordinating Wildlife Biologists work to implement Natural Legacy’s goals. They work with a variety of partners to deliver voluntary, incentive-based conservation actions. Natural Legacy’s projects are designed to benefit wildlife and meet landowner objectives. Conservation work is performed also on public ground to improve habitat for many wildlife species.
The Legacy Project Learns and Adapts
Wildlife biologists conduct species inventories, monitor populations, and conduct research to continually learn and adapt management to changing conditions. In recent years, Nebraska researchers have conducted surveys on plant communities, Burrowing Owls, Piping Plovers, Least Terns, Pallid Sturgeon, and other wildlife. These efforts have provided valuable insight regarding species assemblages, habitat use and preference, and population trends. The understanding that comes from this research is needed to make sound conservation decisions.
The Legacy Project Works with Partners
Partners at all levels collaborate on projects. They make decisions regarding allocation of funds and the guidance of conservation implementation.
Funding Sources
The approved state wildlife action plan is required for funds to be allocated from the federal government. Other financial sources include competitive funding for Natural Legacy from the State Wildlife Grant program, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Landowner Incentive Program, and the Wildlife Conservation Fund tax check-off.
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