In 2016, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) introduced its new five-year plan to promote and improve pheasant hunting throughout the state. Named the Berggren Plan in honor of Lynn Berggren, a former commissioner for the NGPC, it is an update of the previous Focus on Pheasants initiative. Berggren
Join landowners, agricultural producers, conservation professionals, congressional staff, researchers, and students for a day of education and networking about conservation in Nebraska. The 24th annual Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Informational Seminar will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at the Ramada Midtown Grand Island (the former Hotel Grand Conference Center)
(Posted 9/6/18) The western portion of the Rainwater Basin region provides important stopover habitat for many migratory waterbirds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and the endangered Whooping Crane. Restoration of Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) is a high priority for the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District (WMD), particularly in the western portion of
(Posted 9/5/18) Since the early 2000s, the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture (RWBJV) partnership has acknowledged the importance of grazing Rainwater Basin wetlands. Cattle grazing provides disturbance, which promotes desirable, seed producing plants and helps control undesirable plants. Not only does grazing benefit the habitat, it also benefits the landowner by
(Posted 5/9/18) Expert information, landowner opportunities, networking, and great food, company and conversation were some of the reasons the 23rd annual RWBJV Informational Seminar was considered a huge success by its 194 attendees, including landowners, conservation professionals, academics, students, and natural resource volunteers. Over 40 agencies and organizations were represented.
(Posted 5/8/18) Since 2012, the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture has helped fund research focused on better understanding the potential for and the impacts of cattle grazing in wetlands. The first project (2012-2014) focused on the impacts of cattle grazing on seed production in Rainwater Basin wetlands. An article based on
(Posted 5/8/18) An exciting new conservation program is available in the Rainwater Basin region to protect wildlife habitat while allowing landowners to crop the site when conditions permit. The program is called the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE), a permanent non-development easement (i.e., no building structures) held by the local Natural
(Posted 5/8/18) The Rainwater Basin (RWB) is an important staging area for migrating waterfowl, extending over 21 counties with approximately 40,000 acres of wetlands. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) owns and manages 35 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in 11 of the 21 counties. These properties encompass 8,953 acres
Hear what your colleagues and neighbors had to say about the 2018 RWBJV Info Seminar in these short audio clips. Then, plan to join them in 2019 to learn, network, exchange information, and have a great time!
(Posted 1/12/18) Playa wetlands in the western portion of the Rainwater Basin are important stopover sites for millions of waterfowl and the federally endangered Whooping Crane during both spring and fall migration. Recognizing the value of these wetlands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) owns and manages 22 wetlands
