1/19/2005
Pheasant Fest Landowner Interest Pleasant Surprise - Tom Keith
LINCOLN, Neb. – From the moment the doors opened at the Nebraska Game and
Parks Commission’s landowner help desk at last weekend’s Pheasant Fest,
landowners streamed in for one-on-one talks with Commission biologists,
providing perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the event. There was little
let-up for the rest of the event.
“We were most surprised by the number of landowners who came through the
doors, many with aerial maps of their properties, wanting to know what they
can do to improve habitat on their private lands,” said Steve Riley, head of
the Commission’s Habitat Partner’s Section, which conducts outreach and
assistance to private landowners. “We talked with hundreds of landowners and
discussed improvement options for tens of thousands of acres. If we can
partner with even a small percentage of them, we will have made great
strides in improving upland habitat in our state.”
In Nebraska 97 percent of all lands are privately owned, making it crucial
for public-private partnerships to take hold and improve the habitat for
wildlife. Riley said a host of programs exist to benefit landowners, from
provisions in the current USDA Farm Bill, to state programs and cooperative
agreements with groups like Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited, to name a
few.
“Private lands are a focal point for our biologists,” Riley said. “They are
well versed in federal, state, and private programs and are more than happy
to meet with landowners, conduct on-site inspections and consultations, and
assist in any way possible those who are interested in improving the quality
of habitat. I would certainly encourage any landowner with an interest to
contact the Commission, because our staff is available throughout the year,
not just at special events.” Riley said the Commission will team with
Pheasants Forever to provide similar help-desk assistance at Husker Harvest
Days.
All totaled, nearly 500 landowners sought input from staff. Their interests
were as far-reaching as the varied landscapes of the state. Some of the
initial assistance sought included such efforts as improving quail habitat
by installing field buffer strips, improving upland habitat on center-pivot
corners, determining the proper seed mixtures for land enrolled in the
Conservation Reserve Program, the best practices for mid-contract management
of CRP plots, wetlands management and general Farm Bill programs with a
emphasis on wildlife.
Those interested in the types of programs available, as well as technical
assistance related to habitat improvements are encouraged to contact the
Commission in the Lincoln office, or to speak with biologist stationed
through the state and listed below.
District I, Alliance, Emily Munter, 308-763-2940; District II, Bassett, Bill
Vodehnal, 402-684-2921; District III, Norfolk, Clayton Stalling,
402-370-3374; District IV, North Platte, Dan Rochford, 308-535-8025;
District V, Lincoln, Scott Luedtke, 402-471-5561; District VI, Kearney, Tim
McCoy, 308-865-5308.
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