January Tour of the La Platte Bottoms

It was a vividly cold, January day to be looking for birds, but it was the last day of the month, and plans might have negated common sense. The temperature was in the single digits, and there was a brisk breeze from the north meant an oppressive wind chill.

But purpose was the intent, and besides, someone else drove. It was a group endeavor to take a look at the La Platte Bottoms. There were eleven people within the big, red van filled with participants that first gathered at the Papio-Missouri Natural Resources District office at Wehrspan Lake. We then went forth, bundled within a variety of clothing, with layers of various sorts most prevalent. There was no especially distinctive hat.

The first bird of the outing was an American Kestrel along a highway corridor.

Upon arriving at the land eastward from La Platte, a single meadowlark was the first bird obvious. Nearby was a small flock of tree sparrows.

The tour of the bottoms continued eastward, and then along the levee. We went past Iske Place, on the west side of the Missouri River, where there are few remaining residents.

The NRD is moving forward with plans to buy Iske Place, and revert the properties to greenspace. It could be done with assistance of FEMA and NET grants. There is a similar intent for another another tract to the north at Elbow Bend. These places have been regularly ravaged by flood flows associated with the mighty Missouri River, so the time is apparent for the destruction to end.

Everyone got to see the upside-down crane — in the same situation as when the reported accident occurred earlier in the week — at the construction site for the new bridge over the Missouri River. A prominent sign indicating the number of accident-free days, had not yet been updated.

A couple of Bald Eagles were prominent because of their size. The two obvious were adults.

There were no deep drifts or any sorts of getting stuck problems because of the inches of snow a couple of days ago on the top of the levee. Marlin Petermann with the NRD, kept up an informative narrative. Especially notable features included local deer, former wells, a pump house and water control structures, fencing associated with a former dump, and prominent boundary markers.

An essential aspect were the colorful maps indicating property boundaries, landscape features which included a definitive indication of wetland areas, and other miscellany so essential to the day's endeavor.

Along the way, a suggestion to lead a bird hike was meet with vividly expressive silence.

Among the verbiage of the tour time, were some anecdotes about the local security man, who apparently has a deep well of stories. He was certainly attentive, as a nearby gate was quickly opened, though the route of the van was to go elsewhere.

With the fine mix of people riding within the big, red van, there were other ancillary topics of conversation, especially appreciated because it was a wonderful opportunity to listen and learn, with a purpose and strident effort to achieve a common goal!

The personal highlight of the afternoon drive was a Red-tailed Hawk, which had been sitting on a tree branch, until disturbed. It was hanging about an area on the north side of the Platte River where are significant portion of the native trees had been decimated by the flood, well remembered. The high-water mark was obvious on the tree trunks.

A short list of tasks was decided in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store, along Highway 75. A biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service, quipped to me: "You're seeing how the sausage is made," in reference to how decisions can be made by a group sitting in a van on a cold Thursday afternoon. This was after a break where nearly everyone had a refreshing something to drink, whether it was a coke or a rootbeer or some other liquid.

There is so much more to convey about the results of the afternoon tour about the confluence of the Platte at the Missouri River. Specifics convey opportunity and the results of the group will be known, and appreciated in the future.

Special thanks to the staff of the Papio-Missouri NRD for sponsoring the tour with its lively discussion and attention to further efforts to conserve the greenspace at the La Platte Bottoms.

The bird species observed are the first known records for this locale, for January.

Tern and Plover Breeding on Lower Platte, 1982

During the 1982 breeding season, the Interior Least Tern (Sterna albifrons athalassos) and Belted Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus circumcintus) were once again found to be nesting along the lower Platte River in eastern Nebraska. Instead of the hiking involved while searching for colonies in 1981, efforts to locate nesting sites were easier this year because of an aerial survey of the river conducted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This census included the Platte from the Missouri west to the Big Bend area in central Nebraska. During this flight, locations where Tern activity was noted were marked on a county map. Those places where several Terns had been sighted were then visited to verify nesting status. Although a larger area was covered by the aerial census, this report is concerned only with the approximately 100 kilometer stretch of the Platte from the Missouri upstream to the western boundary of Dodge and Saunders counties (Figure 1). Six sites were visited twice to evaluate nesting activity and success. A few other locations where just 1-2 birds had been observed from the air were not checked.

Figure 1. Location of Interior Least Tern colonies on the lower Platte River, Nebraska.

The first area west of the Missouri River where Tern activity was noted was in Sarpy County just north of Cedar Creek in Cass county. Easily accessible, Cedar Creek Colony was first visited on 2 July. Eight adult Terns were counted with 3 nests containing 1 or 3 eggs scattered around the sandbar. About 8 Piping Plover were also present and although through a spotting scope an adult could be seen incubating, no nest could be found when the site was approached directly. During a second visit on 28 July, 11 Terns were observed. This included 8 adults and 3 fledged, flying young that were part of a family group of 5. One nest observed contained a single egg still being incubated by an adult. No Piping Plover were seen.

The sandbar that the Terns were using as a nest site was less than 200 meters (m) north of the housing area along the south bank that comprised the town of Cedar Creek. A gravel road that provides drive access to the cabins also provides easy access to the colony area. A river subchannel with a depth that varied from 1 to 1.5 m separates the sandbar from the south bank. Some recreational use of the nesting area was noted. The sandpit lakes which the housing was built around did provide a foraging spot for the Terns.

Schramm Colony was also visited on 2 July when 10 Least Tern and 2 Piping Plover were observed. Only 2 Tern nests with 2 or 3 eggs were found. On 28 July, only 1 Tern was observe. This bird was foraging along the river and was not associated with the sandbar where nesting had been located on the previous visit.

The river bar used this year was in the same location but was quite different from the sandbar used by Terns and Plovers in the 1981 breeding season (NBR 49(3):45-51). The action of high river flows in the spring had made the sandbar longer and reduced the amount of elevated area. A site suitable for nesting was still present but not to the extent of last year. Both nests found were built on a small elevated area of only a few square meters. Those birds that did attempt to breed were subjected to disturbance by recreation. Empty beer cans and bottles, a salad dressing bottle, and other discarded refuse were evident on the sandbar. Refuse and a partially burned tree snag were present on 28 July right near where nests had been found on the first visit.

So instead of thriving successful 1981 colony of 30 Least Tern and 12 Piping Plover, this year Schramm had fewer birds and they did not appear to have any nesting success. This was probably a result of less available habitat and disturbance of birds and nests that were present.

Two Rivers Colony did, however, have successful Tern nesting this year when compared to 1981 results. Piping Plover did not share in this success. On 1 July, 12 Terns were observed and 4 nests with I to 3 eggs were located on the same area of the sandbar that had been used last year. At least 4 Plover were present but no nests were located. Five Terns and no Plovers were present the second visit on 30 July. Although no young Terns were observed, aggressive defensive behavior and an adult carrying food would suggest that young were still present. Five additional adults and 2 fledged, flying young had been present on the previous day (John Dinan pers. comm.).

This season, less recreational activity was evident on the sandbar. A water depth of around 2 m in some spots meant swimming was necessary to reach the nest site in early July whereas later in the month it could be easily reached by wading.

One factor that could have contributed to the reduction in nesting Piping Plover was that the sandbar was not as large this year. Instead of the water flowing around the nesting area, a river subchannel had cut through the sandbar and reduced its size by at least half.

Access to this colony is through Two Rivers State Recreation Area and an adjacent state wildlife management area to the south. A portion of the nest sandbar is a part of the wildlife lands and since the Game Commission does own the property, it could easily be managed for the benefit of breeding Terns and Plovers. In the years that birds are present, it would be especially appropriate to limit access to the immediate vicinity of the colony. Nesting birds could have an undisturbed breeding cycle, which could improve nesting success. Conservation or birding groups could be encouraged to monitor the colony to limit detrimental activities and to aid in species management. Informative warning signs could also be used to reduce recreational disturbance.

Habitat conditions at Dry Gulch Colony showed an improvement this year. More sand area was available and higher water flows meant water was present in the east river channel instead of it being completely dry. Ten Terns with 5 nests containing 1 or 2 eggs were observed at this site on 1 July. Piping Plover were also present but there were no indications of nesting activity. During the second visit on 30 July, only 3 adult Terns were present. On this date, the nests were not present, no young were observed, and no defensive behavior was displayed by the Terns present. Plovers were foraging on the sandbars. Despite improved habitat conditions, this colony once again did not successfully raise young.

Those nests that had been present on the first visit were on the highest, dryest part of the sandbar, 60 centimeters above the water level of the river. This elevation placed the nests a good distance above river flows and would have reduced the chance of high water levels inundating the nests and disrupting the breeding cycle. The nests were grouped in a very compact, 50 m square area. Such concentrated nesting could easily be affected by intense predation or human disturbance. It is not known what actually did disrupt nesting at this colony.

Ames Pit Colony was located North of the river at a privately owned sand and gravel operation southeast of Ames, Dodge County. Eight Terns were present on 1 July and 3 nests with 2 or 3 eggs were found. On 30 July, 5 adult terns and 2 fledged, flying young were present. The nesting site was a sandy area that was a result of previous years' sand mining. This colony was not isolated by water and was easily accessible by road. Woody growth of willows and cottonwoods as well as remnant riparian woodland occurred on the west and south side of the colony. A lake to the east and the river to the south provided a place to forage for food. Sand removal equipment was in operation to the north. Conditions in the nearby Platte did not appear suitable for nesting birds. Only one small, low level sandbar was present adjacent to the colony area.

A final location where Least Tern were present was another private sand and gravel operation east of Morse Bluff, Saunders County. Rev. Thomas Hoffman of Omaha has been watching Terns and Plovers at this site for the past six years. Nesting birds have been present in recent breeding seasons and this year was no exception. Wolf Pit Colony had the greatest number of breeding birds of any area checked. On 1 July 30 Terns and 14 nests containing 1 to 3 eggs, eggs and young, or 1 to 3 young were found. Several young were mobile and had left the nest scrape but were nearby in the shade of plants. The actual number of Piping Plover present was not determined since they were scattered over a large area but 6 nests with 1 or 4 eggs were located. Only 1 nest contained a single egg.

Figure 2. Sand deposits used by Least Tern and Piping Plover at Wolf Pit Colony. Nests were found on the circular areas at the top of the photograph and the square area on the left. A recently created sand deposit is present on the right.

The Terns and Plovers were nesting on three separate but adjacent sand piles (Figure 2). Two were circular spill piles while the third was two smaller areas that when combined, created a fairly large sand expanse with a road through the middle. During the period of observation each group of Terns at a particular site would respond only to disturbance in the immediate vicinity. This was a help in getting a better visual estimate of the number of birds.

On 30 July, 10 adult Terns and 10 fledged, flying young were observed. Additional birds could have been present but the Terns were spread over a large area and their continual flying about made counting actual numbers difficult. Those counted were observed when they stopped flying and came to rest at two lakeside locations. These congregations on the sand beach were juvenile birds and their parents that would return from foraging to provide food. The young could fly but they were not seen to attempt catching food on their own. Other Terns had probably already left the colony area since sufficient time had elapsed for the fledged young present on the first visit to reach flight stage. No Tern or Plover nests were found during a brief search and an actual count of Piping Plover was not made.

This sand gravel operation, which has been present since 1927, (Jack Edwards pers. comm.), has over 25 circular or semi-circular sand deposits that are evident on recent Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service photographs of this section of land. Most of these deposits are a little less than 100 m in diameter, usually surrounded by water on three sides, and covered by a variety of willows, cottonwood samplings, different grasses, and other less prevalent species. The amount of plant cover varied on each deposit, with the older piles having a greater degree of plant growth. Some areas were nearly completely vegetated but some sand and the characteristic deposit shape were still evident on the aerial photo. A portion of the land with extensive woody vegetation had been developed for housing.

An important part of this colony site was that additional habitat was continually being provided as new sand areas were created by the sand dredging operations. Terns and Plovers through the years could have utilized the different spill piles for breeding activities. As older areas were overgrown by plants, the birds could move to nearby sand that was free of vegetation. Also of importance is that this nest base would provide protection from the higher water flows that flood nest sites in the river channel. Nesting that would get underway earlier in the season would not be disturbed and young could fledge earlier in the summer. However, since these nest sites are not isolated from land, they could be more susceptible to terrestrial predators. This could result in increased mortality of eggs and young.

The current owner of this sand pit showed an intense interest in the breeding Terns. Not only did he enjoy observing the birds but he worked at reducing chances of predation by selectively removing any bullsnakes that were observed near a colony. This interest also helped reduce human disturbance by limiting access during the breeding season. Activities associated with the transportation of sand seemed to have minimal effect, if any, on nesting birds. One Tern nest within 5 m of a road was kept under observation by Mr. Edwards. The incubating adult did not leave the scrape even as large trucks carrying sand would drive by. This nest eventually successfully fledged 3 young.

Overall, Wolf Pit was the most successful colony with a minimum of 10 fledged Terns. This was the highest number of fledged young observed during the late July visits to the colonies under observation (Table 1).

[Table 1. Least Tern survey results.]
Colony Name		Cedar Creek	Schramm	Two Rivers	Dry Gulch	Ames Pit	Wolf Pit	Total
Aerial Count	28-29 June	10	3-4	0	12	4+	15	45
Ground Count
1-2 July	Individuals	8	10	12	10	8	30	78
	Nests Located	3	2	4	5	3	14	31
28-30 July	Individuals	11	1	5	3	5	20	45
	Nests Located	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Fledged Young	Late July	3	0	2	0	2	10	17
Nesting Success (1)	1981	N.V.	yes	no	no	N.V.	N.V.
	1982	yes	no	yes	no	yes	yes
(1) Success is defined as the presence of flying young. N.V. Not visited.

The 1982 breeding season for Least Tern showed an improvement over the results apparent in 1981. This survey did include a larger number of locations so data is not comparable. Those Terns present did however, successfully raise young at more of the nesting colonies checked (Table 1). This does not necessarily mean there was an improvement over last year but there was an increase in the known breeding success.

Those locations where a comparison is possible, show the change in populations that can occur from one year to the next (Table 2). Schramm Colony, as an example, which was the most successful nest site last year, had fewer birds and was a complete failure this season. Two Rivers was a success this year but a failure for Terns in 1981.

Table 2. A comparison of 1981 and 1982 populations of Least Tern and Piping Plover for selected lower Platte locations.
Colony Name	Least Tern		Piping Plover
	1981	1982	1981	1982
Schramm	30	10	12	2
Two Rivers	6-7	12	20	4
Dry Gulch	18	10	--	--

Available data for Piping Plover showed no increase in the number of breeding birds but a marked decrease in the number of nesting attempts. Even though a larger number of colony locations were checked, populations at these sites were somewhat similar for both years. Schramm and Two Rivers had good numbers of nesting Plovers last year but no indications of breeding activity this year. Wolf Pit was the only exception with the number of nests found indicating a healthy breeding population. A single adult observed incubating at Cedar Creek was the only other activity noted for the six locations that were visited. Nesting was limited this year and the increase in breeding birds that would be expected as additional sites were checked just did not occur. Successful nesting observed at only one of six locations meant a dismal breeding season for Piping Plover.

September 1982. The 1982 least tern and piping plover breeding season on the lower Platte River, Nebraska. Nebraska Bird Review 50(3): 68-72.

Father Hoffman sent in this observation about the Piping Plovers at Morse Bluff: On 25 June and on 6 July I observed pairs of adult Piping Plovers with downy young (three in each case). The time lapse and the fact that the two observations were a considerable distance apart and separated by roads, weedy fields, and woodlands indicate to me two different broods. In both cases the birds were on tailings from sand-pit operations. [Editor]

Tern and Plover Breeding on Lower Platte, 1981

During the 1981 breeding season, nesting of the Interior Least Tern (Sterna albifrons athalassos) and Belted Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus circumcintus) was noted at several locations on the Platte River in eastern Nebraska. The first location was a colony southeast of Shramm Park State Recreation Area (SRA), originally visited on 8 June. This was the only breeding activity noted on a reach of the river from the Interstate 80 bridge down-stream to the railroad trestle near South Bend. Twenty Terns and 6 Piping Plovers were observed on the first visit. They were nesting on a two to three hectare (ha) island north and slightly west of South Bend, in Cass County. Ten Terns nests with 1 to 3 eggs each and 2 Plover nests, each with 3 eggs, were located during a 30 minute visit. On 15 June a 1.25-hour visit was made to this colony. The period of visit included time spent observing behavioral activities from the periphery of the nesting area, thereby reducing disturbance to the breeding birds. Thirty Terns and 14 nests containing 1 to 3 eggs each were located. Two Plover nests, each with 4 eggs were also found. On 1 July about the same number of adult Terns were present and 14 nests with 1 to 4 eggs each and 3 young with adults near the nest were found. The Plover nests, each which still had 4 eggs, were also noted. Courtship activity among the Terns was still occurring on this visit. A 22 July visit recorded only about 15 adult Terns and 2 recently fledged young. Only a single nest with 2 eggs was found. Two groups, each consisting of three young Plovers, were near the nest with adult birds.

Based on the number of nests located, this colony appears to be thriving. A minimum of 30 breeding adults could be expected to have occurred, as nests found on each visit were not always the ones located on earlier visits. Three different Plover nests were located and 12 birds were counted in the area on the first visit. The three pairs nested on the same bar as the Terns.

Since this breeding area is located only 400 meters (m) south of Shramm SRA it is subject to several disturbance factors. Recreational use such as swimming and the building of campfires occurred on or near the sandbar. A large bonfire had been burned within several meters of Tern and Plover nests. People observing the fire would probably have disturbed the incubating birds, although the actual impact on the nesting birds is unknown.

Access to the river is from a gravel road running along the north bank of the river. Terns flying above arid around the colony can easily be observed from parking areas along the road. One factor which may inhibit sandbar access is the main river channel. Water may reach 1.5 m in depth during high flows. During other periods the depth was approximately 1 m. To the south of the colony is an area of lake-side cabins and a sand and gravel mining operation. Access from this direction is limited to business operations and cabin owners. A gate across the road further limits access. Thus, disturbance from the south would be limited and none was noted.

Some vegetative encroachment is occurring but it does not appear to be an immediate threat to the breeding birds.

A second area checked for Terns and Plovers was from the Nebraska Highway 92 bridge downstream to a point 6.4 km (kilometer) down the river. During a 6 June census, 2 small Tern colonies and 2 Plover nesting areas were located. The main nesting area was a sandbar on the downstream end of an island located near the southwest corner of Two Rivers SRA. A second site for nesting terns was 800 m down river. Piping Plovers exhibiting breeding behavior were observed on almost every suitable sandbar. Plovers nested at both locations where the Terns were nesting and in addition a single nest with eggs was found 3 km down the river from the second site. This later site was located in Sarpy County, while the other sites were in Douglas County. About 35 Plovers were noted in the area checked on 6 June.

The Two Rivers North colony had only 6 or 7 adult Terns on the first visit and only 2 nests with 1 or 3 eggs were located. Numerous Piping Plovers were noted, however, with more than 20 adult birds occurring on the 500 m x 150 m sandbar. The Plover nests were scattered around the central portion of the bar. Several incubating adults, five nests, and a group of 3 young out of the nest were noted. On a return visit, 6 July, only 3 adult Terns were observed. These birds gave no indication of nesting activity, as they were not seen incubating nor did they exhibit nest defense behavior when the area, including locations of previously observed nests, was searched. As expected, no nests were located; the Terns apparently deserted their nests. The sandbar area was subject to heavy recreational use from visitors to nearby Two Rivers SRA, including wading in the river, hiking on the sandbars and limited vehicular disturbance. Despite the heavy human use that was apparent, Piping Plovers successfully reared young. Three different groups of 2 or 3 young were noted with adults near the nest on 6 July.

Two Rivers South colony was visited only once, on 6 June. Five adult Terns were observed and 2 nests, each with 3 eggs were found. Six adult Plovers and 3 nests with 1, 2, or 3 eggs were also seen. This sandbar was subject to less disturbance by foot traffic but inner-tubing, canoeing, and air-boating was observed in the river channel. These disturbances had little impact on the nesting birds, as the activity was considerably removed from the area of the nests.

On 10 June an area from the Union Pacific Platte River trestle southwest of Valley to the Highway 92 bridge was checked. Five Least Terns were observed in this 7.5 km stretch of the river. They did not appear to be associated with any particular sandbar and no specific breeding behavior was noted. Only 3 Piping Plovers were observed. Two of these were a pair which exhibited nest defense behavior. An empty nest scrape appeared to have been disrupted, possibly a result of human activity on the bar associated with cabins on the east bank of the river.

The final area checked for breeding activity was 10.5 km of the river from the Highway 77 bridge south of Fremont to the Highway 64 bridge near Leshara. Only one colony, Dry Gulch, was located, slightly west and 2 miles north of Leshara, in Saunders county. Eighteen adult Terns were counted on 30 June, but only 2 nests with 2 or 3 eggs could be located. On 14 July, only the 2 nests found on the first visit were found again. The number of adult Terns had decreased to 12. Although the number of adults should indicate that more nesting activity would be occurring, this is not believed to be the case. The colony was located in an area of the river bed containing many sandbars, but only a limited number of the bars appeared to be suitable breeding habitat. Most of the sandbars were only slightly elevated from the water level of the river and would be subject to flooding with increased river stages. Another higher, dryer sandbar was covered to a large degree by vegetation, making it unsuitable for nesting Terns. The actual area of nesting was less than .25 ha. Since 2 nests were already present, additional nests would have to be placed in vegetated areas or on bars subject to inundation. It appears that the Terns are utilizing an area which historically could have been used but is now undergoing deterioration, resulting in decreased available habitat. In this area the wider, eastern channel was entirely without water and on 10 June it appeared to have been dry for several weeks, since vegetation was fairly well developed. The colony was located on a reach of the river where water again spread across the entire river channel. A reduction in flows in this reach meant the eastern channel was totally dry and was not suitable for nesting birds. This condition extended to about 1.6 km upriver from the colony site. Changes in flow regimes on the Platte have undoubtedly impacted the colony area, perhaps to a degree where the sandbar conditions required for nesting Terns and Plovers has been reduced in size and/or availability.

Additional nesting activity noted on this stretch of the river was a solitary nest situated near the Highway 64 bridge. a pair of Terns had a nest with 1 egg on 30 June. On 14 July the 2 Terns were still present but gave no indications they were still nesting. No nest could be found and the nest previously located was empty. The adult Terns were not observed in the area where the nest had been located but were foraging down river. Also on 14 July, 3 young Plovers were near the nest with adults at the Highway 64 bridge. These birds utilized a sandbar subject to human disturbance, as it was located beneath the bridge and was accessible from a mid-channel island.

Several similarities were noted at each of the Tern colonies. They were all located on river sandbars elevated 50 to 60 centimeters above the water level early in the breeding season, the beginning of June. Each sandbar was also subject to some degree of vegetative encroachment. Vegetative cover was estimated to be from 5 to 10%, with cottonwood (Populus deltoides) saplings the dominant plant. The amount of vegetative cover increased through the season as plants grew larger and as additional plants sprouted. On two occasions, Least Tern young were observed using the cover provided by vegetative growth. Each colony location was surrounded by river subchannels in addition to the main river channel. These subchannels were relatively shallow and from one to three would be present in the colony area. The Terns would feed in these nearby channels which provide forage fish such as minnows. Foraging Terns would also use subchannel areas up and down river from a colony. Observation of these birds away from the colony often indicates that a breeding site could be expected further along on the river.

Piping Plover habitat is very similar to that used by the Terns. The birds would nest in the snow area with nests rater-mixed in the available habitat. In one instance the RV() species nested with within one meter of one another. Aggressive encounters between nesting Plovers and Terns was noted on only one occasion. A Plover ran up to a Tern and pecked it when the Tern landed near its own nest to which it was returning. The Plover had recently fledged young within two to three meters of the nest. Nesting is so interspersed at times that if egg characteristics are not carefully' checked. the nesting species could be misidentified. In addition to the habitat used by both species, Plovers will utilize sandbars entirely free of vegetation and closer in elevation to the water level of the river.

Of the 65 Least Terns observed, only about half were known to be actively breeding. Shramm colony had the best reproductive success with almost all birds involved with nesting. Other sites were subject to human disturbance and habitat degradation which impacted the birds using the area. Piping Plovers were less subject to impacts and successfully raised a larger number of young at different locations.

September 1981. Breeding of the least tern and piping plover on the lower Platte River, Nebraska. Nebraska Bird Review 49(3): 45-51.

Efforts Determined to Conserve Green-space at Platte Confluence

Further steps will occur to conserve a vitally important green-space on the north side of the Platte River at its confluence with the Missouri River.

"Issue no. 1" is to find a means to purchase property at the site from at two primary land-owners, Arcadian Fertilizer L.P. (a.k.a. PCS Nitrogen) and the Metropolitan Utilities District. Overall, the area spreads across more than 600 acres, southeast of LaPlatte along the Platte River side of a floodwater levee, eastward of the natural bluff and tree-line where there is a relict of a former oxbow, and south of LaPlatte Road and the under construction Highway 34 road alignment.

To help with this goal, a depiction of the site will be prepared — according to a verbal commitment — to suggest what amenities of other features which might occur at the site once it became public property.

In January, a "phase 1" report will be presented to the Back-to-the-River group, by the Bug Muddy Workshop, which this group focused on the Missouri River, hired in this regard. This document, according to two representatives, will be shared with attendees present at a Thursday afternoon, in the board room of the Papio-Missouri Natural Resources District.

It was a unique confluence of stake-holders. There was candid conversation by more than 30 people gathered to discuss the future of some land at the river confluence. The meeting which resulted from a personal request, was a lively discussion of issues of concern.

Attendees included several people from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Back to the River organization, the City of Bellevue including planning staff, three men from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, an executive director of the Nebraska Environmental Trust, men interested in fish from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Olsson Associates, staff of the Papio-Missouri NRD, a lawyer for PCS Nitrogen, PYRA Engineering since they are working on the levee situation, Sarpy County, United States Department of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a couple of individuals interested in the place, and a representative from office of Senator Benjamin Nelson./P>

Attendees at meeting to discuss conservation of green-space at the Platte River confluence.

It was a meeting essential to determine the situation at the site and what it will look like years from now.

The meeting was hosted by the NRD at their office at Wehrspan Lake and they deserve accolades for making it happen.

Primary topics discussed, based upon an agenda issued before the meeting via email, were:

1. potential levee setback, its reasons and rationale, and how it might influence down-river navigation on the Missouri River;
2. site contamination issues, which comprised a large portion of the meeting's discussion;
3. reasons and rationale for conserving the confluence area as a public resource because of its aesthetic, cultural, historic and wildlife significance now, and into the future.

It was certainly a pointed discussion, and once the opportunity to talk spread among the entire group, it was even livelier. Considering the number 1 issue expressed by a single man, it was somewhat obvious that a large majority, if not each person in the room, agreed upon the importance of conserving the green space at this place, based upon the confines denoted upon a map image shown upon the east wall of the room.

The meeting was about details. For the Army Corps of Engineers, any acquisition of the site is not a priority, due concerns agency staff have previously indicated.

It then became apparent that any effort to acquire the property should depend upon other sources, according to a common consensus. There are a number of optional opportunities, but any actual efforts are not known.

Based upon the overall consensus, there is a some hope that the setting will continue to be a space which the public could enjoy soon ... or at least during future years of bird-watching or other outdoor endeavors.

Nearby this site, the NRD has requested funds from the Nebraska Environmental Trust to buy properties at the former Iske Place, and convert the wooded area along the river into a green-space. The land was inundated during the Flood of 2011, and a common theme of discussion was about how the current owner would indicate a value for land subject to massive flooding.

Agreements Promote Tern and Plover Conservation

Another agreement was reached this spring to promote common efforts that conserve habitat used by the interior Least Tern and Piping Plover in Nebraska.

The memorandum of understanding was enacted to "recognize the importance of taking cooperative, proactive actions to manage" both bird species at sand and gravel operations along the lower Platte River near Ashland, Fremont, and Louisville.

Parties which signed the memorandum in April include Western Sand and Gravel Company, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership (TPCP) and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The company, which removes sand from the floodplain that creates open flat areas of sand used for nesting by both birds, agreed to two items: 1) "discourage nesting in work areas" by creating mounds rather than flat open areas preferred by the birds for breeding activities, in order to discourage any nests being located in work or travel areas; 2) "improve nesting habitat" based upon recommendations provided by TPCP project site representatives. Any work of this type would be done at company expense.

The "partnership" had two items of responsibility: 1) monitor nesting activity, by notifying the company when they would visit a minimum of 48 hours prior to arrival, and checking in with site supervisor's upon arrival. The company would allow the TPCP workers to "install warning signs and predator exclusion cages as deemed necessary."

A second item of this section of the memorandum, is that the TPCP would respond to any company "requests for information" within 24 hours.

Responsibilities of the Fish and Wildlife Service, and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission would be to:
1) "Provide technical support and counsel" ... "in accordance with state and federal regulations" including the Endangered Species Act as well as state statues pertaining to threatened and endangered species.
2) "Regularly monitor tern and plover activity" as "one or more representatives from TPCP, NGPC, or USFWS may be directly engaged in monitoring birds" at a site; "The TPCP shall keep all of the parties informed about Interior Least Tern and Piping Plover locations and activities"; and
3) "Coordinate with the TPCP" with the coordination ensuring that an annual report is prepared by the TPCP and distributed to all parties, "summarizing results of the annual monitoring and any recommended modifications to sand and gravel operations. Any modifications must be prepared in writing ..."

The memorandums of understanding are "a success in establishing a shared concern for the Least Tern and Piping Plover based upon particular perspectives," said Robert Harms, a biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service. "Through collaboration we worked together with mutual respect and an understanding of common goals," to conform to legal requirements and promote conservation of these birds.

The latest agreement took affect upon "signature of all parties" which occurred in April, and early May, 2012.

This is the third "memorandum of understanding" for sand and gravel operations along the lower Platte River from near Fremont to Louisville. Previous agreements were reached with Lyman Richey Company and Mallard Sand and Gravel (a.k.a. Oldcastle Materials Group), said Harms. Each MOU was agreement to promote breeding habitat for both species that will help ensure their conservation.

The agreements can be terminated at any time, once a signatory to the memorandum indicates their intent to withdraw by sending letters to the others that were part of the agreement, according to the memorandum with Western Sand and Gravel Company.

The interior Least Tern is classified as an endangered species, with the belted Piping Plover classified as endangered under criteria of the federal Endangered Species Act.

Platte River BioBlitz Records Diversity of Sanctuary Fauna and Flora

The diversity of Platte River birds and other fauna and flora was revealed during a BioBlitz held September 18-19 at Rowe Sanctuary in central Nebraska.

For one birder, participation required an early morning drive to be ready to look for different species once the sun broke the eastern horizon.

"The BioBlitz is a great way to combine study with public-education and I wanted to be a part of it," said Tim Hajda, of Broken Bow. "I always enjoy birding at Rowe Sanctuary, so when I heard that they were putting on a BioBlitz survey, I was excited to participate." Hajda, and his mother Lisa, drove 76 miles from their home near Broken Bow.

"Rowe Sanctuary captures the natural beauty of the Platte River and its birds in a way that few locations along the river can rival," Hajda said. "From the viewing blinds to the walking trails, it's always a relaxing place to go birding."

During his foray to look for birds from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Hajda joined Rowe Sanctuary’s Office Manager Kent Skaggs, Rowe Sanctuary’s office manager and Letitia Reichart, an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, started at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center and "hiked the trails that lead east and west of the center, adjacent to the river. Then we drove down to another trailhead farther downstream and walked a portion of that trail as well."

"The BioBlitz was a great way to get people engaged and taking action on the Platte River, allowing them to become familiar with the plants and animals that rely on the river," said Bill Taddicken, director of the Lillian Annette Rowe Bird Sanctuary, which is owned and managed by the National Audubon Society. "They can also become more connected to the need to preserve these natural places.”

"It was great to see such a good turnout for BioBlitz and the enthusiasm exhibited by the participants for the event."

The 48 volunteers "were invaluable to the success of the BioBlitz event," Taddicken said. "We had professors and students from the University of Nebraska at Kearney lending their knowledge and enthusiasm to impart a sense of importance and wonder to those people from the public that joined in this effort. All that attended were important whether they had expertise to identify species or if they just took home a better understanding of what the Platte River offers in terms of diversity of plants and animals and its many benefits to people.”

There were 54 bird species recorded. American White Pelican Great Blue Heron Great Egret Wood Duck Turkey Vulture Cooper's Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Bald Eagle Osprey Northern Bobwhite Ring-necked Pheasant Killdeer Greater Yellowlegs Mourning Dove Great Horned Owl Eastern Screech-Owl Belted Kingfisher Red-headed Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Eastern Phoebe Western Kingbird Red-eyed Vireo Warbling Vireo

Blue Jay American Crow Barn Swallow White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Marsh Wren American Robin Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher European Starling Common Yellowthroat Canada Warbler Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak Blue Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Dickcissel Spotted Towhee Field Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow Western Meadowlark Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle American Goldfinch House Sparrow

Plants, insects, butterflies and small mammals were also surveyed during the 24-hour event.

The hightlight of the the bird survey for Hajda, was "watching a large flock of European Starlings defend themselves against a hungry Cooper's Hawk was a special sighting. The starlings flocked into a tight 'ball,' impenetrable by the hawk." He contributed his survey results - having noted 41 species - to EBird, and included an approximate number of each species noted.

Hajda believes "that all birders, wildlife professionals, or outdoor enthusiasts should participate in volunteer projects like these. Volunteer-effort studies, including Breeding Bird Atlas, Christmas Bird Counts and eBird, just to name a few, are indispensable, and have provided us with arguably the most valuable data on bird population and distribution in the history of bird study."

"Many of the participants said they are looking forward to the next one, which we intend on doing in the spring of 2010," Taddicken said.

The BioBlitz at Rowe Sanctuary was made possible through grant funds from Toyota, provided to the National Audubon Society through the "TogetherGreen" volunteer initiative, and then given to the local Audubon center.

Lisa and Tim Hajda and other bird watchers at the BioBlitz. Pictures courtesy of Rowe Sanctuary.

Collecting insects.

Recording data collected during the 24-hour BioBlitz

Waterfowl Conservation Group Acquires Platte River Property

By James Ed. Ducey

An important tract of Platte River channel habitat in central Nebraska has been acquired for waterbird management.

"This is Ducks Unlimited’s second largest Nebraska acquisition and DU’s first on the Platte River,” said Steve Donovan, DU’s manager of conservation programs for Nebraska.

Whooping Cranes have already been sighted using riverine habitat at the site, which is also beneficial to waterfowl, including geese and many types of ducks.

The tract was purchased from the Younkin Estate in October, using funds from a grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and other donors. Other grant partners include Prairie Plains Resource Institute, Nebraska Environmental Trust, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and several private landowners.

The 400-acre property extends for a mile along the river, just west of Rowe Sanctuary, owned by the National Audubon Society. DU and the Audubon Society are entering into an agreement to allow Audubon to manage this property as an extension of its Rowe Sanctuary.

The Younkin place is also in close proximity to other protected habitats managed by The Nature Conservancy, Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, all partners in the grant.

"DU will be working with partners on a restoration plan for the property over the next six months," Mr. Donovan said. "We have already submitted a proposal to the Nebraska Environmental Trust seeking a grant to assist with the cost of proposed restoration work. If we are successful, habitat restoration actitivities will be completed in late 2008."

Platte River on the Younkin property, during a period of extremely low flows on the river. Looking east from the bridge.

Grasslands on the Younkin property. Looking east from the highway. Images courtesy of Steve Donovan, Ducks Unlimited.

The Big Bend Reach of the Platte River NAWCA grant will protect and enhance about 2,600 acres of some of the most important migratory bird habitat in Nebraska, according to a press release issued by Ducks Unlimited. This bend serves the vast majority of waterfowl that travel through the state, including millions of ducks, geese, shorebirds, Sandhill Cranes and several endangered species like the Piping Plover and Least Tern.

The Big Bend Reach of the Platte River is one of North America’s most popular birding areas, and the site of an annual Rivers and Wildlife Celebration of the Sandhill Cranes and other spring fowl.

NAWCA is a federal grant program that funds wetland habitat conservation projects throughout North America.

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan identifies the Platte River as a waterfowl habitat of major concern due to long-term habitat loss and reduced water flows. In addition, aggressive, non-native plant species are choking the river and reducing the river’s ability to provide critically needed habitat for migratory birds.

Crane River Morning Returns to Public Display at East Campus

By James Ed. Ducey

A distinctive quilt depicting the annual visits of the Sandhill Crane to Nebraska’s Platte River has been rehung for public display and appreciation.

"The Crane River Morning quilt is back," said Carolyn K. Ducey, as the quilt pieces were placed on a wall in Hardin Hall, a recently remodeled building at East Campus, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Shelly Burge was commissioned to create the intricate quilt by Kristina Tiebel and Linda Vescio, owners of Crane River brew-pub who wanted to feature a quilt showing cranes of spring on the Platte River. Once hung in December 1992, the quilt was a visual treat to patrons, which often came in just to see the magnificent piece.

Dancing cranes portion of Crane River Morning.

“This quilt is a work of art.” said Jim Swinehart, professor of geology. “It also has a natural resources theme, with the cranes, river, flora, fauna and water fitting with areas of studies at Hardin Hall.”

The wall area for the expansive quilt of painted cotton fabrics had to be readied for the quilt.

Long wooden boards for the quilt to hang on were prepared by Clint Burge, Shelly's husband, "as the size of the quilt meant we needed special slats," explained Ducey, for the quilt brought from the International Quilt Study Center.

Facilities staff covered electrical outlets and adjusted fire alarms to accommodate the two fabric pieces for the 26’.6” x 6’.3”quilt at the second floor foyer of the Hall.

The foyer is a public space used for social events held by the School of Natural Resource Sciences which has their offices in the building, and as a general reception area for seminars.

“The quilt certainly livens up the foyer, and viewing is better here than at Crane River,” said Swinehart. “There it was high on a wall” where less of the detail could be readily seen.

The quilt was donated to IQSG in the latter part of 2003 with the intent that it would be placed on public display.

Swinehart, Kyle Hoagland, and David Wedin, also of the SNRS facilitated the donation of the quilt to the quilt center.

Prior to being rehung, students in the textiles studies conservation training program at Rhode Island University cleaned the quilt as part of their education, Ducey said. The School of Natural Resource Sciences paid the $500 cost, said Swinehart, plus a $60 fee for an appraisal. The quilt was valued about $7,500 then.

Crane River Morning is on permanent educational loan for presentation in Hardin Hall.

A reception to officially present the quilt to the School of Natural Resource Sciences will be held May 29th, from 3-5 p.m. at the Hardin Hall foyer. Shelly Burge is expected to attend.

Mike Jess, senior lecturer at SNRS; Lois Wilson, IQSC volunteer; Janet Price, IQSC curatorial graduate assistant; Karla Salda, IQSC volunteer; Carolyn K. Ducey, curator of collections at IQSC; Lauren Davis, IQSC volunter; Ryan Bernt and Darrell Knight of Building Services, Maintenance.

- - - - -

Reception Held to Recognize Quilt Donation

A reception to formally present the newly hung Crane River Morning was held May 29th.

Patricia Crews, Carolyn K. Ducey, Kristina Tiebel, Linda Vescio, Shelly Burge and Clint Burge at the quilt reception.

“The quilt and the Hardin Hall space fit together so well,” said Shelly Burge after seeing the two large quilt pieces hanging on the wallspace.

Jim Swinehart making comments at the reception.

“Making this quilt has been one of the highlights of my 35 years of quilting,” she said, adding that more research time was put into this piece – her largest - than any other quilt previously made. This included a visit to view stuffed Sandhill Crane specimens – especially their toes – at the University of Nebraska State Museum.

“We are all delighted this quilt can have a continued life at the school of natural resources,” said Patricia Crews, director of the International Quilt Study Center. “This is a perfect home and a perfect setting for people to enjoy it.”

Jim Swinehart thanked Shelly Burge and others for the donation of the quilt to the University and for efforts to get it back on public display, at Hardin Hall.

About fifty people attended the reception.

Sandhill Cranes Subject of Ongoing Research Investigations

By James Ed. Ducey.

Flocks of the gray Sandhill Cranes and a myriad of waterfowl visiting the central Platte River this season continued to be the focus of bird research.

The Platte River Whooping Crane Trust conducted annual surveys of the wild birds. Ground counts about assigned routes documented the cranes and waterfowl weekly from early March to mid-April. Flights in a fixed-wing airplane were also done from Chapman to Overton, several times during this period.

Although cranes were present at the end of January, the first wave of cranes arrived around the second week of February” said Dr. Daniel Kim, avian ecologist at the Trust. “The real influx did not occur until early March when the cranes arrived en masse.”

Kim has experienced crane migration for four years, describing the shear number of cranes as overwhelming, noting that “when in a blind with 40,000 cranes just outside, their calls are at least half the experience!”

Peak numbers on the river for Spring 2007 were estimated at 300,000, not including cranes already off roost, which, depending on the morning, may be as many as 40% of all birds.

“From a wildlife perspective, this is one of the greatest migratory events on earth,” Kim said. “The resources, corn and the river, draw 500,000+ cranes that winter from New Mexico to Louisiana. Some birds add an addition 1000 miles to their migratory route just to use the Platte.”

“In general cranes settle the eastern part of the valley first, with roosts filling in to the west. Cranes leave roosts in the same order, that is they leave the eastern part of the big bend first. The cranes display a combination of hard wiring and migratory flexibility that influences when they migrate.”

The amount of water in the river influences the roosts used by the cranes. “Years with an abundance of water appear to distribute cranes throughout the river while low water levels seem to restrict cranes to a few favored roosts,” Kim said.

River management appears to have profound effects on crane use of riverine roosts. Due to low flows, the river must now be maintained, or it would be choked with vegetation such as cottonwood saplings and willow thickets, and the channel would be obstructed with perennial vegetation bank to bank, reducing the river's ability to absorb flood waters. Both channel clearing and tree removal appear to encourage roosting cranes.

Large roosts are associated with channel maintenance, while unmanaged reaches of the river receive very little crane use.

In general, cranes off the river use corn fields to a greater degree than all other land types (foraging), but the largest groups use wet meadows for loafing and social interactions.

“Poor weather during the end of March and beginning of April held many cranes through April 12. Two very fine days led to a mass exodus by the 16th.”

During their visit, local weather has a huge influence on when migratory peak occurs, typically between the second and fourth week of March, Kim said. Some years cranes trickle in and trickle out.

Aerial and road surveys conducted by the Trust are considered an index of crane abundance. Surveys have been conducted since 1998. The aerial surveys have not occurred during high flows, so the impacts of a full river have not been documented, Kim added.

Survey results indicate that the Central Flyway population is steadily growing at about 3-6% annually, according to surveys documenting crane population increases by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kim said. Crane trust surveys are not used to calculate population numbers, but provide important information needed to help manage cranes.

During their seasonal staging, Sandhill Cranes interact very little with the large numbers of geese present, according to the research.

“There is very little direct interaction,” Kim said. Both species may co-occur on the same field, but very few antagonistic behaviors are observed. Geese prefer to roost on ponds and lakes, while cranes appear to prefer running water. Also, when there is water in the western rain water basins, geese congregate in the basins, when the basins are dry, geese spill over into the Platte valley.”

Investigations into other aspects of Sandhill Crane biology are underway along the central Platte. Current research topics are:

1) Questions of competition for food (corn) between cranes and geese. While not direct, geese generally arrive 2 weeks prior to cranes, Kim said. “Some scientists believe geese may deplete waste corn, forcing cranes to either forage further from the river, or leave the valley in poorer condition.”

2) Landscape level questions are being addressed by a Ph.D. student at UNL, but meaningful conclusions are still at least two years off.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service undertakes seasonal counts of the Whooping Crane along the central Platte valley. Dr. Kim said the number of documented whooping cranes seen in the Platte valley was a highlight of the past season.

There are concerns for migratory birds in the central Platte valley.

Kim mentioned the interaction between crane watchers and the birds: “(1). People try to get too close to cranes, whether on the road, or by visiting the river. If people want an up close experience with the cranes, they should use one the guided tours available through either Crane Meadows or Rowe Sanctuary. (2) People here to visit cranes are visitors, and simple etiquette needs to be observed … Respect private lands, and if you pull off the road to see cranes, make sure that both farm equipment as well as cars can pass.”

As regional climates may change, Kim said “the impact for cranes may be due to increased variations in both temperature and precipitation. The lack of predictable conditions, especially precipitation, may constrict a large number of cranes into ever decreasing spaces in the river. The greatest potential impact to cranes will Sandhill Cranes likely track favorable conditions (water availability) during the winter. Prolonged drought in the southwest and northern Mexico could have severe impacts to winter crane populations.”

River management is conducted by a partnership including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, The Nature Conservancy, National Audubon Society, The Platte River Whooping Crane Trust, Prairie Plains Resource Institute, and dozens of private land owners, Kim said. Most of the funding is secured through grants, some private, others federal. The Nebraska Environmental Trust has been a major source of funds for river management.

Dinan Memorial Bird Conservation Area Dedicated

By Carolyn J. Hall, Rowe Sanctuary volunteer
April 19, 2007

The newly established John J. Dinan Memorial Bird Conservation Area was dedicated on April 14 on the Platte River south of Gibbon.

This slough restoration for migrating and nesting birds is a fitting memorial to Dinan’s life's work as a nongame biologist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, which came to an early end when he was just 51.

Approximately 150 people attended the dedication. John's brother Kenny Dinan, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, gave the details on the planning and execution of the work required to restructure the slough.

There have been several improvements to bird habitat in the area since it was purchased in March 2006, from the Horniday estate.

The newly acquired site hosts sandhill cranes and endangered whooping cranes during their spring and fall migrations.

The dark patch in the top picture is land that has been disced up and replanted to grasses and forbs. The top picture on the sign shows a 28 acre slough area before the encroaching willows were removed.

A reshaped gravel bar in which a spot was dug to the ground water level (shown on the lower picture in the included photo). This water was then led downriver to the outlet of the slough where a rock dam was installed to hold water in the slough during periods when no water is running in the river. This freshwater slough will be a nursery for fish and wildlife and a source of water during the dry times.

Also designed into the gravel bar were five nesting islands for Least Terns and Piping Plovers. These islands will be maintained free of grass and forbs. The area between the slough and the line of trees will be planted to sand tolerant grasses and forbs. The line of deciduous trees on the edge of the river were left standing.

In the fall of 2006, this area hosted a family of Whooping Cranes for a week. Obviously they approved of the project!

The dedication was set for the end of the crane migration to reduce the impact of people wandering around the area on any cranes that were still in the area. As the event was ending, approximately 5000 Sandhill Cranes rose from the meadow across the river, filling the sky and the air with their calls, giving a fitting end to the ceremonies.

The National Geographic Crane Camera is located at the mouth of the slough about a mile above the Iian Nicholson Visitor Center. With the area near the camera, observers will be able to view the interaction of the cranes with each other and their wetland habitat.

The Dinan tract is located on the Lillian Annette Rowe Audubon Sanctuary located on the Platte River in south central Nebraska. Partners in the restoration of this Platte River slough were Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Whooping Crane Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Nebraska Public Power District, Audubon Nebraska and several other foundations and organizations.

The 200 acre tract was purchased for $800,000. Another $67,000 was spent on work on the area.

Carolyn Hall, of Bassett, Nebraska, is a volunteer at Rowe Sanctuary for two weeks each year in March. Photo courtesy of Brad Mellema, executive director at Rowe Sanctuary; Jeanine Lackey, John Dinan's widow, designed the sign.

- - - - -

The following information is from a press release issued 31 Oct 2007 by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

"In the summer of 2007, biologists discovered 10 nests of the federally endangered least tern and two nests of the federally threatened piping plover using nesting islands that were recreated as part of the habitat project. This was the first documented use of river channel on the central Platte by these species in more than a decade."

“Protection of this tract was a priority because of its critical importance to roosting sandhill and whooping cranes,” said Bill Taddicken of Rowe Sanctuary. “Having the first successful nesting of least terns and piping plovers in nearly a decade within the channel of the Central Platte River adds considerably to the success of this project.”

“This project is an outstanding example of how federal, state and private dollars can be leveraged to complete a project of this magnitude. We used federal funding from Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, and Private Stewardship Grants Program, state funds through the State Wildlife Grants Program and private funds from the National Audubon Society, Nebraska Environmental Trust and Pine Tree Conservation Society. The Nature Conservancy and Platte River Whooping Crane Trust also contributed to the project,” [said Jim Douglas, administrator for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.]

Plover nest at the John J. Dinan Memorial Bird Conservation Area near Gibbon. Picture courtesy of the Fish and Wildlife Service.