Peer Review Analysis Underway on Whooping Crane

The peer review process underway appears to be another example of the FWS inhibiting public involvement. Your agency is supposedly responsible for conservation of the Whooping Crane but the staff seem to be doing its best to limit involvement of the public and to making questionable decisions that might make the survival of the crane questionable for now and for future generations.

The peer review appears to be a statistical analysis. Many people know numbers can be erroneous if the right numbers are not used. The language of the review in some sense indicates confusion on the purpose of the process as there are obvious discrepancies.

The public has no clue what particular details are being reviewed. We also apparently will not have any opportunity to analyze the report before it is finalized.

I also find in extremely troubling that there is no one involved on the peer review that has any familiarity with the Sandhills region and its unique habitat essential to the cranes. This perspective is essential to truly understand the crane and its occurrence. How does familiarity with Sandhill Crane on the gulf coast translate to knowing about our special endangered species in the sandhills.

Also, how can an agency that has ignored essential telemetry data be trusted to prepare a accurate and honest appraisal. The participants may have integrity but they represent a government agency that might be swayed to benefit a "sister" agency.

My self and others want this review to be done in a manner for the benefit of the Whooping Crane, but at this time there are no facts to make certain this is the case.

R-Project Contractor Crew Trespassing and Destroying Private Property on Ranches

November 28, 2019. R-project contractor crew trespassing and destroying private property on ranches. Grant County News 135(18): 1. With one photograph of a flowing well.

A contractor crew working on the r-project for the Nebraska Public Power District has trespassed and destroyed private property on a ranch along the southern edge of Holt county.

On November 16th, Marlene Haake of the Haake family ranch found some workers installing a new gate along the proposed right-of-way of the industrial powerline. She had been "patrolling" and on her fourth go around found where the fence that had been present was cut away and a short portion removed. New box corners for the gates had already been placed.

“We have not signed any easement to allow the placement of the powerline on our property, yet they were installing a new gate to provide vehicle access,” she said later. “They had no right to be there.”

The contractor not only violated private property rights by trespassing, but destroyed fence and appeared to have the intent to take the removed fence posts from the property, which should be considered “stealing,” she said. There was no proof shown that would give them any right of access. They had not even stopped by the ranch house to indicate their intent to encroach upon the property.

Haake made the contractors remove the newly built gate features and rebuild what was the current fence.

Elsewhere steel fence posts had been placed to mark the right-of-way. One was partially run over by a farm implement.

“I pulled six posts from our property,” she said.

The sheriffs of Garfield county and Holt county were called but no action in response to the trespassing and property destruction has yet to occur.

Haake insisted to the contractors that they could not ever intrude on the ranch again.

Along the r-project alignment in Thomas county in 2016, NPPD workers were found trespassing on the south unit of the Brush Creek Ranch, owned by Barbara and Dan Welch. The utility company people were evicted from the ranch and since then the pasture gates have been locked closed.

Both ranches have had similar results with NPPD in dealing with medical conditions associated with Ronald Haake and Dan Welch.

Physicians for both men have advised them that they need to avoid prolonged exposure to any “stray voltage” especially associated with a 345 kV industrial powerline.

At the Haake place, the powerline would be in the immediate proximity of an eight mile travel route from the east end home place to the west end of the ranch. To avoid any exposure, an alternate route would necessitate going 8 miles north, then six miles west and another eight miles south.

At Brush Creek, the transmission line would go over the cattle shipping pens and a heifer development pasture. Welch would not be able to help ship his stock since the prolonged exposure would be dangerous to his health. Welch did receive a brochure regarding stray voltage that was completely out-dated.

NPPD officials have told both that the powerline would not be any threat. The utility company did offer to provide a doctor’s consultation but both ranchers did not want to meet with a physician hired by the project builder.

Steel monopoles would be used at both ranches, and they require a 200 foot square work area to establish a seven-foot foundation, according to NPPD documents. The auger hole depth would be from 25 to 40 feet.

These constructs would be a threat to unique natural resources.

At the Haake place, groundwater has provided a steady and reliable source of water for stock tanks and ponds used by livestock since the ranch was established in 1883. For centuries, wild birds have appreciated associated wetlands. There are numerous artesian wells in the vicinity, Marlene Haake said. “We do not know how the monopole holes might influence groundwater characteristics and subterranean flows.” The extent of sub-surface water is obvious since by the time a hole is dug for a fence post, the bottom very soon has standing water.

Rangeland at Brush Creek is considered “pristine native prairie,” according to a floristic evaluation completed by a Kay Kottas, professional botanist. There were only two non-native species recorded, and they were associated with the Highway 83 corridor. Any disturbance from power pole construction and vehicular traffic would locally degrade prairie conditions.

“I don’t think any restoration activity of disturbed sites can replace a prairie setting that has evolved over centuries,” said Welch.

The Haake and Welch families continue to “stand strong” in their opposition to the unwanted and tragically intrusive r-project. Our private property rights and personal health are being threatened by the r-project, they agree.

Afternoon With Heritage Horses of Cherry County

We arrived at the Cherry county ranch after a drive south from Valentine. Myself and Gordon Warrick were on an outing to get pictures of some classic, heritage features horses.

The afternoon started with a real treat. Barb made a wonderful dinner of meat loaf, lettuce salad topped with bits of bacon, a zucchini salad, warm biscuits and mashed potatoes.

Then to top it off, we got homemade apple pie topped with ice cream. What a grand lunchtime meal. Table talk included industrial wind turbine activity, the repulsive powerline and butterflies.

Having been here previously the meal continued to the high standards of cattle country culinary cooking.

A bit before 2 p.m. we went to work. A portion of the Foundation Quarter Horses needed to get their picture taken. They had been gathered earlier and were ready in a pen. These are horses with a bloodline based upon heritage of the early days of quarter horses. This herd has a bloodline that is about more than 97% representative as having been bred to improve the bloodline since the mid 1990s.

It was an unusually fine day. The sky was clear. There was no wind. The temperature was also quite nice.

One horse at a time was separated and then moved around in a separate pen in order to get a suitable picture, with Gordon and Mary moving them around to get a suitable perspective. Dan and Leroy were keeping track of details. Each of the horses have a pedigree and details indicated thereon were used to establish the identity of each horse.

There were a dozen horses considered. Records kept included its type such as gelding, etc., along with color and when born.

Things went well as a team getting the horse in and getting a “pose-like” stance.

Afterwards Gordon and I ventured westward to try to find a herd stallion named Mr. Poco Blakburn. He was wandering amidst the hills and was not seen.

Upon returning to the barn and stock pens, further consideration was being given to the identification details of the horses that got their picture taken. Eventually this task was finished and it was time to move the horses back to the pasture. Three riders including Leroy, Mary and Mark mounted up. The ranch dogs, including Daisy, ended their respite and also came along.

This move was considered as the sun light was right and the horses would be suitably heading southward so they would be moving forward and that would facilitate picture taking.

There were images captured as the stock left the pen, moved through a meadow and then across the North Loup River. Some great pictures were taken as the small herd crossed the river.

Us two photographers then ventured westward again but could still not find the herd stallion in its pasture.

It was a beautiful day with beautiful horses in a beautiful country with great hosts. What a special and unique start for the autumn season.

Mark, Mary, Leroy, Dan and Gordon.

Quarter horses after crossing the North Loup River.

Community Pride at a Valentine Neighborhood

With autumn ascending the colors of the changing season are spectacular. Sumac is getting more red daily and some tree leaves are descending. Fall bird migrants are arriving and subtle amidst the land habitats.

This transition is obvious in subtle ways at a Valentine neighborhood that is looking so fine at this time of seasonal change.

After many months of recognizing Yard of the Month in Lincoln while residing there, features to be appreciated are cognizant and are very obvious now along Lake Shore Drive, along the north side of the Mill Pond.

Lawns are well mown, regularly. There are many spaces where multiple sorts of flowers colorfully bloom and which have been carefully tended for months and thrive because of the ample rains and splendid sun. It took some effort to get the results which are now so obvious. The floral variety is amazing. Women and men created a wonderful setting for their homescapes that look simply suberb.

Various flags fly with pride, including those expressing Husker pride on game days. There is nearly no trash.

Even the two fire hydrants along the drive are freshly painted in a newly indicated red and are the best looking hydrants in the city. They convey a vivid red coloration amidst the great green of lawns. Horse pen fencing has been recently painted newly white at the west end of the drive. Even the city of Valentine has helped by repairing drainways.

The multiple deer and wild turkey are indifferent, but this place is their haven. They ignore the flapping flags and occasional misguided traffic as they go about their daily routine. Birds enjoy the available seed. Turkey Vultures - supreme aerialists - always soar above during this season.

People along the drive obviously care and the result is obvious! It took lots of work to get things to completion as they are now.

Now if the perp that throws beer cans out of their truck while traversing the drive would stop that miscreant behavior, all would be good. Owners of walking dogs also need to be good and clean up after their pets!

Public Lands Day Outing to Fort Niobrara NWR

It was too cool early in a day. There were winds that added an unappreciated chill. And it was too cloudy to be any nice of a pleasant time outdoors.

This was the weather that outdoor enthusiasts dealt with at the public lands day event at the wilderness outlook at the western extent of Fort Niobrara NWR during the morning of Saturday, September, 28th.

To start the time of appreciation, birders listened at the outlook over the beautiful Niobrara River valley where crows were distinct so vociferous. Then we walked about as led by a some so-called local bird expert. Some bird lore of the refuge was shared as we all wandered across the prairie of the northern extent of the refuge, which is one of the oldest such public places in the U.S.A.

There were 14 avian species identified according to the indicative list. It started with a downy woodpecker. Flickers were very vocal as a single turkey vulture floated above the landscape to the west. Two transitory Canada goose flew overhead and were quite notable as they are the signatory species for the federal agency caring for this public land.

One of the best occurrences were one or two very small red-breasted nuthatch vocal among the pines. This arboreal habitat is their home and they indicated this reality on another one of their days in the wild. Four so subtly colored birds on a tree snag finally became identified as pine siskins. A regular towhee of the regularly occurring spotted sort was in the river valley, adding its voice to the morning scene. When a red-tailed hawk flew along overhead, it must have been obviously looking for cottontail rabbits, as two were seen hopping around along our walk route. Other regulars were black-capped chickadees, the blue jay and a very nice flock of goldfinch.

Missing on the list were the LBJs. Those would be the little brown jobs, most notably autumnal sparrows. They would have been lurking amidst the ample growth of prairie grasses but since they prefer to dive deep in the vegetation or lurk behind some shrub growth, their identify was very much anonymous though very present as noticed elsewhere in the Valentine vicinity.

Then on this Saturday, a volunteer of the National Park Service described identifying features of monarch butterflies and their nature. Especially notable were facts about how this species strives to survive and what many people do and can do locally to assist. The reality is very subtle but distinctive as it was shown and explained.

Some errant rain drops ended the event enjoyed by a few visitors to a natural place for which they were notably appreciative.

This event was sponsored by the National Park Service and Niobrara Council of Valentine.

Emergency Meeting Held to Discuss Closed County Road Conditions Due to Flooding

August 29, 2019. Grant County News 135(5): 1, 3.

An emergency meeting was held by the Cherry County commissioners on August 22 to discuss the condition of county roads damaged by high water conditions.

A first action taken to allow accepting road work proposals without going through a bidding process was unanimously passed by the three commissioners.

Next was a discussion of problem areas and potential sources of funds. The budget for road work is currently depleted county wide.

Information considered included a preliminary list compiled by county staff indicating more than 120 locations where roads had been damaged by the storm. An estimated cost of repair was indicated at more than $1.2 million.

Starting the discussion was Gary Weaver of Emergency Management explaining the outcome of a survey with staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. During August 12-16 there were 1600 miles driven to determine particular details of work necessities that may be eligible for federal assistance. Locales were evaluated, distances measured and problems identified. Pictures were also taken.

Results of the FEMA review are expected to be available to county officials very soon for their review.

During this time, Lloyd Smith, roads supervisor checked places with staff from the Nebraska Department of Transportation and others to evaluate other places which might be eligible for federal aid. Examples mentioned were near Valentine NWR, south of Wood Lake and in the Goose Creek country.

Federal aid is provided on a cost-share of 80-20 with the 20 percent the amount the county would have to fund.

The extent of road places with problems has continually changed following the “bomb cyclone” storm in March. Locales were fixes had been made deteriorated again following extensive rains in the southern part of the county in late July. New problems also became evident.

Information considered included a preliminary list compiled by county staff initially indicated 124 locations where roads had been damaged storm events. An approximate cost of repair was about $1.2 million.

The county has 1,405 miles of roads, according to NDOT information.

A majority of these roads have been affected by water conditions, officials said.

Roads within the county are classified three ways by county officials: 1) arterials and secondary 2 and 3 (including minimum maintenance) for all others. Roadways and locales where access is basically not available will receive priority, according to the commissioners.

An initial list of 14 especially notable locales has been reduced to seven road closure locations in mid-August. Numerous other roads may be passable to a lesser extent but will require additional work to allow semi-truck traffic.

A discussion was then held to determine which problem sites need particular, basically immediate attention, and where private contractors may be hired to facilitate completion of the repairs needed.

An initial list of 14 especially notable locales has been reduced to seven road closure locations in mid-August. Numerous other roads may be passable to a lesser extent but will require additional work to allow semi-truck traffic.

In eastern Cherry county some of the priority locales include West Wood Lake road and Plum Creek Road.

Repair of the Kennedy Road west of the refuge was nearing completion by a private contractor during mid-August. Final work would include mulching and seeding where dirt work occurred along the road shoulder. The approximate cost of repair was indicated to be $225,000 on the road problem list.

Work to address conditions through west Dry Valley has progressed well and was indicated to be nearly complete.

A priority locale is along the North Whitman road within the immediate vicinity of the Henderson Road intersection and a mile to the west.

The Survey Valley Road continues to have its surface rocked so it can be traversed.

Two other problematic places include the North Ashby Road from Alkali Lake north for five miles. The biggest apparent problem is deep holes that inhibit transit. One rancher said that if these holes were filled that would be very helpful to improve travel possibilities.

Access is constricted along the Carver Road east of the Huffman Ranch, it was explained at the meeting. There is apparently no large truck access. Cleaning of ditches and culverts were mentioned as options to improve conditions.

West of the Fawn Lake Ranch headquarters was said to also be very problematic. There are ranches in this area where there is no public road access. Discussion ensued that conveyed the possible need to change the alignment of a portion of the roadway.

At Steverson Lake WMA the rise of water has constricted the width of the road. There are also concerns that the current conditions might undermine the remaining right-of-way and create a danger. Perhaps the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission could assist in addressing the situation, one commissioner said.

With the extent of work needed more than one contractor may be required, according to commissioner comments. It is also possible that temporary workers might be hired to help complete tasks in a quicker manner.

Currently, there is no amount available to indicate the extent of costs to restore county roads to a condition prior to the bomb cyclone and subsequent rainfall events. The commissioners agreed that repairs would not be completed before the end of 2019.

There were ten county residents present at the public meeting. Their opportunity to comment was restricted, based upon an edict statement by a commissioner.

Ranch women and men are increasingly concerned about the condition of essential travel routes. Reasons indicated include the essential requirement to transport livestock on large semis, hay and seasonal feed may need to be trucked in, difficulty for students to get to school, access for emergency services and not having mail delivery.

There are problems of land access to even drill a well, a local business man explained during an ancillary phone conversation.

In some situations, where feasible, temporary trails through the upland hills are being used to bypass problematic spots, with some residents needing to drive across the hills just to get anywhere. Also, some ranchers are required to drive many miles around to reach another portion of their ranch. Some ranchers have used short-distance cattle drives across neighboring land to move stock to alternate pasture or to a spot suitable for their shipment.

State Highways

In other roads matter, NDOT staff indicated on the 22nd that the depth of water – about 20 inches - along Highway 97 continues to be problematic. Since the problem area is within a closed basin, it is hoped that natural processes will occur and result in a reduction of water depth. This major highway continues to be closed as it has been for months.

Water over Highway 83 at Toms Lake on the Valentine NWR continues. Vehicle travel is limited to one direction at a time as controlled by traffic lights.

Effort to Make Cherry County Flag

August 28, 2019. Effort to make Cherry county flag. Valentine Midland News 48(14): 10. Letter to the editor.

Having recently realized a big interest in flags of various sorts, an effort was made to determine if Cherry County had its own flag. Apparently there is not one, after searching online details, so a project was started to devise something properly symbolic.

Several design options were considered, with input from some county residents. A final design was eventually selected, manufactured and recently received after working with a local company that provided great service.

The 3x5 foot flag readily but simply conveys several appropriately notable features in a realistic manner:

• An overall background color to convey the idea of sand, as in sandhills.
  
• A red colored frame to indicate the county boundary.
  
• Two sets of six stars to represent 66 which is the number shown on county license plates, and also to refer to the dark skies of a vast landscape.
  
• An oval bordered with rope in respect to a primary tool used on the range by cattle men and women for so many decades.
  
• A cow-calf pair because Cherry County has one of the largest number of them in the U.S.A. No particular breed was depicted because there are a many types of quality cattle present here.
  
• A windmill to recognize the availability of ample and high-quality water for stock and wildlife.
  
• Two representative birds because county lands are a haven for avifauna.
  
• A few little pollinators are shown because they are also an essential aspect of county biodiversity.
  

The flag was made so the view is the same from either side.

Only five flags were purchased due to the cost, so each is now an immediate collectible. A flag was donated to both the office of the Cherry County assessor and the Valentine Public Library to ensure they could be freely seen by the public.

Examples of “county and municipal flags of Nebraska” can be viewed by searching the internet using the term in quotes. There are several counties adjacent to Cherry County which also do not have an officially designated flag to convey pride for a homeland.

A Closer Look at the Monarch Population at Valentine NWR

August 7, 2019. A closer look at the monarch population at Valentine NWR. Valentine Midland News 48(11): 1. With two pictures.

Twenty volunteers helped record occurrence of monarch butterflies on a supreme Sand Hill morning with great scattered cloudness on August 3rd at Valentine NWR.

People from Valentine, Thedford, Ainsworth, Bassett, Norfolk and South Dakota helped record eggs, several exquisitely striped larvae and two beautiful flitting about adults associated with prevalent common milkweed, as well as swamp, green and sand milkweed. There were five survey transects along the north side of Hackberry lake where these plants thrive.

Each participant walked along and inspected hundreds of individual plants for any indication of monarch butterfly occurrence. Everyone dodged the poison ivy. Along the way dickcissels and common yellowthroat were heard amidst their favored prairie-land habitat.

The survey was sponsored by the Sandhill Prairie Refuge Association with help from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The effort was associated with the third annual international monarch butterfly monitoring blitz.

Dark Sky Reserve Would be a Boon to Cherry County

August 7, 2019. Dark sky reserve would be a boon. Valentine Midland News 48(11): 14. Letter to the editor.

Dear Editor,

The vividly dark skies of the sandhills are dramatically obvious upon looking above and a prime reason why the annual Nebraska Star Party is held at Merritt Reservoir in Cherry County. This is also why there is an effort underway to establish an internationally recognized dark sky park at the reservoir.

This is a wonderfully laudable goal.

Recognition of the dark skies of the region can also be expanded to the adjacent Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest which comprises 116,000 acres of Forest Service property. It is a perfect setting of dark skies above predominant prairie and some groves of planted trees. This place seemingly has only a single light associated with the former ranger station. There are improved roads that provide great access. Camping is available at the Steer Creek campground and there are facilities for horses so it is well suited to outdoor recreation.

Adjacent properties that could contribute to the recognition area include Anderson Bridge WMA (137 acres) and Chat Canyon WMA (418 ac.). At the northeast corner of the forest is a tract of Bureau of Educational Lands and Funds comprising 7600 acres that is leased for cattle grazing.

No lights at any of these spaces.

To the east are parcels associated with the Snake River Preservation Group, the Prairie Club and The Ranch golf courses which might also be considered.

There are also nearby large ranch expanses that could perhaps be included?

Designation of these various locales as a combined dark sky reserve would be a boon to Cherry County and a simply wonderful addition to tourism resources that are an obvious economic benefit. This is a unique opportunity.

Sky watching can be really fun is someone is interested in watching meteor showers while enjoying the night-view of constellations or to get a really fine view of super moons rising above a native prairie or a pine-clad vantage in the Niobrara valley.

Management of Habitat Greenspace at the Valentine Mill Pond

July 22, 2019. These are notes used while speaking on KVSH radio in Valentine on their comment program. On the air for about 10 minutes.

There is a bit of land on the north side of Valentine which has value as greenspace and natural habitat. It is a place for wild birds. Flora thrives. This Mill Pond place is a unique setting and is an asset of Valentine.

In late summer of 2016 some pictures were taken of the triad of warm season grasses – big bluestem, Indian grass and switchgrass. They were growing so beautifully, and being so picturesque with a sky background. Water hemlock was a haven for a healthy caterpillar.

What does a grass space mean? To me it is a place to enjoy the natural setting and where to appreciate floral features vivid against a heart city sky of blue. It is worthy of special recognition. This is a place special to me as a very nice asset of the local landscape. I view this place nearly every day during my travels.

The space is however being treated wrong. Every year the vegetation is destroyed with intent at the Mill Pond. The current management is a policy of destruction of features so vibrant and significant. There has been grass growing upward to the sky. The setting is quite lovely.

Mowing is done without consideration of nesting birds. A territorial Common Yellowthroat has been present this season. Its voice has been prevalent. Did the destructors consider it presence? Nope, is what I was told by NRD staff. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act may have been violated since it states that is illegal to destroy bird nests and young. This action in simply wrong. There was no consideration taken to evaluate whether the setting has any value as pollinator habitat.

This property is owned by the City of Valentine and the Middle Niobrara NRD. The city defers management decisions to the NRD and is currently satisfied on how the site is managed, according to the city manager.

The primary purpose of the tract is to provide an emergency spillway for the pond. Therefore it is mowed annually to ensure there is no growth of woody vegetation and to have a surface conducive for a ready flow of water. This is a secondary overflow measure as the primary overflow feature is the drain pipe which empties into Minnechaduza Creek, below the dam. This was well used in March when water levels in the pond were excessive.

A mistake being made on this tract is the timing of the mowing, in my view. Mowing in July destroys the thriving warm-season grasses and turns a vibrant green space into barren bit of landscape. Windrows of cut grass are left behind and which stifle any potential regrowth.

A spring mowing would help inhibit the growth of cool-season grasses and increase the viability of the more preferential warm-season grasses.

I am hoping to meet with the city and NRD to determine if there could be any changes that might increase the value of this public space.

It should also be noted that there is no management plan for the tract, which could address the multiple use options for the grassy habitat and allow interested members of the public to provide input.

Potential recognition of multiple uses could include educational interpretation (variety of tall-grass prairie plants), pollinator habitat (develop and increase forb species; freely available seeds could be thrown out a few times and eventually they will grow) and management versatility (meet requirements of primary purpose while also developing additional values).

It is time to make this little habitat space the best it can be. This is not the case now in my opinion. I may be speaking alone but I can guarantee that others care.

Valentine has a lot of assets and I’d like to see them all appreciated and that includes a grassy bit of space at the mill pond?

Renovation Beneficial to Wildfowl at Pelican Lake

Benefits following lake renovation efforts have been obvious for wild birds this spring at Pelican Lake at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.

On April 29th, there were thousands of fowl present as estimated by refuge staff. There were five to ten thousand ducks at the lake, according to Juan-Carlos Giese, refuge manager. This included a notable number of shorebirds.

Ten species were observed, according to a checklist available at ebird.org. Atop the list were estimated counts of 1000 for both the Ring-necked Duck and Wilson’s Phalarope. A count of 500 was estimated for Gadwall, American Wigeon and Mallard. Blue-winged Teal and Northern Shoveler were also very abundant. There was also a bunch of American Avocet.

A similar response has been observed at Watts Lake, Giese said.

In September 2018 this lake nearly 800 acres in extent, in association with an aquatic habitat renovation project – focused on getting rid of common carp – occurred at several large lakes at the refuge. This is a cooperative effort associated with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ducks Unlimited is also involved with renovation of lakes east of Highway 83.

Getting rid of carp improves water clarity and notably improves conditions for the growth of aquatic vegetation. Wild birds throng to Sand Hill lakes where there is an abundance of vegetation and clear waters where they can feed.

Cedar Tree Removal to Continue in Vicinity of McKelvie Forest

April 11, 2019. Additional funding to help rid of red cedar trees. Grant County News 134(37): 1, 4.

Ongoing efforts to get rid of invasive red cedar trees at the eastern extent of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest will continue in earnest with a recent approval of additional funding.

The overall cost of clearing cedars from 2600 acres along Steer Creek is $250,000. Four partners will now be providing funds, including the U.S. Forest Service ($129,000), Nebraska Environmental Trust ($100,000 as approved at their April 4th meeting), Ducks Unlimited ($16,000) and the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Group ($5000). DU is the project sponsor, having submitted the grant request.

“We are very excited to get the funding and move ahead with this multiple-partner project on Steer Creek,” said Angelina Wright of Valentine, representing Ducks Unlimited, the primary project sponsor.

“Steer Creek’s riparian habitat and surrounding grassland provides quality stopover and nesting habitat for waterfowl,” said Wright. “The area, however, has been degraded due to eastern red cedar encroachment.”

The goal of the project is to ensure its habitat remains intact not only for the benefit of waterfowl, but also for other flora and fauna, as well as the public.

“Residents and non-residents utilize this public land for both recreational and grazing activities and this project will improve the quality of this public use area,” Wright said.

McKelvie Forest is the largest publicly owned tract of land in the Sand Hills.

Land tracts where cedar eradication work has been, or will be completed, in the vicinity of McKelvie Forest. Image from grant application submitted to the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

The pending tree removal will be a continuation of work on forest lands, Nebraska lands, private property and land managed by the Board of Educational Lands and Funds. These projects are associated with the eastern extent of Steer Creek and the Snake River below Merritt reservoir.

Efforts to eradicate unwanted cedar trees began in 2001 on a 7600 acre BELF tract along the Niobrara River and southward along the eastern edge of the forest land. Between then and through 2019 there will have been $352,929.50 dollars spent, with $225,634 in cost share with the Nebraska Forest Service and USDA EQIP program, according to Kelly Sudbeck, BELF spokeswoman in Lincoln. Agency cost has been $127,292.50.

“We view cedar tree removal as required maintenance, so our goal by removing trees is to actually maintain the value of our property,” said Sudbeck.

“Were we to allow a total infestation of cedars, the value of our property would most certainly be negatively affected. We focus on maintenance, therefore our goal is to maintain our rent, which requires that we control cedars, similar to any other invasive species.”

Nearby, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission partnered with the Wild Turkey Federation to remove many cedars from the Niobrara River floodplain at Anderson Bridge WMA. This opened up the landscape increasing the native vegetation, as well as providing a nice walking route rather than a situation of hampered travel through dense branches of cedars.

Along the Snake River, the agency has had tree removal done on about 1000 acres owned by private landowners with property along the river valley. Removing the cedars has improved water quality since rather than runoff from bare ground, a ground cover of grasses limit the extent of soil erosion, according to details associated with considerations by people and agencies paying the bill.

The Forest Service completed work in 2016 on another tract of 2600 acres in 2016, and located just to the south of the pending project area.

“The Steer Creek corridor is the largest riparian system within the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest,” said Julie Bain, district ranger for the Forest Service. “Maintaining its ecological integrity is important to the agency, as well as the wildlife that call this system home. Because this project builds on the larger complex of efforts by multiple organizations and private landowners, it serves to protect the project footprint, but also discourages cedar encroachment into adjacent intact pastures and previously completed project areas.

“Grassland birds are in rapid decline range-wide; cattle grazing acres can be reduced by heavy cedar encroachment; public use of these lands is meant to reflect an intact system and the wildlife that system supports. Through these efforts, all of the above have been addressed – wildlife, cattle grazing and public user experiences,” Bain said.

Cedar removal would also be beneficial for the Steer Creek Research Natural Area, established in 2012 and just to the west of the project area. This grassland and riparian area would thus not be threatened by any encroachment of unwanted invasive trees.

With the NET funding now available, a request for bids will soon be issued. Once a contractor is selected, work will commence depending upon their availability.

We want to get the work done on a “timely basis,” and hopefully have it underway by late summer or early autumn, said Greg Wright, of the forest service.

Site Management for Missouri River Wildlands to Revert to Corps

Mitigation lands along the Missouri river are being returned to management by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Following the Corps purchase of five areas along the Missouri River, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission agreed to be responsible for active management. The sites include William Gilmour/Tobacco Island south of Plattsmouth, Hamburg Bend in Otoe County as well as Kansas Bend, Upper Brownville Bend and Langdon Bend in Nemaha County.

Staff at the Corps Missouri River Project Office north of Omaha will be responsible for area management on October 1, 2019. The Corps has established many additional mitigation areas associated with the Missouri River.

“We plan to make the management change as transparent as possible,” said Larry Janis, recreation and natural resource branch chief with the Corps. There may be some difference in the area roadways and grassland management practices. A significant item prompting the change was that current Nebraska agricultural agreements would not allow “trade services to be done with local entities,” he said.

NGPC has managed some of these sites for more than 20 years, or since the 1990s, according to Pat Molini, assistant division administrator for the agency. The agency also owns other properties, including the Peru Bottoms WMA. “These sites are special places for birds along the river.”

There are currently no planned changes in management responsibilities at the five areas including no expected dramatic change in the outdoor activities available – including bird watching, fishing, hiking, hunting and nature study – on these public lands. Similar areas are owned and managed on the Iowa side of the river by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Camping will continued to not be allowed. Collecting of any flora and fauna is also not allowed.

Further information on Omaha District mitigation areas associated with the Missouri River is available at the Missouri River Recovery Program website.

Turkey Antics Amidst Valentine Birdland

Jake turkeys are busy gobbling in the ponderosa pine clad hills north of Valentine. It is the time of their season to strut about with their particular flock of gathered hens.

The males display all of their avian splendor with tail feathers raised, wings drooping and with multihued coloration obvious on their head and neck. Their beard is obvious and well as a dangling wattle. The display is suitably impressive for the hens.

The local flock on a first couple of days this April has dwindled to 16 though it had numbered more than 20 about ten days ago. There are two jakes and the remainder females gathered until they disperse to raise a brood.

Usually the birds keep close as they walk about foraging on natural foods but some diverge to eat readily available bird seed. They especially like the sunflower seeds when more is put out for the other wildbirds such as juncos and red-winged blackbirds, because the big poultry return to eat again at least two or three times a day. In the morning they have to compete with some bigger white-tailed deer that prefer being fed rather than having to forage on a lesser growth of not yet green plants on a nearby hillside.

Breeding season antics were especially noticeable on April 2nd, a warming and sunny morning. Some hens were moving around the “top tom” and soon the king acted to interact to establish another generation. After moving around behind a particular hen ready to submit, he went into action as she crouched on the ground. The top turkey did this three times within 15 minutes. When the alternate “tom turkey” had a female showing particular interest, the “king” ran over to prevent any action by some interloper. This was very frustrating to the male lower in the hierarchy as it reacted with faux action of breeding.

After each distinct coupling, the female would walk away, shaking her feathers and then quickly getting back to the basics of finding something edible on the ground. One female ran a few circles until eventually deciding to return to the flock. The “tom turkey” is a heavy weight during its time standing atop the lesser weight females.

On some occasions a hen or two might return to the seed buffet without the flock because they know where to get something to eat without being disturbed by congeners. This is an indication of the flock already dispersing. Even on the 3rd, the males noticeably displayed less. Vocal gobbles were fewer.

Soon this particular flock – and many others of a similar ilk in the birdly wildlands – will disperse and the big toms will wander around since their time of importance is finished. They will continue to eat and thrive as part of a bachelor group while the hens will be at a nesting place where she can safely incubate eggs and then care for little turkeys in a manner to ensure their survival for many months and at least until next year after winter when the cycle of the spring will repeat.

The activities are a time of the season and this birdly behavior is a sight in many parts of the local country.

On the morning of the 4th, the flock size had returned to 24 individuals as seven hens and one jake returned. During the morning, even some of the hens were being antagonistic towards each other, and even getting in shoving matches.

Survey About Prairie Meadows Sent to Random Ranches

March 28, 2019. Grant County News 134(35): 1.

A survey asking ranchers for their response to a number of questions regarding prairie meadows was recently mailed to randomly selected ranchers in Cherry and Holt counties.

The goal of the questionnaire was to “help us to understand ranchers’ prairie haying practices and awareness of wild game birds and prairie song birds,” according to an introductory letter sent by Matthew P. Gruntorad, a human dimensions analyst at the School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“We have been reading some papers abut hay cutting practices and we were intrigued to find more information about what hay cutting practices were in Nebraska and the views of the landowners concerning different types of birds,” Gruntorad said in a supplemental email. About 1000 surveys were mailed.

Survey questions were grouped into four categories:

1) Ranching operation: ranching background, experience with prairie meadows, including when haying was typically initiated and finished.

2) Wildlife awareness: six similar questions each about the mallard, greater prairie-chicken, western meadowlark and bobolink.

3) Standing water in prairie meadows: would the rancher be willing to retain standing water in meadows during the spring and fall migration?

4) Hunting and organization membership: what animals are hunted and has the rancher been a member in nine possible groups.

5) Willingness to adjust haying practices: a basic tenet was focused around how waiting to cut meadow hay until after July 15 would improve the survival of nesting birds. Two questions had a range of selectable answers on whether or not it would be likely the rancher would delay haying until after mid-July and what portion of meadow acreage could perhaps be cut after this date.

There were also a few blank lines where the respondent could provide comments.

“We have a deep appreciation for the Sandhills and the views of landowners there. If not for them, it would not be one of our favorite places in Nebraska,” Gruntorad said in his email.

Responses to the questionnaire will be tabulated later in spring, with the results then issued online.

Feeding Wildlife at a Valentine Shack

At a shack on the northern edge of Valentine, with its country setting, bird seed has been provided to local wildbirds since 28 December 2017. The seed has been provided year-round but the most bird visits occur during late autumn and winter months. There are no feeders but the seed is placed on a 10’ by 12’ concrete pad. A number of species have been obviously appreciating something to eat during the frigid weather at Valentine. February ended and March began with snow cover nearly everywhere.

Keeping track of the species seen has been especially easy. My front door glass is covered with a towel, so peeks can be made without disturbing the 26 species recorded.

Wild Turkey: a bunch of eight until mid-autumn when they departed to join the local winter flock. A fine flock of sixteen returned in late March and continued to be around in early April.

Eurasian Collared Dove and Mourning Dove.

Eastern Bluebird: common during the seasons, but most often seen chasing insects from atop the fence of the horse pens.

House Finch and American Goldfinch.

Yellow-headed Blackbird; Red-winged Blackbird: after breeding large numbers throughout the days, making the sacks of bird seed get emptied quickly; Brown-headed Cowbird. Rusty Blackbird: four arrived on December 5, 2018 and two continued to linger at least through mid-March. Also, Common Grackle.

Song Sparrow; Harris's Sparrow; Dark-eyed Junco: the most prevalent winter visitor; American Tree Sparrow; Chipping Sparrow; and, Clay-colored Sparrow. Northern Cardinal

Species that have shown up only once include the:

Blue Jay: permanent resident locally but apparently don’t prefer eating seeds.

Horned Lark: a rare occurrence was 21 that flew in on 40 m.p.h. winds of the blizzard on March 14th. They didn’t figure out a seed-eating routine immediately, but did soon. Prevalent snow cover meant there were few other places to eat.

Brown Thrasher: summer resident locally amidst the shrubs.

Common Starling: a discoverer eventually jumped from the porch rail to the ground and got busy eating. Though only one in front of the shack, but a flock was been seen regularly since at the west trees.

Lincoln's Sparrow; Savannah Sparrow; and Lark Sparrow. Lazuli Bunting.

Overall the local Valentine bird tally is 152 species.

Other visitors appreciating the seed buffet are roaming deer on occasion to nibble up every seed they can find. Up to six typically occur.

Cottontail rabbits busily scrounge upon any little tidbit present. There is a pair seen jumping around near the hay shed where they will certainly raise a brood. It is quite nice to see them run around outside the north window of the shack. Another rabbit stays closer to the shack and seemingly has a bonanza because of the buffet.

From the tree line to the west a squirrel occasionally ventures forth to the pad, and quickly feeds before running back to its arboreal haven.

A perfect triad is a bunny eating, some doves picking at the seeds and juncos busy getting their daily meal.

Thus is country life at Valentine, a place where many residents appreciate wildbirds and help them survive by providing food daily.

A Sunday Drive in Cherry County Country

March 20, 2019. Pre-spring visions. Valentine Midland News 47(43): 12.

Beneath a beautiful cloud-free cerulean sky and with warming temperatures, Gordon Warrick and I took a drive amidst a bit of Cherry county country on a pre-spring Sunday the 17th. During our foray, my sharpened pencil was kept busy writing notes. Then later, more time was taken later to derive a suitable geographic designation for a bunch of bird observations.

Across the land southward of Valentine, there was lots of ice but some birds were indifferent because flocks of geese arrived or were flying into local habitats as wintry conditions moderated.

During our drive, we once again focused on the spaces along the Brownlee Road, with a start at the Heart City, down Highway 97 and then beyond to see what wildbirds were present.

A great grey shrike was on a wire at the Mcsky Ranch. Merritt reservoir was nearly 100% ice-covered. Three fishermen from Nebraska county 15 were huddled aside the dam looking at their nearby gear. They gave a hearty wave as we drove quickly past because there were no birds on the ice-covered waters.

In the vicinity of Gordon Creek along Highway 97, waterfowl of the day became especially obvious. There were lots of Canada geese obvious in the meadows as flying above. Most dramatic were eight trumpeter swans at the lowlands. They were waiting for ice-free water where they might establish a home for the pending breeding season.

Near the top of a big meadow tree a pair of bald eagles built upon a seeming balcony – because they reside at a nest of historic renown – were easily seen from the highway, while being attentive to their season’s brood. What were they doing during the so recent blizzard? Hope was no choice for them but it seems they did their work well and the nest survived the blasting winds with blowing snow and frigid cold.

Eventually we reached our Brownlee Road route, a uniquely scenic drive way amidst country with lakes, valleys and high country hills. There were plowed away snow drifts at more than one place.

Another couple of trumpeter swans were seen at Packingham Lake. With the water still ice-covered, we pondered how they might avoid any nightly wanderings of coyotes looking for a meal. They certainly have the right moves to avoid that sort of trouble.

A strutting common pheasant rooster was along the road in Wamaduze Valley (isn’t that a distinct name of historic derivation). Territorial red-winged blackbirds were prevalent at many places and numerous at more than one place. Rough-legged buzzards were obvious. There was even a common pheasant that added some color to the scene.

Many meadow expanses were filled with water topped with ice that will soon melt. These places will be hay meadows later this year.

We two bird-watchers were excited upon seeing two vividly blue birds atop some fence posts in the valley. They were soon identified as mountain bluebirds. Neither of us had seen them for a long time. The last reported record of this species in the county was in 2009 at Merritt Reservoir. That is a historic matter. To actually to see these two birds togetherly active in Cherry county supersedes many things.

A bunch of birds were notably active along the North Loup River in the Brownlee vicinity. Mallards were flying around. Red-winged blackbirds were busy in moving north or selecting a territory for the season. Migratory common mergansers were lingering as the flowing river was a haven.

During our transit of more than 20 miles along the road, there was only one pickup loaded with a big round bale, and then, later, two other vehicles east of Brownlee.

We tried to visit Rat and Beaver Lake WMA but the road was too muddy, rutted and not very suitable for vehicular travel. County ranchers have to deal with this reality every day, but we experienced a single effort and turned around. Ranchers deal with these conditions know much more on how to successfully deal with any travel issues. We gave up since the pending route was so tentative even while 4x4 travel was available. It was a vivid reality associated with country life.

Northward along Highway 83 upon our travel back to the city, and just a relatively short distance south of the Y, a field usually associated with corn, many geese had congregated on ice covered. There will be no plow on this ground for a particular time.

The overall bird tally for the day was 34 species, with raptors (six species including a vivid view of a beautifully colored ferruginous hawk and a singular American kestrel), waterfowl and flocks of red-winged blackbirds being notably prevalent.

It was a quite nice drive that can be appreciated any day. Our Sunday outing was a fine time to look around for the birds of the pending spring. Various landscape features of the hard surface Brownlee Road are a certain treasure of Cherry county. Any time spent along this route is an opportunity to appreciate a special sand hills setting.

Bull Bash Saturday - Voice From the Sandhills

James E. Ducey. March 1, 2019. Bull Bash Saturday. Babbling Brook 38(3): 5. Newsletter of Wachiska Audubon.

It was another Saturday but one with special significance. One reason was a temperature not as frigid as the previous overnight low of -17o. The sky was a cerulean blue without a single cloud. There was still a chill from a southerly wind.

Juncos were busily feeding on the bird seed outside the front door upon the start of my jaunt into the Heart City. Walking along the drive, both red-breasted and white-breasted nuthatches were heard. The house sparrows were busy in their bit of shrubbery at a corner of the Mill Pond. They always chatter but once a pedestrian gets close, they are very quiet.

On Main Street, the bulls were stolid in pens on what is normally a highway. It was the 18th annual Bull Bash. Some of the finest herd sires were being shown. The Sand Hills have the best cattle and there were Herefords, Angus and others of a similar ilk. There was ag equipment parked for showing. A tent with a well-working heater was a haven.

My first stop was a regular one, providing a warm place to sit while enjoying some good conversation. There was talk about unwelcome industrial wind turbines and how to continue to work to preserve features so special to the county and region. It is always grand to visit with cattlemen and cattle women that are truly so very essential to a grassland which is unique on earth. It is actually quite unexpected to hear ranchers talk about the American burying beetle, endangered whooping crane and an appreciation for dark sky spaces.

After a stop at the grocery store, my walking route once again went along Main Street where the bash activities were actively underway. People were gathered and talking. A young girl was selling Girl Scout cookies. There was a fine quilt display in a main street furniture store. Art was on display in a bank lobby. Miss Rodeo Nebraska and her cohorts were present as the livestock industry was being celebrated.

Another fine visit was to the local bookstore. Author Bryan Jones was autographing his rendition of history associated with the Sand Hills north of the Platte River and south of the Niobrara River. It the first time he’d been in Valentine on a bull-bash day. One more of his book was bought and it had an autograph, because the copy I donated to the library and a couple others given as gifts did not have a scrawl signature.

The one day respite from previous days of bitter winterness was obviously being appreciated outside during an obvious gathering of community of Sandhillers.

Skeins of Canada goose were flying to the southeast just before the noon hour. They were likely heading to the Niobrara River from their feeding grounds.

Bull Bash events continued into the dark hours, but were well beyond my time in the city. It was another day, but special for so many reasons on February 9th.

Eminent Domain – Nebraska Legislative Bill 155

February 21, 2019. Eminent domain. Grant County News 134(30): 1, 6.

A stalwart Nebraska legislator had a bunch of concerned and supportive sandhillers in his office on February 7th. It was time for a public hearing associated with legislative action to remove the use of eminent domain by public entities to benefit private companies.

The advocate was Sen. Tom Brewer of the 43rd legislative district. More than a dozen sandhillers came driving for hours on a frigid winter day – leaving their ranch – so their voice could be heard.

Before dawn at Valentine upon one particular departure, the temperature was sub-zero. Add in the extent of wind chill and the extreme polar cold was obvious. Our group represented one of several travelers across snow swept land so we could speak to the future of the sandhills.

We went to speak at a public hearing scheduled for the Natural Resources Committee at the Nebraska capitol in Lincoln. Sen. Brewer’s request to the fine senators of this committee was to strike a single sentence from legal statutes “to eliminate provisions relating to eminent domain” as indicated in a state law.

The words are: “The exercise of eminent domain to provide needed transmission lines and related facilities for a privately developed renewable energy generation is a public use.”

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Brewer, as he stated: “Public entities using the power of government against their neighbors so they can make money.”

“It is wrong,” Brewer said. There was then a public hearing. People spoke and the state senators listened and asked fine questions.

Proponents for approval of the LB 155 spoke first, obvious in their opposition to allow a public entity to act for the benefit of private landowners. There were ca. 15 people that presented personal testimony in support. Their words were indicative and convey what sandhills residents have realized and how they want to continue the essential cattle land legacy and other special values.

“Our legacy runs really deep,” said Wayne Eatinger, a fifth generation rancher in southeast Cherry county.

Barbara Welch was so very personable in regard to making sure that landmarks continue to be special places. Her analogy was so poignant that Sen. Hughes, chairman of the committee asked her to share a key tenet that she has adhered to since her days of high school. It was the result of a bunch of mice in a box so many few years ago. She brought many smiles to those present.

Dan Welch then spoke to the heritage of his ranch unit south of Thedford. The r-project would traverse the couple’s ranch property and create a health threat and diminish the value of the rangeland which has been scientifically studied.

“Take away our property rights and you take away our dignity,” Mr. Welch said. ”NPPD has been using eminent domain as a big stick over our heads for four years.”

Mr. Welch is an outspoken advocate for private property rights and this was obvious during his more than five minute testimony on Thursday.

Barb and Dan Welch presented a late December letter that arrived in their mail-box. It was an indication from NPPD that they would use eminent domain and all of its legal conundrums to condemn Welch ranchland to construct an industrial powerline across his range for heritage cattle.

“If you do not truly own your property, you are property,” said Brett Steffen of Thedford. The proposed r-project would traverse his property south of Thedford.

Sam Sampson, of Lincoln, conveyed his personal advocacy again wind turbines based upon his appreciation of a haven for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts at Brewster. “We need to protect some of us from the tyranny of others,” he said while wearing his best suit to speak his heart-felt words to the legislators.

Dean Smith from Antelope county – a newly elected county commissioner – was supportive as he referred to the nearly 300 industrial wind turbines in the county, with more being considered. His comments indicated the negative impacts during turbine project construction.

A significant presentation was a map graphic of Cherry county that indicates the extent of land-owners opposed to wind turbines. This document of record indicated the situation to each member of the Natural Resources Committee. The extent of opposition as obvious with the color red. The presentation provided an opportunity to convey other details associated with industrial wind turbines and necessary powerlines, based upon the currently known situation in Cherry county.

Some minutes beyond the five minutes allotted was provided to speak to what is being done within Cherry county. There were questions regarding the current county commissioners. Industrial wind turbines could not be placed on lands enrolled within the for-wind land owners because their surrounding neighbors do not want industrial wind turbines on their property. This is probably the case with industrial transmission lines. There were words said in regard to the request by Wayne Eatinger to ban industrial wind turbines within the county. It was also an opportunity to discuss the importance of state-level legislation as well as actions being done by the Bureau of Educational Lands and Funds.

A detail oriented cost-analysis evaluation was provided by Douglas P. Nelson, from Wayne. The economics for establishing a wind turbine project meant a loss due to the reality of costs.

“Take care of residents first,” said Amy Ballagh, a ranch-wife from the eastern hills and a long-time opponent to the r-project. There should be no eminent domain for private gain, she said.

Dave Hutchison, operator of a bison ranch near Rose, conveyed a common theme that the r-project would threaten whooping cranes and diminish the value of visitors to the region. He provided handouts with details.

Other names associated with comments included Mike Young, Marjorie Manning Warren and Ann Manning-Warren.

The opponents to this bill wore suits and represented some group, and were paid representatives of some groups with an obvious agenda, including the Advance Power Alliance, the Center for Rural Affairs and the Nebraska Farmers Union. They talked extensively, yet when asked a particular question the answers were lacking. Supposed economic development was a primary reason to not change the current legislation.

There was no utility company or industrial wind turbine developer present at the hearing.

Sen. Brewer ended the public hearing with his passionate comments. His concern for the sandhills and its people was blatantly obvious as he has actively been working to continue appreciated values. His staff worked with the landowner map to enhance it in relation to the proposed r-project corridor.

Sen. Brewer has selected this legislative action to be his priority bill, as he and his staff, including legislative aide Tony Baker continue to strongly work for residents of the 43rd district.

“What gives developer the right to impact neighbors,” he said. There is “smoke and mirrors by big wind.”

The efforts of many meant significant words were given to support Senator Brewer’s request to revise state legislation.

This day of action started in the dark during a realized 4o upon departure a few minutes after 6 a.m. at Valentine. Cold was everywhere during the day hours during the travel time when ranch employees stayed at the ranch to do chores and take care of the stock.

Finally after a long drive and getting back to the home place the temperature – including an excessively abhorrent wind chill – was at least -8^o upon returning to Cherry county and the heart city so many hours later during one day.

Annual Banquet Held by Ducks Unlimited

The annual banquet of the Sandhills Chapter of Ducks Unlimited was a resounding success as community residents and their families gathered to support the conservation of waterfowl and their habitats.

Attendees ranged in age from infants to elders. Adults conversed while kids ran around having fun. Some participated in games – including “Duck-O bingo”  – when many smiles were obvious. The winner of “Last Duck Standing” certainly had a special day as he not only won, but he won on his birthday. The crowd gave him a rendition of the Happy Birthday song. There were raffles of many waterfowl-related items donated by businesses.

Some youngsters spent time at the Greenwing Raffle, a youth-oriented booth. One tyke present had a tiny, plastic, yellow duck held close as his expression of waterfowl. A couple of young girls with their raffle tickets all ready, bantered about ice-fishing with their dad at the Valentine lake district.

Jake Ohlmann, chair of the local chapter, was pleased with the outcome of the banquet. He was busy helping at the “Mug of Tickets” table while noticing the fine bunch of people present and appreciating the many contributors.

“There are a lot of generous people in the community,” said Ohlmann, appreciative of every donation since each of them were helpful in raising fund for waterfowl conservation. Volunteers were “essential” and helped make the banquet a success as they also do for other group projects.

“I really enjoy kids being involved,” said Ohlmann. The banquet, as well as other outreach programs are “a chance to teach them about wildfowl hunting and conservation.” Adding that DU projects conserve “resources for generations to come.” He especially appreciates the dedication of long-time members in the organization.

There were a few people at the banquet that became new members.

Funds raised at the banquet will contribute to DU projects throughout the nation.

There is a nationally significant DU and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service project currently underway at Valentine NWR, said JuanCarlos Giese, manager of Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and DU member.

Carp barriers and berms will be placed to manage wetland conditions and prohibit fish access at Sweetwater Lake, 21 Lake, Center Lake, Homestead Lake, Cow Lake, Little Hay Lake, Calf Camp Marsh (where a structure was placed in 2018) and Pony Lake, said Giese. Most of these places are east of Highway 83.

Once the “construction” phase of the project is completed, these sites will be treated to remove fish – notably invasive carp – from the lakes and wetlands. These shallow lakes and ponds will be managed for migratory birds and other wildlife, so no sport fish will be introduced into these wetlands.

About 900 acres wetlands will be restored, said Giese.

This “on the ground project will provide benefits to waterfowl and many others sorts of wildlife” as well as wetland flora. Some nongame birds that will benefit include many wildbird species, including the trumpeter swan, pied-billed grebe and marsh wren, for example. Amphibians are also expected to flourish amidst the rejuvenated wetland flora, Giese said.

Environmental improvements associated with natural land features will “attract the community and visitors to appreciate the refuge resources. It is very exciting to be involved with these landscape basis projects,” Giese said, noting the significance of being able to “work with the community and partners for the benefit of current and future generations.”

Work will be initiated once Section 404 permits are received in coming weeks from the Army Corps of Engineers, Giese said.

The FWS will continue to monitor results in order to evaluate success of the project, he said.
DU and FWS are the primary project partners. Essential funding has been provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the North American Wetland Conservation Act. Also involved are the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as well as the volunteer member-based Sandhill Prairie Refuge Association.

This project is ancillary to the lake restoration projects underway by the NGPC and FWS to remove carp and improve the fisheries at several prominent lakes of the refuge, west of Highway 83.

Two historic projects DU has been involved with in Cherry County include the Lord Lake project at the McKelvie Division of the Nebraska National Forest where water control structures and tree removal occurred, said DU member Mark Lindvall. Elsewhere, water control structures were added and a dike was rebuilt at Calf Camp Valley marsh, Valentine NWR.

Lindvall, of Valentine, has been a DU member for more than 20 years. The group “is a good conservation organization that puts projects on the ground,” he said. The local chapter was active in 1985 when he arrived to work at Valentine NWR. “I enjoy watching waterfowl in the spring a hunt in the fall which might be a time to just watch fowl in flight,” he said. “With wetland conservation projects there are more ducks and geese” for everyone to enjoy.

About 150 people attended the annual banquet held February 2nd at the 4-H building at the Cherry County fairgrounds, including Bill Stroup who started the local chapter years ago. The Sandhills chapter has about 100 members, Ohlmann said.

Any wildbird enthusiast with an interest in wetland conservation is welcome to join Ducks Unlimited, which has been active in Nebraska for many decades.

Cedar Waxwings and Robins Show up in Valentine Rather Hungry

January 30, 2019. Cedar waxwings and robins show up in Valentine rather hungry. Valentine Midland News 47(30): 12.

Some most colorful, fine wildbirds have continued their residence about Valentine during the past weeks. Somewhat smaller and less robust than a robin, they have a plumage quite distinct plumage and a distinctive voice. These bits of avian life are cedar waxwings garbed with vivid feather colors including a black-eye mask suitable for any mystery ball and a yellowish belly as fine as any fancy vest. Their plumage expression includes a bright yellow color tip their tail which is so indicatively fine. Though no hats are required anywhere in the natural realm, their crown feathers lift for some time when they indicate a natural expression.

Varying numbers can be seen within Valentine or local natural lands. The groups trill can be very obvious as expressed from some tree where they are busily feeding on buds or by flocks in flight as a bunch flies just above the arboreal realm. And yes, they do appreciate cedar berries. Numbers have varied from 3 to nearly 20 based upon count details. A bunch of about two dozen was seen on January 28, at the North Lake Shore Hills.

Another significant occurrence of past weeks has been a few rusty blackbirds with mottled winter-time plumage expressively different from the well-known red-winged blackbirds of the summer season. Four arrived in late November and two have continued to linger. They are regularly appreciative of the bird seed buffet. This tenure is the longest extent of regular occurrence for the northern-central Sand Hills. They have been seen on one day or another in the past, including an initial report for October 31, 1919 at the Fort Niobrara Game Preserve. It was more than 75 years later until the next observation became available in the ornithological chronicles.

An exciting observation happened on January 25th when a Northern Mockingbird was well seen at the confluence of Minnechaduza Creek and the Niobrara River. Gordon Warrick was able to get a picture to document its occurrence during his hike-around. This is a first known winter sighting in this vicinity, based upon an evaluation of details dating back more than a century. Usually they visit the valley in later spring, like in mid-May and linger through July! This was a great sighting and to have a report and picture is significant. Obviously they weren’t here for any balmy weather because typical winter range is a bunch of miles beyond Nebraska towards the southerly extent of the Great Plains in Kansas or Oklahoma.

While outdoor these days, there is nearly always a sound of wild birds to hear. There may a moment or two to look into a shrub at a busy bird or upon the birdly expressions beneath the vivid blues, grays and white of the sky. Listen for the call of black-capped chickadees with their chick-a-dee-dee expression, they also have a two note expression that is their means of saying hello from woods where nuthatches also call while jumping around on the bark of so many trees.

Many thousands of American robins have very recently been flighty across the north hills. While estimating numbers associated with multiple flocks, three morning tallies were approximately 1500, which is a whole lot of bird life going into town or elsewhere to feed on tree buds or cedar berries or something at one or another suitable robin space. Because of the repeated occurrence, the flocks had to have returned to an overnight roost amidst the pines and cedars of the Cherry county country land.

Don’t miss the regular winter residents. Trumpeter swans linger on the river, with other fine species of waterfowl. There are the antics of the mergansers. Hundreds of Canada geese traverse the sky daily in loose skeins while being an indicative song of the wild. Any flock might include a diminutive cackling goose with their individual voice.

A fine extent of Eurasian collared doves seen daily act similar to bobble-heads – pecking up and down in a regular motion - as they feed on ground-spread seed. Dark-eyed juncos skitter about nearby as a bunch of them appreciate a place where they do not have to scratch through snow to feed on ample bird seed.

These wildbirds are among the typical 30 species that have occurred in recent years during January at Valentine were there are havens present as snow, cold, wind and dreary gray skies prevail along with the other ever-changing expressions of winter-time.

Our feathered friend always appreciate something to eat, especially when snow covers the ground and single-digit temperatures predominate.

Bird watching is a great pastime that anyone can freely enjoy. What might be your appreciative sighting today?

Wind Turbine Regulations Approved by Planning and Zoning Board at Valentine Meeting

January 24, 2019. Wind turbine regulations approved by Planning and Zoning Board at Valentine meeting. Grant County News 134(26): 1, 4, 7.

Requests to ban industrial wind turbines in Cherry County and to reclassify massive wind turbine structure as industrial from their current commercial/utility classification in applicable regulations were approved by the members of the Planning and Zoning board at their meeting on January 15th at Valentine.

A public comment period allowed further details to be given for the requests by Messrs. Wayne Eatinger and William Weller.

Eatinger was the first to speak while presenting a map graphic that showed the potential impact that wind turbine developments could have upon the Cherry County landscape. Circles with a diameter of 24 miles were centered on land spaces where turbine developments might occur because the land owners are associated with legally filed easements. The vast majority of the county was within one circle or another. Especially indicative were the four circles originating on the periphery of the McKelvie Division, Nebraska National Forest. There would be one place or another within this grassland and forest plantings expanse – with some of the best dark skies of the central Great Plains – where 600 foot-tall wind turbines could always be seen from a prominent vantage.

The 12-mile radius represented by the map was a conservative estimation. This distance is now known to be inadequate. A tall wind turbine 15 miles away can be readily seen from the right point of view. One turbine west of Valentine can be seen from near Kilgore, a distance of 24 miles, according to west Kilgore resident Carolyn Semin.

There are apparently plans to revise this map to indicate a distance of 15 miles.

The next map graphic was personally presented. It had a title of “Map Graphic Indicating Property Owner Perspectives Regarding Placement of Industrial Wind Turbines Within Cherry County” based upon individual considerations a vast amount of land parcels.

This evaluation indicated what is known for vast swaths of the county. Thanks to Brock Moreland and Rick Weber for their help in getting the map steadily placed on an easel so the P&Z board could get a suitable view.

These are the indicative color-codes on the map graphic, and they are indicative, as derived from known facts:

• Red: property owners opposed to industrial wind turbines. Derived from comments at public hearings, public records and most recently, direct personal communications (i.e., phone calls and conversations) as a result of ongoing efforts by many concerned residents that want a range and ranch land setting. Red is the most prominent color on the map graphic, readily indicating the expansive opposition by ranch families, individuals, ranch corporations, and others to industrial wind turbines. Many neighbors stand together in their solidarity of opposition to industrial wind turbine development in Cherry County country. Nearly every proposed wind turbine locality is surrounded by red because the neighbors do not want any turbines among the hills.
  

  A multitude of parcels for owners of some of the largest tracts of land in the county are included in this category.
  Green: public property including Valentine NWR and Fort Niobrara NWR, Niobrara Valley Preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy, wildlife management areas owned by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska National Forest - McKelvie Division, Niobrara National Scenic River, Bowring Ranch State Historical Park. There are also sites where conservation easements conserve the range land setting (i.e., Vanderploeg place along the Niobrara River south of Valentine, Horse Creek Ranch, and Jumbo and Pullman Valley Fen, etc.). There are also a few USA owned tracts where turbines could not be placed on these small, publicly owned and isolated land parcels. Some of these parcels are managed as part of Valentine NWR.
  

• Yellow: spaces where turbines could or would not be placed based upon location or public sentiment. There will be no industrial wind turbine facilities placed within Valentine, nor amidst any housing tracts or local to Miller Airport. There will be no industrial wind turbines placed within county villages. There are also land tracts where a land-owner has not indicated whether they are for or against wind turbines but will not have wind turbines on their property. This coloration also includes a few sections owned by the State of Nebraska, without a BELF ownership designation, and where the citizens of Nebraska need to be able to voice their opinion on any and all drastic land management decisions.
  
• Brown: enrolled members of Cherry County Wind LLC or people that have expressed support for wind turbines being placed upon their property. The extent of land enrolled by “forwindees” is readily available in Cherry county public records.
  
• Black: isolated parcels where the Board of Educational Lands and Funds colluded with Cherry County Wind LLC to enroll publicly-owned parcels for involvement in potential wind-turbine development. There was no public involvement in any decision by the agency board. There had to have been some collusion as the parcels indicated by county records of agreement match so well with associated private property included for potential, future industrial wind turbine development.
  
• 
  Purple: land owned by R.E. “Ted” Turner and former state senator Al Davis. Both have been involved in efforts to promote wind turbines but have not indicated whether they would allow turbines on their property. Turner has replied to inquiries on whether industrial wind turbines would be placed on any of the Sandhills Ranch Properties in Cherry, Sheridan and Garden counties. There has been no definitive answer provided.
  
• Blue: wetlands including so many special lakes, including at Valentine NWR where millions of dollars are being spent to improve the quality of the waters for subsequent values for people fishing and bird-watching. There are also prominent sections of rivers where industrial wind turbines will never be built.
  
• White: representing property owners that are neutral in regards to the placement of industrial wind turbines or land-owners whose view is not yet known. There are multiple blank parcels included in this category because they are owned by members of the planning board as well as a county commissioner or two.
  

Efforts will continue to determine landowner positions and further convey perspectives on the map graphic until the day when the commissioners have their required public hearing.

During the meeting, several people vividly expressed their views. Others were present to convey their support for the two amendments.

There is “overwhelming support for not having wind turbines in Cherry County,” said Craig Andresen of Wood Lake.

Mr. Rick Weber indicated that the people he deals with in his real estate business want to come to the sandhills because of the great grass resources and since it is such a unique place. The “wind turbine gold rush is over,” he said.

When William “Billy” Weller stood and spoke in support of his amendment request, his poignant point was that current residents are “stewards of our heirs.” His request is another piece of the puzzle that fits together in the discussion regarding wind turbines, and received great support.

From the Brownlee village country, there came additional voices.

“There is a lot of wisdom in both amendments,” said Craig Miles, while he came to town from his legacy ranch way to the south of the Heart City. He has spoken to again and again and once more in opposition to wind turbines. On the 15th he expressed the importance of dialog and the value of listening.

Barb Welch of the Brush Creek Ranch with its north unit west of Brownlee added other indicative comments. “There is a time and place for everything,” she said. “Stop and think of what you are doing,” she said while continuing to speak to the Planning and Zoning Board. There are important places where there should not be industrial wind turbines. She conveyed once again the views from a woman against wind, that no one wants wind turbines to be seen from Mount Rushmore and other important national monuments citizens know to be are important. “Don’t put turbines in a place we treasure,” while she spoke about the Great American Sandhills.

Gary and Glenda Phipps residing in the north Whitman country also drove a bunch of miles to be present. Wind turbines are a “little bit of money for some people,” he said.

When Bob Stetter stood to speak, there was complete silence in respect as there had been throughout the public comment period. Bob got his notes together and then expressed a local radio station comment spoken on the local radio station: “welcome to paradise.” “Keep the sandhills a paradise,” Stetter said in agreement, adding other expressions indicating that industrial wind turbines should be kept out of the Sand Hills.

A complete slate of P&Z board members was not present on the 15th. At least newly appointed member Duane Kime was there. The newly appointed woman from the Cody was not seen anywhere near the Valentine meeting room. She was appointed and could not even attend the first meeting of her tenure.

About 50 people attended the meeting and when the crowd was asked to stand if they supported the two amendments, everyone stood. This included stalwarts that have once and again stood with their neighbors in opposing wind, including personal time, travelling to pertinent meetings, doing research and otherwise being involved in the process for the past few years. They included these neighbors, as representative: Semin, Weber, Moreland, Welch, MacLeod, Trimble, Witt, Young, Wolfenden, McCormick, Rhoades, Mundorf, Gallinol, Warren and Hanna, et al.

Both amendments will henceforth by submitted to the county commissioners. A public hearing will then be scheduled. The three commissioners will then decide on whether these amendments would be enacted, and thus the fate of Cherry County in regards to industrial wind turbines.

Request Filed to Classify Wind Turbines as an Industrial Feature in Cherry County

William Weller. July 19, 2018. Request filed to classify wind turbines as an industrial feature in Cherry County. Document filed at county zoning office.

A request to amend the Cherry County, Nebraska, zoning regulations was filed July 19, 2018 to revise the designation associated with wind turbines. The request was to change the regulations so wind turbines are an industrial feature, rather than the currently classification as “commercial/utility”. An additional request was to have industrial wind turbines specifically indicated as an industrial use as referenced by section 303 of the county regulations.

The request was filed by Cherry County landowner William R. Weller – whose property adjoins many parcels owned by a land-owner who has signed an agreement to allow wind turbine placement on their property. Mr. Weller also paid the $50 filing fee early in the morning on July 19 at the county offices. A two-page attachment was included in the filing, indicating where changes in the regulatory text were being requested, mostly associated with section 613 of the zoning regulations.

When the wassubmitted to the county zoning administrator, a request was made that the item be placed on the agenda for the August 7th Planning and Zoning Board meeting to indicate a specific date and time for a public hearing and an active public consideration of this proposal.

This is the request filed with the zoning administrator by Mr. Weller.

Request for Revisions to the Cherry County Zoning Regulations

July 19, 2018; changes are indicated by bold text. This online document has been slightly changed for formatting purposes, but there were no substantive changes in content.

303.42 INDUSTRIAL USE: Of, relating to, concerning, or arising from the assembling, fabrication, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, or processing of goods, or mineral extraction.

Revise to:

303.42 INDUSTRIAL USE: Of, relating to, concerning, or arising from the assembling, fabrication, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, or processing of goods, mineral extraction or any WECS with a wind turbine(s) height above ground exceeding 100 feet.

SECTION 613 WIND ENERGY CONVERSION FACILITIES

613.03 Commercial/Utility Grade Wind Energy Systems

Revise to: 613.03 Industrial Grade Wind Energy Systems

Purpose: It is the purpose of this regulation to promote the safe, effective and efficient use of commercial/utility grade wind energy systems within Cherry County.

Revise to:

It is the purpose of this regulation to promote the safe, effective and efficient use of industrial grade wind energy systems within Cherry County.

Definitions

2. Commercial/Utility WECS shall mean a wind energy conversion system of equal to or greater than 100 kilowatts in total name plate generating capacity.

Revise to:

2. Industrial WECS shall mean a wind energy conversion system of equal to or greater than 100 kilowatts in total name plate generating capacity.

Requirements

Commercial/Utility Grade wind energy systems shall be permitted as a Conditional Use within any district where...

Revise to:

Industrial Grade wind energy systems shall be permitted as a Conditional Use within any district where...

Table on Setbacks; column title

WE-CS Wind Turbine Commercial/Utility WECS

Revise to: Wind Turbine Industrial WECS

Special Safety and Design Standards

All towers shall adhere to the following safety and design standards:

Section 1. The Commercial/Utility WECS owner(s) and/or operator(s) shall conduct an analysis on potential shadow flicker at any occupied...

Revise to:

The industrial WECS owner(s) and/or operator(s) shall conduct an analysis on potential shadow flicker at any occupied...

Section 3. All Commercial/Utility WECS shall have a sign or signs posted on the tower, transformer and substation

Revise to:

3. All industrial WECS shall have a sign or signs posted on the tower, transformer and substation...

4. All wind turbines, which are a part of a commercial/utility WECS, shall be installed with a tubular, monopole type tower.

Revise to:

All wind turbines, which are a part of an industrial WECS, shall be installed with a tubular, monopole type tower.

6. Color and finish:

All wind turbines and towers that are part of a commercial/utility WECS shall be white, grey, or another non-obtrusive color. Blade finishes shall be matte or non-reflective.

Revise to:

6. Color and finish:

All wind turbines and towers that are part of an industrial WECS shall be white, grey, or another non-obtrusive color. Blade finishes shall be matte or non-reflective.

12. ... each Commercial/Utility WECS shall have a Decommissioning plan...

Revise to: 12. ... each industrial WECS shall have a Decommissioning plan...

13. Noise:

No Commercial/Utility WECS shall exceed 50 dBA at the nearest structure occupied by humans.

Exception: a Commercial/Utility WECS may exceed 50 dBA during periods of severe weather as defined by the US Weather Service.

Revise to:

No industrial WECS shall exceed 50 dBA at the nearest structure occupied by humans.

Exception: an industrial WECS may exceed 50 dBA during periods of severe weather as defined by the US Weather Service.