Learn about, provide feedback on wildlife action plan

Join a virtual meeting Aug. 6 to learn about Nebraska’s updated state wildlife action plan, which outlines conservation efforts and priorities for Nebraska’s most vulnerable plant and animal species.

The Zoom meeting, beginning at 7 p.m. Central time, will cover proposed updates to the plan, known as the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project. Register to attend the meeting through the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Proposed changes include:

• Modified Biologically Unique Landscape boundaries;
• The addition of a Biologically Unique Ecoregion that encompasses the Sandhills
• The addition of priority watersheds;
• An updated list of species covered in Tier I and Tier II designations; 44 species were added and 53 were removed;
• The addition of a list of species that scientists and managers lack sufficient knowledge of to allow for a population assessment;
• Expanded wildlife-based recreation and education sections.

The plan will be open for public comment Aug. 1 to Aug. 15 at OutdoorNebraska.gov, by searching for “natural legacy.” Those submitting feedback should review the threats and conservation strategies for the BUL nearest to their location.

The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project is part of a nationwide effort to address the needs of declining wildlife populations. More than 700 species have been identified as at-risk in Nebraska.

The plan initially was published in 2005 and updated in 2011. This newest edition will be submitted for approval to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in August and to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in October.

The mission of the Natural Legacy Project is to refine and implement a blueprint for conserving Nebraska’s flora, fauna and natural habitats through the proactive, voluntary conservation actions of partners, communities and individuals.

Landowners, partner organizations, public land managers and many others use the plan to guide conservation work that benefits wildlife, habitat and the residents of Nebraska.