Environmental Review
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission carries out reviews to protect threatened and endangered species.
The Nebraska Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act is designed to conserve species of wildlife for human enjoyment and to ensure they continue to be viable components of their ecosystems. Therefore, state agencies must ensure actions they authorize, fund or carry out do not jeopardize the continued existence of endangered and threatened species or result in the destruction or modification of critical habitat.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission carries out threatened and endangered species reviews and conservation planning for state entities through the Conservation and Environmental Review Tool (CERT), an interactive GIS mapping tool.
CERT webinar
June 17, 2025 at 10 a.m. CT
Interested in learning how to use the Conservation and Environmental Review Tool? Join Game and Parks staff for a training webinar on June 17 to learn how to properly complete the review process using CERT. Game and Parks staff will provide tips and expectations for communicating with NGPC staff. The webinar will include time for a Q&A session.
About Environmental Reviews
Any project that requires a state-issued permit, uses state funds or is conducted by a state agency requires an environmental review for impacts on endangered and threatened species. Learn more below.
Examples of permits and funds issued by state agencies are listed below:
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE)
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
– Industrial Stormwater (ISW)
– Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
– Construction Stormwater (CSW) - State Revolving Funds (SRF)
- Wastewater Treatment Facility Construction
- 401 Water Quality Certification (401 WQC)
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC)
- Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- Surface Water Appropriation Application
PLEASE NOTE: If your project doesn’t involve a Nebraska state agency that is funding, permitting, or carrying out your project, then an environmental review is not required.
CERT can still be used if your project is in the planning stage, applying for federal funding, needs a permit from a federal agency, or needs information pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
An environmental review can be completed by using the Conservation and Environmental Review Tool. The CERT analyzes the project type and location, and based on the analysis, provides information about potential impacts to listed species, habitat questions and/or conservation conditions. When using CERT, the first step can take as little as 15 minutes.
You can also request an environmental review by submitting a letter or email requesting a review to the Environmental Review Team at Nebraska Game and Parks.
Environmental Review Team
Wildlife Division
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
2200 N. 33rd St
Lincoln, NE 68503
Email: ngpc.envreview@nebraska.gov
If you need to contact Game and Parks for further review, the process typically takes an average of 30 days. However, during peak planning and construction seasons, the process may take longer. Please plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for the review to be conducted. Projects are reviewed in the order they are received and will NOT be expedited.
PLEASE NOTE: Game and Parks staff are not notified when a project is created in CERT. If you need further review or have questions, you must reach out by emailing ngpc.envreview@nebraska.gov.
When contacting Game and Parks for further review, include the following information:
- Attach a copy of your CERT report in PDF form.
- Description of the whole and complete project, including the timing of the project, area (acres) to be disturbed and current land use of the project area.
- Explanation of the type of state and/or federal permits required for the project and funding source.
- Project location and county (including section, township, range OR latitude, longitude coordinates).
- Aerial photo delineating the project area, including any off-site areas that will be used for things such as borrow sites, waste sites, access/haul roads, etc.
- Contact information, including name, mailing address, email address and phone number, of the person submitting the request for review.
After creating a project in CERT, locate the Overall Results section for remaining steps.
Once you’ve completed the steps:
- Sign and date the report in the designated areas, and
- Upload the signed and dated report into the project within CERT, and
- Change the edit status to Final from Draft status.
When these actions are completed, no additional coordination (i.e., contact with Game and Parks) is required.
If the report indicates further consultation is required and/or conservation conditions cannot be met, then the following actions must be taken:
- Project proponent is required to contact and consult with Game and Parks.
- Staff are NOT notified when a project is created in CERT. If you need further review or have questions, please email ngpc.envreview@nebraska.gov.
How to use CERT
The CERT website’s Help and Resources page provides guidance documents and tutorials for users of the Conservation and Environmental Review Tool.
About Nebraska’s protected species
Once a plant or animal is designated or listed as endangered, state and federal laws kick in with protocols and methods designed to protect the species from extinction or extirpation.
Nebraska Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act
This act is a multifaceted state law that aims to protect Nebraska’s most vulnerable species. Every year more than 1,000 proposed projects with ties to state agencies are reviewed to prevent a state action from jeopardizing the continued existence of a threatened or endangered species.
Nebraska’s threatened and endangered species
Nebraska has 32 plants and animals listed as threatened or endangered and whose continued existence within the state is in jeopardy. State recovery plans identify, describe and schedule the actions necessary to restore these populations to a more secure status.
Procedures & protocols for T&E species
The following procedures and protocols provide important standards and information, including wind and solar energy guidelines, intended for the protection of Nebraska’s threatened and endangered species.
Contact
For more information on the environmental review process, contact our Environmental Review Team.
