6 minute read
Ag & Range
Nebraska wetland education program receives funding
Photo courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service A female duck is released with a band around her leg, this band will be used to track her movements throughout her life.
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Bird banding moved online
u By Kamryn Kozisek Ag and Range Editor
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Bird Conservatory of the Rockies have partnered to host the annual bird banding station. The stations have been running for over a decade.
Bird banding is done to collect and track information on individual birds.
Banded birds are then caught and tracked over their lifetime. Information from the individuals is then taken and used to calculate migratory routes, migratory seasons and average lifespan information.
The bird banding for 2020 is taking place on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area u By Kamryn Kozisek Ag and Range Editor
Both the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service are offering free entry to recreational areas for veterans.
Starting on Nov. 16 disabled veterans will be able to apply to receive a Nebraska Resident Disabled Veteran Vehicle Park Entry Permit.
Veterans that were discharged or separated honorably or generally or that have been deemed 50% or more disabled as a result of military service can apply for the permit.
Permit applications are available on th Nebraska Game and Chadron State Park.
Due to COVID-19 concerns the bird banding has moved to an online webinar. The webinar is being hosted by Wachiska Audubon Society.
The bird banding team banded 190 birds last year and 1,000 birds this season, the informational webinar will follow the team’s movements.
The webinar will be led by Delanie Bruce and Colin Woolley. Bruce is the Nebraska wildlife education coordinator for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Bird Conservatory of the Rockies. Woolley is the banding coordinator for the Bird Conservatory of the Rockies.
The webinar is free and anyone can register on the
Free entry to outdoor areas for Veterans
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Website. and Parks Commission website.
As of Nov. 11, USDA Forest Service is offering free entry to national forests and grasslands for U.S. military veterans and all Gold Star families.
All day-use recreation amenities will be free to access by those meeting the Gold Star family and veteran standards, including trailheads, picnic centers and visitor centers. “Without those brave men and women that served our country and uniform, and without the support of their families, our nation would not be what it is today.” Said the USDA Forest Service on Nov. 10, “To show our gratitude for their selfless service, the USDA Forest Service today announced it will offer U.S. military vets and Gold Star families free access to their national forests and grasslands.”
Wetlands of Nebraska Outreach and Education Project receive four $280,000 grants to be used for 2019-2023 plan
u By Kamryn Kozisek Ag and Range Editor
Over the last 250 years Nebraska’s wetlands have been destroyed, leaving only 65% of wetlands remaining intact.
Based on 2019 statistics, 100% of Nebraska’s amphibian species, 50% of Nebraskan bird species, 38% of Nebraskan reptiles and 36% of Nebraskan mammals rely on wetland habitats according to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Beginning in 2015 the Wetland Program Plan for Nebraska began with the goal to improve wetlands and provide education.
The plan is updated every 4 years. The 2019 plan was released in the fall outlining actions to be taken during 2019-2023 for wetland conservation.
Wetland conservation has been a growing over the last 25 years, last fall a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave $280,000 to the Wetlands of Nebraska Outreach and Education Project.
This project is being led by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and should be completed by 2022. Matching grants will be provided by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, University of Nebraska- Lincoln and Duck’s Unlimited.
This 3 year project is based on educating the public and students about wetland resources.
A fifth grade curriculum and activity book is being introduced using the grant, this is to be implemented across the state.
The grant is also being used to produce an updated copy of “Guide to Nebraska Wetlands and their conservation needs”.
This guide discussed in detail about 14 wetland complexes and wetland plant and animal species. This guide is free and can be ordered online.
Other multimedia project funded by the grants include a Platte Basin time-lapse short films and a Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) online story map.
The project is also supporting continued updates on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wetland webpage.
There will also be added use of social media for wetland education and the production of a wetland education app.
For youth education, the production of educational videos and leading field trips to areas for hands on education are being funded.
The project will also fund professional presentations at school districts.
All educational actions done using the Wetlands of Nebraska Outreach and Education Project will continue through 2023.
Sports
Photo by Mackenzie Dahlberg Brendan Brehmer, sophomore of Alliance, dives to tackle Joe Stiffend, sophomore of Plainfield, Illinois, after being tripped by another CSC defensive player, at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium, Saturday.
Eagles fall to Nebraska neighbors
u By Mackenzie Dahlberg Staff Editor
After nine years without facing their in-state rival, Chadron State gave up 541 rushing yards during the Eagles’ 45-35 loss against University of Nebraska-Kearney, Saturday, in Kearney.
Kearney Quarterback T.J. Davis, sophomore of Colorado Springs, Colorado, rushed for 252 yards, and three touchdowns including a 79-yarder during the Lopers’ second offensive possession.
Kearney’s defense tallied five sacks on CSC quarterback Dalton Holst, senior of Gillette, Wyoming.
Head Football Coach Jay Long said that watching film on the game afterwards, he thinks it took CSC a
Athletes Weekof the Montel Gladney Hometown: Flowood, Mississippi Class: Junior Sport: Football
Gladney was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week after catching five passes for 116 yards during the Eagles’ game against University of Nebraska Kearney, Saturday, at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium. quarter to figure out the types of plays Kearney ran, and just had to get used to the speed they went. Kearney outscored CSC 31-14 in the first half, but managed 14 second-half points.
“Offensively, I thought that we did a good job moving the ball against a really good defense and then we just needed to find another score in that game,” Long said.
Holst completed 22 throws for 286 yards and three touchdowns.
Providing a balance on offense, the Eagles gained 225 total rushing yards. Jalen Starks, junior of Van Nuys, California, rushed for 125 yards and scored two touchdowns. Jeydon Cox, freshman of Jackson, Wyoming, rushed for 80 yards.
Please see Football page 16
Drake Holdren
Holdren was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week after going 5-5 extra point during the Eagles’ game against University of Nebraska Kearney, Saturday, at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium.
2020
Football Standings
1. Chadron State 2. Colorado Mesa 3. South Dakota Mines 3. Black Hills State
Offensive Leaders
Passing: Dalton Holst 1060 yards, seven touchdowns Rushing: Jalen Starks 330 yards, seven touchdowns Receiving: Chad Mikelson 309 yards, two touchdown
Defensive Leaders
Tackles: Jeremiah Makahununiu 37 tackles, 16 solo Sacks: Brendan Hopkins one sack, 16 tackles Interceptions: Bobby Peele Three interceptions, five break-ups
Remaining Schedule
Nov. 14 At Black Hills State
