Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership facts for kids

The The Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership (SWCP) is a special program that works to protect and save the Eastern Saline Wetlands in Nebraska. These wetlands are unique places in Lancaster and Saunders counties. They are very important but also very rare.

Long ago, these salty wetlands covered a huge area, more than 200,000 acres (809 square kilometers). But over time, many were lost. People built homes, businesses, and farms, which led to the wetlands being drained or filled in. Now, less than 4,000 acres (16 square kilometers) are left. Many of these remaining areas are also in poor condition.

Because these wetlands are so special and so few are left, it's really important to protect them. Other programs tried to help, but they weren't enough. That's why the Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership (SWCP) was created. It helps protect and manage these shrinking salty wetlands.

How the Partnership Started

The SWCP has a unique way of protecting Nebraska's Eastern Saline Wetlands. It brings many groups together to work as a team. This team approach helps both the wetlands and the local communities.

Since 2002, the City of Lincoln has received money from different grants. These funds helped start the Eastern Saline Wetlands Project. In 2003, several main groups formed the Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership. These groups include the City of Lincoln, Lancaster County, and the Lower Platte South Natural Resource District. Also involved are The Nature Conservancy and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

These main partners created a plan in 2003. They work closely with other groups and private landowners to make sure the plan succeeds. Many other partners also help by supporting grants or by providing resources. They all work together to restore and protect these important wetlands.

Plan to Protect Saline Wetlands

The Implementation Plan for the Conservation of Nebraska’s Eastern Saline Wetlands is a big plan. It looks at whole areas, not just small spots. Its goal is to protect both the wetlands and the land around them. Many groups, including local, state, and federal agencies, work together. They also team up with individuals and private organizations.

The main goal of the plan is to have "No net loss" of saline wetlands. This means they want to stop losing wetlands. They also want to improve the wetlands over time. They do this by bringing back the natural water flow. They also manage the wetlands carefully and protect the surrounding land.

The plan has big strategies that apply to all wetlands. It also has five main goals for different areas. These goals aim to protect and restore about 4,000 acres (16 square kilometers) of saline wetlands.

Types of Saline Wetlands

Experts have put Nebraska's Eastern Saline Wetlands into four different groups. This helps them understand and manage each area better.

• Category 1: These wetlands are very valuable now, or they could become very valuable after being restored. They work well as saline wetlands.
• Category 2: These wetlands are not in good shape right now. They don't work well as saline wetlands. It's hard to restore them because they are so damaged. If one of these wetlands can be restored later, it will help reach the protection goals.
• Category 3: These wetlands have salty soil, but they act like freshwater wetlands. They have plants that grow in fresh water. It's not possible to bring back the salty water source or the original salty plants.
• Category 4: These wetlands are also freshwater wetlands. They have freshwater plants and soil that holds water, but the soil is not salty.

Protecting Land for Wetlands

The partnership buys land that has saline wetlands from owners who want to sell. Sometimes they buy the land completely. This means the land stays private but is protected forever.

Since 2003, the partnership has protected a lot of land. They have bought about 717 acres (2.9 square kilometers) of land with saline wetlands. They have also protected about 630 acres (2.5 square kilometers) using conservation easements. An easement means the land stays private, but the owner agrees to protect it.

Many saline wetlands are on private land. Private landowners have often protected these wetlands on their own. The Partnership wants to help these landowners. They offer programs that give advice and money. This helps landowners continue to use practices that protect the wetlands.

Wetland Areas Managed by SWCP

The Partnership now manages over 2,600 acres (10.5 square kilometers) of saline wetlands. These areas are in Lancaster and Saunders Counties. Some of these sites are open to the public for fun activities like hiking or bird watching.

Teaching About Wetlands

Since it started, the SWCP has done many things to teach people. They want to inform communities around Lincoln, NE, about these special wetlands. They also share what they are doing to protect this rare natural resource.

Since 2005, the Partnership has had a yearly program with a high school in Lincoln. Students in the Environmental Studies class learn about saline wetlands. They go on field trips to some of the wetland sites every year. Experts from different groups give presentations to the students. They talk about wetland plants, water, insects, and how to restore and manage these areas. They also discuss wildlife and how city growth affects natural places.

The Partnership also gives presentations to younger students. They share information about saline wetlands at events like the Earth Wellness Festival. They also visit elementary school nature nights. Sometimes, they even sponsor field trips for elementary students to visit wetland locations.

The unique nature of saline wetlands also provides chances for university students and professors to do research. Students and teachers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln help with studies on water and insects. This ongoing research is very important. It helps us understand how everything in the wetlands works together. It also shows us the important services these wetlands provide for the environment.