GIBBON, Neb.-
A national coalition of conservation groups aiming to boost funding for wildlife conservation programs praised a project along the Platte River to attract thousands of sandhill cranes and other endangered animals.
A mile-long stretch of the river once burdened by trees and brush—making it an unsuitable habitat for the animals—was cleared to provide a suitable roost.
The sanctuary’s land manager, Bill Taddicken, said between 20,000 and 30,000 birds can be found along a 5-mile stretch of the river that includes the restored area.
This spring is the first crane migration since the project restored the river to a similar condition as it was in the 1930s.
“This piece of property holds one of the largest crane roosts on the Platte,” he said.
A nationwide group, Teaming With Wildlife, wants Congress and state governments to provide about $1 billion per year to help do similar projects in each state. Currently, between $200 million and $300 million are focused on the efforts.
The projects have already been planned under comprehensive state action plans.
“We know what needs to be done. We’ve got the plans,” said Matt Hogan, executive director for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Now we just need to fund it.”
If fully funded, Nebraska would get $11 million a year to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered, compared to $718,000 the state currently gets through state wildlife grants, Hogan said.
Nebraska’s state action plan is called The Natural Legacy Project, and includes 40 landscapes.
Teaming With Wildlife was founded in 1994, and is a coalition of 5,000 organizations. There are 230 organizations in Nebraska that support the group.
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Information from: The Grand Island Independent,
