Resources Chairman James V. Hansen's Remarks for 02-16-02 Grand Island, NE Hearing

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In December 2001, two landowners near Shelton enlisted the support of the Game and Parks Commission and US Fish and Wildlife Service to remove trees and brush from several islands and create a warm water slough. These landowners were primarily interested in improving duck and goose hunting but sandhill cranes and potentially whooping cranes, least terns and piping plovers will also benefit. During October 2001 a producer along the Platte River near Kearney requested the Game and Parks Commission's assistance to remove cedar trees from a pasture to improve grazing and wildlife productivity. Cedars were removed using funds from the Game and Parks Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nebraska Environmental Trust. The Commission is working with the producer to set up a planned grazing system. Sandhill cranes and other wildlife will- benefit from this project. Successful projects with US Fish and Wildlife Service and Threatened & Endangered species Section 6 Funding Program Under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act, the US Fish and Wildlife Service provides funds annually for work on federally listed species. This can include inventory, research or conservation projects. In the past the Commission has received funds to do work (primarily research and inventory) on the species including: whooping crane, least tern, piping plover, American burying beetle, pallid sturgeon, Topeka shiner, western prairie fringed orchid, blowout penstemon and the Ute Lady's tresses orchid. Through this research we have gained a better understanding of the ecology, biology and distribution of these species which in turn has aided the development of more effective conservation strategies for these species. Blowout Penstemon The US Fish and Wildlife Service provided funding for research to better understand what management practices would benefit this species. In addition, the US .Fish and Wildlife Service has collaborated with University of Nebraska - Lincoln researchers to re- introduce this species at several sites on National Wildlife Refuges in Nebraska. The Penstemon is making progress toward recovery. Western Prairie Fringed Orchid Pesticide Protection The Commission is currently conducting research in cooperation with landowners in Pierce County to develop methods for herbicide application that will not be harmful to the orchid but will meet the landowners objectives of complying with the noxious weed_ control act.. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is a cooperator in the project. Once the techniques have been developed, we will develop a program to provide financial and technical assistance to landowners to incorporate the methods. 2