Water: Sandhills' Greatest Resource

Stream erosion is one of the largest causes of changes in wetlands and wetmeadows within the Sandhills. The cause varies with location, but usually is the result of more than one change in the landscape.

Downcutting of stream during wet years is accellerated by actions above and below

Drainage ditches were commonly dug to drain surface water from wetlands. The ditches also lowered groundwater.

Stream erosion in the Sandhills can be rapid, causing people to take immediate, but not always effective, actions to control it.

Drainage ditch dug because it was believed it would improve forage production. The lowered groundwater resulted in less forage production.

Gordon Creek at the end of dry summer. As the demand for water by plants deminishes in the fall, water seepage into the valley from the groundwater table begins to show in the low spots. In this situation it is in the creek bed.

Sketch of wier-tube used in intermittent, small streams that are downcutting

Engineers evaluating the weir tube design

Weir tube prior to installation

To prevent tube from floating in a full pool, weight (concrete) is added to the bouyant end.

Installation of weir-tube in a drainage ditch that proved too effective at drying the valley.

Final dirt being place on dike of a water control structure which controls the spring runnoff rate within a large flat valley.

Installation of water control structure on small, intermittent stream that was downcutting

Newly installed weir tube

Scene of Jumbo Fen immediately after the water control structure was installed. Note ditch in background.

One year after water control structure was installed in Jumbo Fen

Special water control structure that has water flow into the structure from a small tube located on the upstream side of the structure. Control boards within the vertical tube regulates water levels.

Pond created by a water control structure on a drainage that was headcutting back into a large valley.

Lake restoration was done on land previously drained, but proven to be less than productive.

Solid riser water control structure installed to control downcutting. This structure allows for no regulation of water levels.

Weir created from steel bin material on an intermittent stream

Old steel weir installed to control downcutting in a narrow valley

Weir constructed on intermittent stream to control downcutting. Material is made of plastic.

Surveys are done to determine if a water control structure is feasible and what the affects of the structure will be.

Grassland Management

Native grassland of the Sandhills

Grassland management needs to involve grazing

Fall scene of season-long grazing at the end of one of the driest years on record. Plants will be in an extreme weakened condition to begin plant growth next spring.

Windmill pond in season-long grazing system. Livestock concentration around water supplies removes perennial plants.

Season-long grazing causes overgrazing of water sources.

Windmill ponds are often formed by windmills by the overflow of water from the mill.

Large livestock tanks installed with pipeline system insures adequate water on hot, calm days when traditional windmills will not work. The water supply allows for better herd management, resulting in better grassland.

Late summer fenceline contrast: pasture on left was grazed once in early summer. Pasture on right has not been grazed. Pasture on left will be grazed a second time during year. The one on the right will only be grazed once. This management rotates.

Pasture scene taken in the late summer of one of the driest years on record. The grassland is part of a large herd, short duration system.

Niobrara River scene where a plan grazing system was developed and implemented

Thedford fire

Landscape scene taken of area burned in large Thedford Fire. The fire occurred in March. The photo was taken in June.

Education & Research

Field tour of fen wetland with geologists and Task Force members to better understand the ecological significance of the wetland

Research information compiled by UNL hydrologists is presented to the Task Force and neighboring landowners.

Funding is provided to grassland management courses and 4-H camps to improve people's understanding of grasslands.

Sandhills Task Force

Task Force quarterly meeting being held in Thedford, NE

Nebraska Environmental Trust Grant to further work in the Sandhills.

One of the first grants received by the Sandhills Task Force

Task Force Board members in 2002

Official transfer of the Jumbo-Pullman Valley Fens to private landowners.

West Twin Lake after a conservation easement was purchased from a willing seller.

Sandhills Heritage

Old corals reflect the heritage of the Sandhills.

Dismal River valley on a wintery day

Hyannis Hotel reflects the history of Sandhill communities