Great Plains Ecosystem Services
Traveling through Nebraska offers ample opportunities to experience the diverse and dynamic Great Plains ecosystem services firsthand. The Great Plains, stretching from the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan to the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Durango, compose one of the world's largest temperate grasslands. Ecosystem services are essential processes by which natural ecosystems, and the species that inhabit them, provide benefits to humans.
In the Nebraska Sandhills region, where the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views of rolling hills and expansive prairies, ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and climate regulation play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health. The Sandhills region is also home to numerous wetlands that provide crucial habitat for migratory birds, illustrating the importance of hydrological ecosystem services. For example, the Nebraska Rainwater Basin, a key stopping ground for migratory waterfowl, comprises over 3,000 wetlands that provide habitat, hydrological services, and carbon sequestration.
Soil conservation ecosystem services are also paramount in the Great Plains, where deep-rooted native grasses and shrubs like big bluestem and switchgrass help maintain soil integrity. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has implemented numerous soil conservation initiatives in the region, such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). These initiatives provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers, incentivizing conservation practices like no-till or strip-till farming and perennial cover.
Wildlife habitat and biodiversity ecosystem services are also integral components of the Great Plains ecosystem. The prairie-chicken and the lesser prairie-chicken, iconic species native to the Great Plains, rely on native grasslands for habitat. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, located near Prairie City, Iowa, offers a protected habitat for numerous native species. Conservation efforts focused on protecting and restoring native grasslands help to maintain species richness and overall ecosystem health.
Great Plains agricultural ecosystems also rely on ecosystem services, particularly pollination services. Native pollinators like the western honey bee and the rusty patched bumble bee are essential for maintaining agricultural productivity. Farmers and ranchers who incorporate pollinator-friendly habitat into their agricultural landscapes experience benefits to pollination and pest control ecosystem services.
Ecosystem services in the Great Plains are not limited to terrestrial systems; aquatic ecosystem services are also present. Rivers like the Platte River and the Niobrara River, flowing across the state of Nebraska, support a diverse array of aquatic life. These rivers provide various ecosystem services such as water filtration, nutrient cycling, and recreational opportunities for people living in and visiting the region.
Understanding the complexity and interconnectedness of Great Plains ecosystem services is crucial for developing effective management and conservation strategies. Climate change, overgrazing, and invasive species pose significant threats to ecosystem services and require judicious management. Applying the concept of ecosystem services in a holistic management approach will help maintain ecosystem health and resilience in the face of these stressors.
In the Nebraska Sandhills region, where the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views of rolling hills and expansive prairies, ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, pollination, and climate regulation play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health. The Sandhills region is also home to numerous wetlands that provide crucial habitat for migratory birds, illustrating the importance of hydrological ecosystem services. For example, the Nebraska Rainwater Basin, a key stopping ground for migratory waterfowl, comprises over 3,000 wetlands that provide habitat, hydrological services, and carbon sequestration.
Soil conservation ecosystem services are also paramount in the Great Plains, where deep-rooted native grasses and shrubs like big bluestem and switchgrass help maintain soil integrity. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has implemented numerous soil conservation initiatives in the region, such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). These initiatives provide financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers, incentivizing conservation practices like no-till or strip-till farming and perennial cover.
Wildlife habitat and biodiversity ecosystem services are also integral components of the Great Plains ecosystem. The prairie-chicken and the lesser prairie-chicken, iconic species native to the Great Plains, rely on native grasslands for habitat. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, located near Prairie City, Iowa, offers a protected habitat for numerous native species. Conservation efforts focused on protecting and restoring native grasslands help to maintain species richness and overall ecosystem health.
Great Plains agricultural ecosystems also rely on ecosystem services, particularly pollination services. Native pollinators like the western honey bee and the rusty patched bumble bee are essential for maintaining agricultural productivity. Farmers and ranchers who incorporate pollinator-friendly habitat into their agricultural landscapes experience benefits to pollination and pest control ecosystem services.
Ecosystem services in the Great Plains are not limited to terrestrial systems; aquatic ecosystem services are also present. Rivers like the Platte River and the Niobrara River, flowing across the state of Nebraska, support a diverse array of aquatic life. These rivers provide various ecosystem services such as water filtration, nutrient cycling, and recreational opportunities for people living in and visiting the region.
Understanding the complexity and interconnectedness of Great Plains ecosystem services is crucial for developing effective management and conservation strategies. Climate change, overgrazing, and invasive species pose significant threats to ecosystem services and require judicious management. Applying the concept of ecosystem services in a holistic management approach will help maintain ecosystem health and resilience in the face of these stressors.
