The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering nearly 1,000 acres of state wildlife management areas for grazing and haying to farmers affected by recent wildfires.
A long road to recovery is ahead for ag producers and property owners whose land was ravaged in March by the Morrill and Cottonwood wildfires. Emergency managements officials estimated that the fires, which spanned more than 700,000 acres, took out dozens of structures and several homes. Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture director said it’s still early to estimate the loss of livestock, but she said tens of thousands of cattle could be affected by the sudden loss of forage.
The agency is making between 800 and 1,000 acres available, primarily focusing on regions hit hardest by the wildfires. Pat Molini, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Division Assistant Administrator, said it’s a fraction of the land burned, but hopes it can help in some way.
“It’s literally just a drop in the bucket,” Molini said. “But it's at least something. We’re trying to make an effort to help where we can.”
Farmers interested in grazing leases or hay tracts should contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Those who apply will discuss available acreage, forage quality and fencing needs before a lease agreement is signed.
Molini said the agency hopes to move cattle onto grazing tracts as soon as the advertisement period ends April 12. Haying will not be permitted until after July 10 to avoid disturbing nesting bird populations during nesting season.
This isn’t the first time Nebraska Game and Parks has volunteered its management areas. During the severe statewide drought of 2012, the agency opened areas across Nebraska for haying and grazing. This time, they are prioritizing farmers and producers directly impacted by wildfire damage.
Molini emphasized that short term grazing and haying are important wildlife management tools that can promote habitat diversity. The agency does not graze or hay every acre, leaving cover in places for wildlife.
While the management areas are small compared to the scale of the disaster, Molini praised the community's response.
“There's many other Nebraskans, and even people and entities from other states, that have already been helping by providing hay and places to graze,” Molini said. “It makes you proud. But there's still plenty of help needed.”
For more information visit The Nebraska Game and Parks website.