Enhancing grassland ecosystems while sustaining private, profitable ranching
IN ACTION
rancher-led conservation
The Sandhills Task Force is well-positioned to lead the way in finding innovative solutions to challenges facing the Nebraska Sandhills. In the past, restoration and enhancement projects typically occurred when individual landowners contacted a government agency or a group, such as the Sandhills Task Force. But since those projects were often limited to just one property, it wasn’t always possible to tackle the root of the problem. Real, lasting solutions require collaboration with neighboring landowners, community leaders, and government partners to achieve effective outcomes. That’s where Sandhills Task Force stands out. As an organization led by private landowners, we’ve earned the trust of others who may be hesitant to work directly with government agencies. Additionally, our Board members and Staff have strong connections with local people who play a crucial role in making these projects a success. By working together and building on this approach, the Sandhills Task Force is poised to address landowner concerns and their conservation goals.
FOR LANDOWNERS
practical support
The Sandhills Task Force provides comprehensive technical assistance to landowners interested in implementing conservation practices, regardless of whether they choose to participate in cost-share programs. Our support spans a wide range of land management and restoration efforts, including the development of customized grazing plans, planning and execution of prescribed burns, mechanical control of invasive eastern red cedar, lake renovation projects, and the restoration of wetlands and streams. By providing expert guidance and practical solutions, we help landowners enhance the health and resilience of their landscapes and ranching operations, while supporting long-term sustainability.
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Cost-share programs are available to landowners who require financial assistance to implement conservation practices and achieve their land management objectives. Similar to our technical assistance offerings, funding support is available for a variety of projects, including grazing system improvements, prescribed burning, mechanical control of invasive eastern red cedar, lake renovation, and wetland or stream restoration. Our Project Coordinators work one-on-one with landowners to discuss their goals, assess the landscape, and collaboratively design projects that are both effective and mutually beneficial. Reimbursement payments are based on contractor bids, with rates varying depending on the type of project. Through these cost-share opportunities, the Sandhills Task Force aims to make impactful conservation efforts more accessible and achievable for landowners committed to sustaining the natural health of the Sandhills region.
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PROJECT COORDINATORS
CONSERVATION
upland grassland
Scientists recognize the Sandhills grasslands as distinct from the surrounding tallgrass, mixed-grass, and shortgrass prairies. This region is uniquely known as the Sandhills Prairie—one of the largest remaining intact grassland ecosystems in the world. It supports a rich diversity of native plants, insects, and wildlife, making it a true gem among North American prairies and a landscape well worthy of conservation. However, the Sandhills face growing threats from woody plant encroachment, cropland conversion, urban expansion, and the decline of locally owned family ranches. These pressures put the region's ecological integrity and cultural heritage at risk. Fortunately, proactive conservation practices—such as planned grazing systems, mechanical cedar control, and prescribed fire—can help address many of these challenges.
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Grazing Systems
The Sandhills Task Force partners with landowners to develop planned grazing systems that prioritize long rest periods, promoting the health and resilience of the grassland. Planned grazing strategies are designed to promote soil health, plant diversity, and wildlife habitat, while also supporting long-term ranch profitability. Implementing these systems often requires a substantial investment in infrastructure, such as fencing, pipelines, and water development. The Sandhills Task Force assists landowners in designing and implementing projects that benefit the prairie ecosystem and the people who depend on it.
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Woody Encroachment
The spread of invasive woody species, particularly Eastern Red Cedar, threatens the open nature of the Sandhills grasslands. To combat this, the Sandhills Task Force supports landowners in using prescribed fire and mechanical control as effective tools for managing cedar encroachment. We collaborate with existing government programs or work independently to create large, cedar-free areas that reconnect fragmented habitats. These efforts help restore grassland health, benefiting both grazing livestock and native wildlife.
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stream and riparian area
CONSERVATION
Riparian areas are a vital part of the Sandhills landscape, serving as the lifeblood of both the region’s ecology and economy. These areas help preserve the purity of the groundwater that flows from the Sandhills, benefiting ecosystems and communities across Nebraska. In addition to maintaining water quality, riparian systems support a diverse array of native plants and animals, making them essential to the region’s overall environmental health. Over time, these systems have been altered by a combination of historical land-use changes and natural events such as flooding, wind erosion, and prolonged drought. These disturbances have impacted the natural hydrology of streams, wetlands, and wet meadows. One of the primary goals of the Sandhills Task Force is to maintain and restore the ecological integrity of these critical features within the landscape.
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Restoration efforts typically involve collaboration between a multi-disciplinary team and the landowner, whose land management decisions are central to long-term success. Stream and wetland restoration practices have evolved significantly over the past two decades, offering a range of approaches tailored to specific site conditions and objectives. Common restoration techniques include installing grade stabilization structures to correct elevation loss in streambeds caused by erosion during flood events. Such erosion can lead to the formation of headcuts—abrupt drops in the streambed—that move upstream and dewater the adjacent subirrigated wet meadows. Depending on the site, other options such as meander reconstruction and low-tech, cost-effective practices can also be explored and implemented based on the landowner’s goals.
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By working closely with landowners and conservation partners, the Sandhills Task Force is helping to ensure that riparian areas remain functional, resilient, and productive for generations to come. These restoration efforts are not only an investment in the land but also in the broader environmental and economic well-being of Nebraska.
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Coming Soon!!
PROJECTS
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