Nebraska Wetlands: An Emerging Issue

At present, the State of Nebraska has few mechanisms for protecting its wetland resources. That situation, however, is likely to change in the near future. Over the past two years, the state's Department of Environmental Control (DHEC) has been actively pursuing assumption of the dredge and fill permit program under §404 of the Clean Water Act. Through these efforts, and those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the citizens of Nebraska are becoming increasingly aware of the extent and value of the state's wetlands.