Cedar Tree Removal Around Merrit Reservoir

According to Nebraska Game and Parks, A tree removal project at Merritt Reservoir aims to restore prairie habitat in areas choked by undesirable trees.

Revitalizing the grassland will benefit plant and animals and open spaces for hunting, fishing, birdwatching and hiking.

Starting in mid-December, contractors hired by Nebraska Game and Parks started to remove eastern red cedar and Rocky Mountain juniper from the prairie and shelterbelts at the wildlife management area and state recreation area near Valentine.

Shelterbelts of pine and deciduous trees will be maintained to provide shade and cover for campers, picnickers and wildlife. Trees along the Snake River and Merritt Reservoir will only be removed if necessary to allow for access to juniper encroachment.

The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and private landowners already have removed cedar trees on their properties, and this effort will continue on public and private lands in the area to preserve or restore grasslands. These properties will then be managed to prevent regeneration of trees.

Trees that are removed will be mulched or used in the reservoir to create aquatic habitat for fish. Trees too big to mulch will be piled to burn later.

Game and Parks is coordinating this regional project along with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.