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Nebraska
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Nebraska State Parks

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Nebraska
South Central Region
Pawnee Slough State Wildlife Management Area
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PAWNEE SLOUGH STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
PAWNEE SLOUGH STATE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
The Pawnee Slough State Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a natural habitat located in Butler County, Nebraska. It spans approximately 260 acres of wetland and upland habitats.

This WMA was established to conserve local wildlife populations and their environments. The main feature of the area is its namesake slough-a shallow wetland that provides vital resources for migratory birds, waterfowl, and other native species.
History of the Area
The land now known as Pawnee Slough State Wildlife Management Area has a history rooted in both natural and human activities. Prior to European settlement, the area was part of the vast prairie ecosystems that supported diverse wildlife populations and were used by indigenous peoples for hunting and gathering.

With westward expansion in the 19th century, settlers began converting these lands into agricultural fields. The region's fertile soils made it ideal for farming, leading to widespread cultivation practices which continued well into the 20th century.

Ownership transitioned from private hands when conservation efforts recognized its potential value as habitat restoration site due to its location along migration routes important for waterfowl and other bird species. It is not clear who exactly owned this land before it became managed by Nebraska Game & Parks Commission; however, such transitions are typically facilitated through purchases or donations either directly from individual owners or organizations dedicated to conserving natural spaces.

Historical features within what is now designated as a state-managed park include remnants of native tallgrass prairie-a once dominant but now scarce ecosystem-as well as wetland areas essential for migratory birds like sandhill cranes during their seasonal movements between wintering grounds in southern latitudes and breeding territories further north.

Recent use prior becoming protected included agriculture with some portions possibly left fallow or minimally maintained allowing early stages ecological succession towards more natural conditions even before formal management commenced aimed at enhancing habitats specifically targeted toward wildlife preservation particularly avian species dependent on sloughs marshes present throughout property.




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601 Halligan Drive
North Platte, NE
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Nebraska
26

Nebraska State Parks

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