Cedar tree belts removed on Grove Lake WMA

NELIGH, Neb. -- Large cedar tree belts are being removed on Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area in Antelope County to improve grassland habitat for wildlife.

The tree belts, planted in the 1970’s, have become extremely large and have fragmented the natural habitat on the WMA.

Many species of wildlife, including ground-nesting birds, will avoid using grasslands that are broken up by large trees.

White-tailed deer, on the other hand, are opportunist and will use grasslands as bedding and escape cover, as well as other more forested habitats.

Tree belts being removed were selected in areas where their removal will create larger tracts of grassland.

With their removal, prescribed fire also can more effectively be used to manage the grassland area.

Low-growing native shrubs have been left intact.