LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Nebraskans have a chance to view a traveling educational display highlighting the importance of rangelands.
Walter Schacht, a retired University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor who specialized in rangeland ecology and management, said rangelands are vegetation cover dominated by native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs. More than 50% of Nebraska’s land base consists of rangelands, with the sandhills making up about a quarter of the state.
“The Sandhills are the largest contiguous grassland in North America,” Schacht said.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. A committee within the Nebraska section of the Society for Range Management decided to celebrate rangelands and educate people about their significance.
The educational kiosk, on display at the State Capitol until February 20, and at Morrill Hall from February 13 through May 1, resulted from collaboration among states in the Central and Western United States, led by Washington State University. The display describes what rangelands are and their significance locally and worldwide.
Schacht said rangelands drive Nebraska’s economy through the beef cattle industry, as most cattle consume forage produced on rangelands. Rangelands also provide habitat for native wildlife species and contribute to Ogallala Aquifer recharge through rainwater infiltration.
The committee aims to inform and engage policymakers about rangeland activities during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
“Our mission really is to inspire Nebraskans to appreciate rangelands,” Schacht said. For more information, go to nebraskagrasslands.org/iyrp/
