Free public seminar set to explore Pine Ridge ecosystem, landowner opportunities
Attendees of a free one-day seminar at Chadron State College will learn about the extraordinary natural resources of the Pine Ridge and efforts aimed to help their cause. The Pine Ridge Biodiversity and Land Management Seminar will be Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Student Center.
Erin Divine of Chadron, coordinating wildlife biologist for the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, said the event provides an opportunity for the public to learn about management projects and techniques designed to conserve and enhance biodiversity in the Pine Ridge—the escarpment of forested buttes, ridges and canyons between the White River and Niobrara River in northwestern Nebraska. Landowners of the region are among the intended audience.
“Our goal is to inform the public of the great things that are taking place in the Pine Ridge region and provide landowners and land managers with valuable information that will hopefully be useful to them as they make future management decisions,” Divine said.
She said landowners can expect to learn about conservation programs offering technical assistance and financial incentives for habitat improvements in forested and grassland environments. In addition to the informative presentations, attendees will receive lunch. The event will conclude with a field trip to Chadron State Park.
Although the event is free, reservations are required. To RSVP, contact Divine at 308-432-6122 or [email protected].
The Conservancy, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Chadron State College are sponsoring the seminar.
