NIOBRARA COUNCIL

The Niobrara River

The Niobrara River is an outstanding example of a largely free-flowing Great Plains river. The valley contains a large concentration of scenic cliffs and waterfalls, rare in the Great Plains. The high bluffs along the river provide scenic vistas of the valley, with distant views of the Sand Hill prairie to the south.

The Niobrara Valley supports exceptional biological diversity. Elements of at least six different ecosystems exist very close to each other and intermix in the river corridor including Rocky Mountain pine forest, northern (boreal) forest, eastern deciduous forest, tall grass prairie, mixed grass prairie, and Sand Hills prairie.

Approximately 160 species of plants and animals found in the Niobrara Valley are at the edge of their range.

The braided lower river provides important nesting habitat for the endangered interior least tern and the threatened piping plover. The river also provides important migratory habitat for the whooping crane, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon. In addition, the area contains rich and scientifically important fossil beds, some of which are world renowned.

The upper portion of the river offers relatively safe and enjoyable river recreation for people of various skill levels. During the summer months many people float the river, which ranks as one of the top ten canoeing rivers in the nation.

Ranches are an important component of the landscape along the Niobrara River. A legacy of good stewardship by ranchers and a deep-rooted caring attitude helps preserve the rich and diverse resources of the valley.

280 North Main Street

P.O. Box 206

Valentine, Nebraska 69201

 

(402) 376-2793 voice, (402) 376-1331 fax

info@niobraracouncil.org