Lake Seldom Prescribed Fire

On the outskirts of the City of Holdrege sits Lake Seldom, a 325 acre green space.  But the area itself wasn’t always functioning like a playa wetland should. This area had previously been converted to farmland and a large pit had been excavated to concentrate water. In the early 2000’s, multiple partner organizations including Tri-Basin NRD, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service worked together to develop a restoration plan that would create an outdoor area for the City of Holdrege while also maintaining the wetlands’ function. As part of this restoration plan, large concentration pits were filled, fill material was removed from the wetland to restore hydrology, and an upland buffer was reestablished. Public infrastructure including a parking lot, hiking trail, and an informational kiosk were also developed.

As part of continued efforts to manage the wetland. A recent prescribed fire was conducted to help manage the uplands surrounding the wetland. The prescribed burn covered 125 acres of native grassland and was used to aid in the control of invasive reed canary grass, clear away dead plant material, and to help restore the natural ecosystem of native plant species. Experience from past years shows that prescribed burning can kill up to 90 percent of invasive species, allowing the native plants to reestablish. Low-intensity fire is a natural disturbance process that rejuvenates grasslands and promotes forbs that support pollinators.

Today, Lake Seldom remains a great outdoor destination for local residents and shows how multiple conservation organizations can come together to create projects that benefit local citizens, outdoor enthusiasts, and waterfowl alike!