Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

The Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a United States National Forest located in the north-central Sandhills region of the U.S. state of Nebraska. The total area of the national forest is 116,079 acres (181.373 sq mi). The forest is managed as part of the U.S. Forest Service's Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, from ranger district offices in Halsey, Nebraska. The national forest is located entirely within Cherry County, Nebraska.

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Typical Sandhills scene with planted ponderosa pine forest at McKelvie National Forest, Nebraska
Location in the United States
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest (Nebraska)
LocationCherry County, Nebraska, USA
Nearest cityValentine, NE
Coordinates42°42′N 101°02′W
Area116,079 acres (469.76 km2)[1]
EstablishedOctober 15, 1971 (1971-October-15)[2]
Named forGov. Samuel R. McKelvie
Governing bodyU.S. Forest Service
WebsiteSamuel R. McKelvie National Forest

History

In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt issued a proclamation establishing the Niobrara Forest Reserve, later the Niobrara Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forest. On October 15, 1971, President Richard Nixon designated the Niobrara Division the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest after former Governor Samuel R. McKelvie.[3]

Flora and fauna

The forest is a combination of prairie grasslands and pine forest "islands". Most of the existing forested sections were manmade, planted by hand over the past 75 years. The protein content of the native grasses is among the highest found anywhere in the world and numerous lease options are provided to local ranchers. Planted trees include eastern juniper, Scots pine and ponderosa pine which continues to need replanting as it is harvested but has also managed to spread throughout the region independently.

Indigenous wildlife such as pronghorn, white-tailed deer, mule deer, coyote and fox are plentiful. Of the 150 species of birds known to inhabit the forest, pheasant, grouse, hawk and wild turkey are the more commonly found.

Recreation

The forest has a small campground. Immediately to the south and east of the national forest is Merritt Reservoir, a dam on the Snake River. The reservoir is stocked with sport fish; it is considered one of the better fishing destinations in Nebraska. Merritt Reservoir is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Management and additional lands

The Nebraska National Forest is managed by the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Supervisor's Office in Chadron. Additionally, this office manages the following public lands:

See also
  • List of U.S. National Forests

References
  1. "Land Areas of the National Forest System" (PDF). U.S. Forest Service. January 2012. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  2. "The National Forests of the United States" (PDF). ForestHistory.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 28, 2012. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
  3. "Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest". Cool State Parks. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
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