Nebraskaland

APRIL 2015 • NEBRASKAland 53 people together is a piece of land and being in wild places, and that's kind of what I wanted to give," Canterbury said. "I'm honored for somebody to get it that will protect it and not develop it. That's my goal." That the Nebraska Forest Service was able to purchase the property came about after it was unable to close a deal in its initial target area under the Forest Legacy program: The Pine Ridge. The national competitive grant program aims to protect quality forest lands that are under a threat of subdivision or fragmentation. That could've easily occurred on the north side of the river, where easy access by county road could've made lots on a terrace above the river attractive to those wanting their own piece of paradise, said Scott Josiah, director of the Nebraska Forest Service. "I'm thrilled," he said. "I think it was a fantastic use of public money and protects a unique property." The Forest Legacy Program also requires that forests continue to be managed through thinning and even timber harvest. That fits perfectly into the Forest Service's goal of improving the health of the state's forests. "Because a fair number of landowners along the Niobrara River haven't yet thinned their forest, this can serve as a demonstration of how to do it in a A ponderosa pine grows in a restored prairie on the north side of the Niobrara that features a mix of grass and wildflowers. oung hunters, birdwatchers and other nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy at Chat Canyon Wildlife Management Area when it officially opens to the public April 1. And thanks to the remoteness of the area, they are likely to have the 460 acres to themselves. Access to the north side of the river via Anderson Bridge Road, a gravel county road known locally as the River Road, isn't difficult. Access to the south side, however, requires a 4-wheel drive to navigate three-plus miles of two-track trail roads through the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest and an easement across private property that separates the wildlife management area from the forest. Parking lots are being developed, but other than some short stretches of trail roads that will be maintained as service roads, visitors will need to follow game trails or blaze their own walking paths through the grassland or forest to access the far corners of the property. Hunting access on the property will initially be limited to youth, special needs hunters and anyone with a valid elk permit for the Niobrara River Unit. Youth will be able to reserve the north or south side of the property through the Pass Along the Heritage (PATH) program, primarily for fall or spring turkey seasons and archery, muzzleloader or firearm deer seasons. Reservations can be made online at OutdoorNebraska.org/PATH. With few pieces of public land on which to hunt elk in the region, the addition of this one will be welcome to those with a permit. Hardy paddlers can drag their canoe or kayak from the north parking lot to the Niobrara River, but they will find easier access upriver at the public access point on Spur 16F south of Nenzel. From that launch, it's a two-mile float to the west end of the property and two more miles in which adventurers can stop for a hike or find the perfect spot to stop and set up a backcountry camp. From the east end of the area, it's another eight river miles to Anderson Bridge Wildlife Management Area and another good access point next to the bridge. h bi d h d h l ill fi d l Solitude at Chat Canyon WMA

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