Federal data is complete from 1998-2017. State and local data is complete from 1998-2011. In the tables and charts below, acres are allocated to each program proportionate to the size of the contributions to each acquisition. For example, if an acquisition had two contributions, and each program contributed equal dollar amounts, each program receives 50% of the acres. If you have questions or want to provide updated information, please contact Jessica Welch at jessica.welch@tpl.org.
Profile of State Program(s)
Nebraska Environmental Trust: The Nebraska Environmental Trust was established via voter-approved constitutional amendment in 1992. The Trust is primarily funded through the Nebraska Lottery, which was also established by constitutional amendment. 44.4 percent of lottery money remaining after the payment of prizes and operating expenses go to the Environmental Trust Fund (the fund received 49.5 percent of revenue from 1992-2004 after voter action). The remaining funds are largely used for educational purposes.
The Nebraska Environmental Trust provides the seed money needed to preserve critical habitat areas, protect water supplies and establish recycling programs in Nebraska through a combination of lottery proceeds and private donations. The Nebraska Environmental Trust receives about $15 to 17 million annually and grants most of these funds each year. The Fund received $18.8 million in lottery funds in FY16. The Lottery has transferred more than $260 million to the Trust in the last 22 years. Many grant recipients are able to get matching funds on a 1:1 and sometimes as high as 1:4 or 1:5 basis, thus stretching state funding even further.
The Trust sets funding category areas for five-year periods, in a process involving members of the Nebraska public and conservation communities. Through 2020, the Trust will consider funding proposals in the following priority areas:
- Habitat
- Surface and Ground Water
- Waste Management and Recycling
- Air Quality
- Soil Management
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: The Commission makes all land purchases using habitat stamp dollars, which is revenue derived from the sale of hunting licenses. It is matched by federal excise taxes on arms and ammunition. The Commission uses 25 percent of state funds and 75 percent federal money for most land acquisitions.
Substantial State Investment
Annual grants are funded in large part through the proceeds of the Nebraska Lottery. The Nebraska Environmental Trust receives 44.5 percent of the profits of the Nebraska Lottery.
State Incentive for Local Conservation Funding
The Nebraska Environmental Trust provides the seed money needed to preserve critical habitat areas, protect water supplies and establish recycling programs in Nebraska through a combination of lottery proceeds and private donations. Grant recipients are able to get matching funds on a 1:1 and sometimes as high as 1:4 or 1:5 basis, thus stretching state funding even further. The Trust encourages the use of matching funds through points awarded in a project rating scale. A match is not required in any amount or percentage. However, it is very unusual for the Trust to fund 100 percent of a project.
Nebraska Resources Development Fund may provide financial assistance form of a grant for up to 75 percent of the sponsor’s project costs or in the form of a loan or grant/loan combination for up to 90 percent of the sponsor’s project costs.
Local Financing Enabled
In Nebraska, local governments have the authority to issue general obligation bonds for capital improvement purposes, including parks and recreational facilities. Bonds must be authorized by the city council and referred to the ballot where it must be approved by a majority of voters. The bond proposition must include a provision to levy a property tax annually for the payment of the interest and principal on the bonds.
In addition to the state sales tax, cities and counties may impose a local option sales tax at a rate of up to one and one-half of one (1.5) percent.
In Nebraska, property taxes are a major funding source for local governments. Property taxes may be levied by the state and most of its political subdivisions, including counties, cities and towns, schools, transit authorities, community colleges and special service districts.
Local Programs Included
No county-level conservation finance measures have been approved by voters in Nebraska. For more information on municipal measures in the state, visit www.landvote.org.
Federal Partnerships
Federal agencies and programs that have conserved land in Nebraska include:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Section 6 Grant
- U.S. Forest Service
- U.S. Forest Service – Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
- U.S. National Park Service – Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
- U.S. National Park Service – LWCF Stateside
- U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP)
- U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
- U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)