: Nine Mile Creek :

Nine Mile Creek, located in the eastern half of the Scotts Bluff County North Platte River Basin, is classified as a Class A cold-water stream.  A large portion of the stream (approximately 13 miles) is considered trout habitat with natural reproduction of both rainbow and brown trout occurring.  Although there are several other trout streams in the general area, Nine Mile Creek is considered the premier trout stream because it has spawning gravel, good pool to riffle ratio, good steam gradient, and lacks major migratory barriers.  Nine Mile Creek receives its water supply from five basic sources: naturally occurring ground water, runoff in the watershed, ground water recharge, direct releases from three existing irrigation canals that cross the stream, and several tributary streams.  The project implementation along Nine Mile has become a model on a statewide and national level, and many of the best practices and standards in invasive species control were originated through the efforts there.

The Nine Mile Creek Watershed Council has a management plan in place that has resulted in the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund awarding $410,000 to secure approximately 450 acres of riparian buffer strips along the streams in  the watershed.  This has addressed lotic wetlands by assuring that the buffered area will not be disturbed by livestock encroachment.  Additional work needs to be done to restore these areas to their most productive status.  The US Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Nine Mile Creek Project a grant of $80,900 to eradicate invasive species in the watershed.  This part of the management plan is still in effect.  The Russian olive trees have been removed, spraying to control noxious weeds in ongoing, and Salt cedar trees have been foliage sprayed.  Section 319 funds are being used to fund the watershed coordinator's position (Dennis Beyer), install best management practices, and ensure the success of the project.  The results, after three years, are very encouraging.  It has been determined that with three more years of constant attention to controlling re-growth of Russian olive sprouts and eradicating any new growth of noxious weeds, the "Rehabilitation of Nine Mile Creek" will be a major success. 

The Nine Mile Creek Management Plan has long-range goals and objectives that will continue to address the situation.  The Nine Mile Creek Management Plan includes tours for state and local agencies, conducting workshops for area students, engaging local civic organizations, and promoting the project with brochures, media coverage, and handouts.  An award-winning video was made chronicling the history, farming practices, and changes that are found within the watershed.  To obtain a copy of this nationally-recognized video, please contact us. 

Nine Mile Creek 2008 Nebraska Environmental Trust Grant Award

Grants :: Nine Mile Creek :: North Platte River