The "Tri-County" Project
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Wildlife Habitat


Central’s series of canals and reservoirs provide abundant wildlife habitat for a wide variety of fish, mammals, amphibians and birds,
like these pelicans at Jeffrey Lake.
Source — Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District. 		Central’s project provides habitat for many species of fish and wildlife. Lake McConaughy, which is 22 miles long and three miles wide when full, and the surrounding area provides a variety of habitats ranging from open sandy beaches to riverine marshes and cold-water streams. The lake is home to numerous species of amphibians and reptiles, in addition to many species of fish and mammals. More than 300 species of birds have been spotted around Lake McConaughy, including large numbers of seagulls, ducks, geese and shorebirds.

Sandhill cranes annually visit the west end of the lake during their migration to and from nesting grounds in Texas.


Bald eagles contend over a fish
on the ice at Lake Ogallala.
Source — Central Nebraska Public Power
and Irrigation District.
Bald eagles congregate during the winter months below the Kingsley and Johnson No. 2 hydroplants, attracted by the turbulent, ice-free water resulting from operation of the plants.

Least terns and piping plovers, listed respectively as endangered and threatened species, nest in significant numbers on the beaches at Lake McConaughy. Central has implemented measures to protect the nesting sites and to educate the public about the two shorebirds and their nesting habits.

Central also works with private organizations and government agencies to establish and enhance wildlife habitat areas on District property and other areas within Central’s service area.