Our employees are dedicated to serving the public and the lands and ecosystems we’re responsible for. Service isn’t just one of our values—it’s in our name. Late last year, I was privileged to meet with employees and learn about the lands and animals they protect, the projects they manage, and their commitment and joy in serving land and people. Since we are in the midst of National Grasslands Week, I thought it was the perfect time to revisit this trip, where I meet with grassland employees, among others.

When I met with employees at the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, I visited one of the coolest places you probably haven’t been: Bessey Nursery and Pine Ridge Ranger District.  

While I knew about some of the work and history of these units in Nebraska and South Dakota, there was so much I didn’t know or genuinely appreciate. I truly believe all public lands are highly valued, but in Nebraska, where only 2% of the land base is public, these places are extremely special.

In South Dakota, I engaged with employees at the Wall Ranger District and Visitor Center. Recreation is a big driver for many areas, and the Pinnacles Overlook and dispersed camping area are no different than anywhere else in the country, although it might be a little windier than you’re used to. The staff has creatively managed this viewpoint overlooking the Badlands in an area that sees visitation demand above operational capacity.

Nebraska is home to one of the most endangered species in the world, the black footed ferret. Our employees are doing unbelievable work to preserve this animal, and I was able to see it showcased at the new Grasslands Visitor Center. I left with a huge appreciation for what our people will do to fulfill the agency’s conservation mission. Nebraska is home to active wildfires and the largest hand planted forest in the country, a truly unique landscape which creates some distinctive management challenges. Species like the eastern red cedar were planted to create wind breaks, but this invasive species is now encroaching on the surrounding land. Employees are facing multiple challenges like how to best manage an overstocked non-native forest from these invasive species, navigating post-fire timber salvage and repairs, and a replanting strategy.  

I would be remiss if I didn’t praise the Charles E. Bessey Nursery and its employees. As the primary source of seedlings for multiple regions, Bessey produces 1.7 million container seedlings and 1.0 million bare root seedlings a year. Nursery manager Rich Gilbert is representative of all the employees I engaged with throughout the area—knowledgeable, down to earth and beyond passionate about the work.

At the Pine Ridge Ranger District and Supervisor’s Office, I learned from employees about the intricacies of wildfire and prescribed fire in a patchwork of federal, state and private land ownership. The last stop on my educational tour was at the Fall River Ranger District and Buffalo Gap National Grassland, where I learned about the challenges of managing heavy rock hounding for agates and large off-road vehicle use. I also learned about some fantastic partnerships working on stream restoration, recreation and road maintenance. The staff is finding creative solutions to conserve lands, manage for multiple uses and provide benefits to the public.

This experience was amazing. So many employees are either from the area or have ties to the area, and that creates an atmosphere where everyone looks out for each other. I have worked in many places where employees cared for the land and the people they served, but it would be hard to find a more dedicated, passionate group of employees then those on the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands. I thank them all for all they do, and I encourage you to swing by for a visit if you are in the area—you won’t be disappointed.  

National Grasslands Week is celebrated the third week of June. It spotlights the historical and ecological importance of the 20 grasslands managed by the USDA Forest Service. 

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