Nebraska Game and Parks reveals root of tree deaths in state parks

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is facing a high number of tree deaths in its parks in eastern Nebraska.

Richard Wehmeyer, a Game and Parks horticulturist, said it is due to the ongoing drought the state is facing.

The dehydration of the trees makes them more susceptible to diseases and death.

Wehmeyer said this is something that Nebraskans may see only once or twice in a lifetime.

The amount of tree loss is hard to quantify.

“We are still trying to calculate to like what level or degree,” Wehmeyer said.

He said it’s not only hitting state parks, but private properties and neighboring states.

One of the trees that died was 381 years old, making it one of the state’s oldest.

Game and Parks said this is a good opportunity for new habitats to form and can be a reset button for state parks.