Boyer Chute, A Missouri River Treasure

Along the Missouri River, efforts are underway to revitalize lost wildlife habitat and to recognize the river's historic, cultural and recreational benefits.

For many years, one of Nebraska's biggest natural assets was often dismissed as a big canal for barge traffic, but efforts like the Missouri River Corridor Project are beginning to change old outlooks.

The 2,000 acre Boyer Chute, five miles north of Omaha, is an example of how the corridor project is blending habitat restoration with opportunities for Nebraskans to come home to the river.

Boyer Chute is a two-mile side channel of the river. Decreased water flows through the chute encouraged its overgrowth by vegetation. But today, the chute has been reopened to the river, providing breeding areas for fish, migratory birds and other animals, such as mink and river otters. Hundreds of acres of lost wetlands are being restored.

Conversion of wetlands to agricultural uses has slowed dramatically since the 1970's.

Canoeing, fishing and hiking opportunities are making Boyer Chute an attractive outing option for many Lincoln and Omaha-area families.

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District is developing the habitat and recreational opportunities and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cleared the chute.

Upon completion of the project, the area will be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.