The Niobrara River is something special. Those who live along its route through the state, farm and ranch alongside this lifeline of water running across northern Nebraska, know this because they see it every day. But almost anyone who has been around the river, from where it enters the state in the northern Panhandle to where it empties into the Missouri in Knox County, understands why it is special.

Related:  Historic Niobrara River agreement signed at Husker Harvest Days

TALL FALLS: Smith Falls east of Valentine is the tallest waterfalls in the state and one of hundreds of falls to empty into the Niobrara River.

That’s one of the reasons the historic agreement entered into between five natural resources districts along the river, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Nebraska Public Power District is so important. By decommissioning the Spencer Dam and working together to plan for the multiple interests along the river, including agriculture, these groups are trying to coordinate their efforts and reduce use conflicts between stakeholders down the road. There are still steps that need to be taken to bring it all to fruition, but the effort began with the agreement signing at Husker Harvest Days in September.

In light of these movements, I thought it would be fun to give you another weekend quiz challenge, to see how much you know about the state’s longest river system.

Niobrara is an Indian word meaning what?

How long is Nebraska’s longest river?

Approximately how many waterfalls have been found on the Niobrara?

What is the name of the state’s tallest waterfall located in the Niobrara River valley?

About how many species of birds have been sighted along the Niobrara National Wild and Scenic River?

In which county is the Niobrara’s confluence with the Missouri River?

Near what Wyoming town does the Niobrara begin?

How many ecosystems converge in the middle of the Niobrara River valley?

Which Native American tribe built earthlodges near the mouth of the Niobrara River?

In what year was Fort Niobrara established?

How many square miles in Nebraska does the Niobrara drain?

About how many species of plants and animals reside along the Niobrara River valley at the edge of their distribution?

What unique structure along the Cowboy Trail is a quarter mile long and rises 150 feet above the Niobrara River?

What festival takes place along the Niobrara River at the Meadville Store every January?

What are some of the wildlife visitors can view at Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge?

Answers

1.Spreading water river 2. 535 miles 3. 200 plus 4. Smith Falls 5. 200 6. Knox 7. Lusk 8. 6 9. Ponca 10. 1879 11. 12,600 square miles 12. 160 13. Old train trestle bridge 14. Polar Bear festival 15. Elk and buffalo and prairie dogs

Be sure to watch Nebraska Farmer online and the Nebraska Farmer Facebook page for the latest in local farm news. Follow me on Twitter @HuskerHomePlace or Editor, Tyler Harris @tyharris08.

Bonus:  Big day at Natural Resources Building at HHD