It is the intent of Nebraska’s law to “conserve species of wildlife for human enjoyment, for scientific purposes and to insure their perpetuation as viable components of their ecosystems.” (Neb. Stat 37-903).
“The legislature hereby declares that nongame, threatened and endangered species have need of special protection and that it is in the public interest to preserve, protect, perpetuate and enhance such species of this state through preservation of a satisfactory environment and an ecological balance.” (Neb. Stat 37-804)
The law protects the birds from harassment, harm, pursuit, hunting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, and collecting, all of which are considered “take.”
The law clearly places the responsibility on the individual to avoid actions which may have negative effects on these birds and applies whether the individual is on public or private property. Penalties for violating the state law include fines and potential imprisonment, so if Least Terns and Piping Plovers are nesting in an area where you frequent, recreate, or work, it is important that you understand how your actions can harm the birds.