MISSION

The Crane Trust, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation of migratory bird habitat along Nebraska ’s Platte River .  The Trust’s mission is to protect and maintain the physical, hydrological, and biological integrity of the Big Bend area of the river so that it continues to function as a life support system for the Whooping Crane and other migratory species which utilize it.

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VISION

The Crane Trust, Inc. is committed to the conservation and protection of areas for the benefit of Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds well into the future.  The Platte River is a critical element in the life cycle of the sandhill cranes, as a staging area, and for whooping cranes, as an important migratory stopover.  The wetlands and grasslands used by cranes during migration are also used by many other migratory birds at other times of the year.  We seek to be a science based organization in that we will plan and execute research projects to better understand and conserve crane and other migratory bird habitats.  We will use scientific information to lead and direct our management and conservation activities.  Appropriate land management is essential to maintain the diversity of conditions required by the variety of species that utilize this area. We seek to implement and maintain management activities that benefit the array of bird species that utilize this ecosystem in order to maintain it as a long-term refuge. We seek to improve habitat not only on our lands, but also in cooperation with local landowners and other groups to increase protection and management of other lands for the benefit of both birds and humans.

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The Crane Trust, Inc. (Whooping Crane Trust) is a nonprofit conservation organization whose purpose is to protect and enhance habitat for migratory birds in Nebraska along the Platte and North Platte rivers.  The Trust’s activities are limited to the Big Bend (Overton to Grand Island ) stretch of the Platte, and to 2 regions of the North Platte near Lewellelen and Sutherland .  The principle interest of the Trust is to protect and maintain Whooping Crane habitat.  The Trust’s programs, however, are also directed toward the protection and enhancement of habitat for Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Least Terns, and all other migratory birds that use the Platte and North Platte rivers.  The objectives of the Trust are as follows:

1. Foster the continued existence of that amount of habitat required to meet the needs of Whooping Cranes stopping in the Big Bend stretch of the Platte River during their spring and fall migrations.
2. Restore and maintain habitat in the Big Bend stretch of the Platte for existing population of Sandhill Cranes during their spring staging period.
3. Manage lands under the protection of the Trust within the limits imposed above (objectives 1 and 2), to meet the needs of other migratory birds, particularly endangered or threatened species.
4. Manage lands under the protection of the Trust to maintain existing agricultural and other traditional uses of the land which are compatible and consistent with objectives 1, 2 and 3.
5. Act as a catalyst to promote research which improves our understanding of the needs of Whooping Cranes and other migratory birds on the Platte and North Platte rivers.