Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

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Samuel R McKelvie National Forest
IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)

Location:	Nebraska, USA
Nearest city:	Valentine, NE
Coordinates:	42°42′0″N, 101°02′0″W
Area:	115,703 acres (468 km²)
Established:	October 15, 1971
Governing body:	U.S. Forest Service

The Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is located in the north-central Sandhills region of the U.S. state of Nebraska. Created on October 15, 1971, (the forest has been some type of protected area since 1902) the forest is named after former Governor Samuel R. McKelvie. Encompassing an area of 115,703 acres (468 km²), the forest is a combination of prairie grasslands and pine forest "islands". Most of the existing forested sections were manmade, planted by hand over the past 75 years. The protein content of the native grasses is among the highest found anywhere in the world and numerous lease options are provided to local ranchers. Planted trees include Eastern Juniper, Scots Pine and Ponderosa Pine which continues to need replanting as it is harvested but has also managed to spread throughout the region independently.

Indigenous wildlife such as pronghorn, white-tailed deer, mule deer, coyote and fox are plentiful. Of the 150 species of birds known to inhabit the forest, pheasant, grouse, hawk and turkey are the more commonly found.

The forest has a small campground. Immediately to the south and east of the national forest is Merritt Reservoir, a dam on the Snake River. The reservoir is stocked with sport fish; it is considered one of the better fishing destinations in Nebraska. Merritt Reservoir is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.