Bridges to Buttes Byway
The Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, NE

The McKelvie National Forest was named for a local farmer, rancher, and businessman Samuel R. McKelvie. As a rancher of Hereford cattle, McKelvie exemplified what the Sandhills region is about--cattle. The grasslands of the area are conducive to raising cattle and that is what the area has been known for. The area that is now the forest was designated as a forest in 1971 and has seen many changes. There have been many different types of trees planted in the forest, and this has given the area a diverse sampling of plants and wildlife. Ponderosa pine, Eastern red cedar, jack pine, and Scotch pine have all thrived in the area. Antelope, mule deer, whitetail deer, sharptail grouse, prairie chicken, ducks, turkeys, and a variety of birds live in the area. Fishing and camping are two activities that you can readily enjoy at the National Forest.