Over 90 Nebraska Maps feed U of Nebraska's Rural Initiative

 94 maps are available as a rural resource to residents of Nebraska via the University of Nebraska's Rural Initiative, including terrain, bedrock geology, demographics, surface and groundwater, crops, infrastructure, trails, canoeing, pasture-fed meat producers, GIS and others.

These maps form one of the four pillars for rural resources in the State: website search of rural resources, rural development programs, internet access, and Nebraska maps.

The Wineries Map, for example, displays 12 existing wineries, and lists 8 soon-to-be-open wineries, their location and web/email contact link. There is a renaissance in the Nebraskan wine industry. The Nebraska Trails Map shows all historic and recreational trails in the State. The Scott Lookout Trail, for example, lists the management, length, usage and surface type of the trail. Other maps of interest to the rural tourist include: Christmas Tree Growers Map, the Nebraska Speed Limits Map,  and the Nebraska Game and Parks GIS Land Atlas.

These maps can be accessed via Nebraska Rural Living, "the brainchild of two sisters who returned to their small town rural roots". Their mission is to market the rural lifestyle, spotlight the successful rural entrepreneur, highlight amenities, and provide links to rural resources in Nebraska.

"During our years living out of Nebraska, we read dismal articles describing the out-migration of rural Nebraskans, the declining farm economy, and drought. However when we visited back home, we noticed prosperous entrepreneurial businesses, safe streets, a nurturing quality of life for families, excellent schools and affordable housing. We also noticed communities seemed to be well governed, by citizens who cared."