Unlike other wetlands systems, playa wetlands have likely not been intentionally drained and filled at the same rates as other wetlands types due to their low position within the watershed. However, in the rainwater basin area of Nebraska, where there is a larger stream network only about 10% of the original basins still exists. Many of these playas were filled and drained in the past. The larger threat to playa wetlands may be the loss of a playa wetlands’ ability to hold water due to high sedimentation rates. Because the playa is in the lowest part of the watershed and most of the watersheds are heavily cultivated, sediment from the cropland is carried by runoff into the basin. This causes the playa to reduce its ability to hold water, which changes plant composition, bird abundance, and changes the overall ecological integrity of playa wetlands.

To combat the overabundance of sedimentation reaching playa wetlands more concern must be placed with tillage methods and conservation programs. Please contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service  or the Playa Lakes Joint Venture for information on conservation programs. For more information on playas read "Playas of the Great Plains" by Loren Smith.