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Plan ahead to view eclipse safely at Nebraska state park area

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska is a prime state for viewing the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. People planning to view the event from a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission property should make safety and planning their top priorities.

Game and Parks has 34 state park areas and 186 wildlife management areas within the approximately 70-mile-wide path of totality, and visitation at those areas is expected to be busier than normal.

All campsites within those park areas that may be reserved have been booked for months. Many parks are preparing additional areas for primitive camping and parking during the eclipse. Visitors should be aware of fire safety hazards such as campfires and parking on grassy areas.

Game and Parks offers the following reminders and suggestions:

— Visitors should be sure to have the proper equipment for safe eclipse viewing.

— A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. Purchase these permits in advance to avoid lines at the park.

— Visitors may want to call ahead to a park and have an alternate plan in case the desired location is not available.

— Allow extra time for travel and parking due to expected higher traffic volumes.

— Nearly two dozen eclipse-related events are planned at state park areas. Visit outdoornebraska.gov/eclipse/ for a list of events, as well as an interactive map of state park areas within the path.

— Boat ramps could be busy with people wishing to view the eclipse from the water. Be courteous and patient on the ramp and the water and be sure to have all required safety equipment aboard.

— Stay safe by turning vehicle lights on manually.

For general Nebraska eclipse information, visit neclipse17.com.

About Jerry Kane

Jerry Kane is the news manager with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. He can be contacted at jerry.kane@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5008.

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