LINCOLN — The Nebraska Tourism Commission and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission invite teams of runners and ambitious individuals to participate in the second Cowboy Ultra on May 20-21. This is a race in which solo runners and relay teams trek the entire 191 miles of the Cowboy Trail from Valentine to Norfolk. “After last year’s success, we knew we needed to again give people the opportunity to do this adventure run,” said Nebraska Tourism Commission Ecotourism Consultant Alex Duryea. …

LINCOLN — The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District has resumed pumping operations into Elwood Reservoir as part of efforts to utilize excess flows in the Platte River for groundwater recharge in and adjacent to Central’s irrigation service area. Central reminds people who use the lake for winter recreation that ice conditions can be affected by rising water levels as more water is pumped into the lake. Extreme caution should be used, particularly by ice fishermen venturing onto the …

LINCOLN – Due to inclement weather, all holiday activities Dec. 17 at Platte River State Park scheduled for 3 p.m. and later have been cancelled. This includes the yule log quest and hayrack rides. Events scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. will continue as planned, including kids’ crafts, visits with Santa and marshmallow roasting. The Scott Lodge Restaurant will remain open. A park entry permit is required.

LINCOLN – This holiday season, give someone you love the gift of the outdoors with lifetime permits and stamps. Order now to take advantage of current prices; new pricing will go into effect Jan. 1, 2017. The permits and stamps offer virtually unlimited recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, and eliminate the need to purchase annual hunting (small game) and fishing permits. Lifetime permit options include hunt, fish, hunt/fish combination, and fur harvest; stamps include habitat and migratory waterfowl. They are …

LINCOLN – Valentine-area residents with proper authorization will be allowed to collect firewood at Government Canyon on the Valentine State Fish Hatchery from Jan. 1-31, 2017. Non-commercial firewood users who receive permission from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will be allowed to cut any dead timber that is down in the area only during January. Those with an authorization form will receive a map of the area open for cutting and vehicle access. They also will be encouraged to …

LINCOLN – Consider supporting Nebraska wildlife and habitat conservation in your holiday giving this year. Since 1984, tax-deductible donations to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund have helped the thousands of nongame species that call Nebraska home. Your contribution will assist the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in protecting species like the swift fox, northern river otter and peregrine falcon through research, habitat restoration, public awareness programs and more. Donated dollars have a big impact, since Wildlife Conservation Fund dollars are …

LINCOLN – The 2017 vehicle park entry permits for Nebraska state parks are now available on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s website. Persons purchasing these permits through the website will be able to print a temporary permit upon completion of their transaction. The physical permit will be mailed to the address provided, typically within 10 days. Temporary permits are valid through noon Central time on Jan. 15, 2017. Beginning in 2017, there is a separate permit for vehicles licensed …

LINCOLN – Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s public informational meetings in December. Meetings are scheduled in each Game and Parks district. Biologists will explain and take questions on several topics, including deer management, deer damage and depredation permits, antlerless harvest, trophy management and diseases. Antelope and elk issues may be discussed at meetings located in areas where these species occur. All meetings begin at 7 …

LINCOLN – Winterfest is officially underway. Now through April, state parks across Nebraska are celebrating the season through more than a dozen festive public events and special seasonal offerings. During Winterfest’s Christmas-themed events, guests can sit for free family portraits, enjoy holiday dinners and live theater, and participate in crafts, horse-drawn park tours, educational programs and more. Among the activities slated for this winter: — Christmas in the Woods, Dec. 10 and 17, Ponca State Park, where guests can bake …

LINCOLN – Rainbow trout stocking in eastern Nebraska is winding down in preparation for the winter fishing season. These catchable-size stocked trout are approximately 10 inches in length. The following are the most recent stockings, including quantities: Dec. 5 – Holmes Lake, Lincoln, 3,000; Bowling Lake south pond, Lincoln, 400; Lake Halleck, Papillion, 1,200; Dec. 3 – Standing Bear Lake, Omaha, 3,770; Dec. 1 – Crystal Springs middle lake, Fairbury, 1,200 As weather permits in the coming weeks, Standing Bear …