LINCOLN – Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Buffalo County has been closed to target shooting effective immediately. The area has been closed because of safety concerns for neighboring landowners and area users, as well as persistent shooting-related litter accumulation. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is working to develop other target shooting opportunities in a more safe and controlled environment. Target shooting is permitted on WMAs unless restricted or prohibited by posted signs or by special area regulations.

LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in April: April 1 – Basic Archery Instructor Training, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 402-471-6141 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Explore Archery, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6-7 p.m., 402-471-6141 April 2 – Learn to Hunt Spring Turkey, Mormon Island State Recreation Area (SRA), Grand Island, 10 a.m.-noon, 308-660-6955 April 2 – …

LINCOLN – A free workshop discussing lake and pond management, scheduled for March 23 in Norfolk, has been postponed due to the weather. It has been rescheduled for April 26. The workshop, to begin at 6 p.m. at the Lifelong Learning Center, 601 E. Benjamin Ave., is a joint effort of the Nebraska Extension, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Workshops also are scheduled for April 18 at the Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1071 …

LINCOLN – The Platte River Art Show is scheduled for April 2-3 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Many nationally known artists from around the Midwest will be offering their work for display and sale. This event, hosted by Prairie Images, will be held at the Peter Kiewit Lodge from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on April 2 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. the following day. The works of art will include wildlife, landscape, cityscape, portrait, still life, Native American, Southwest, Americana and …

LINCOLN – The entire population of whooping cranes in the Central Flyway is expected to migrate through Nebraska over the next several weeks. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages the public to report whooping crane sightings. Information on crane sightings is used to positively affect whooping crane conservation and recovery efforts. Report any sightings to Nebraska Game and Parks (402-471-0641), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (308-379-5562), or The Crane Trust’s Whooper Watch hotline (1-888-399-2824). Emails may be submitted to …

LINCOLN – Grab a friend, your mother, daughter, sister, or colleague and go outdoors for a life-changing adventure at scenic Ponca State Park. A workshop sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission gives women the opportunity to learn outdoor skills in a comfortable environment. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is a weekend getaway for women 18 years and older scheduled for Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 at Ponca. Nebraska Game and Parks is accepting registrations. Outdoor novices get preference, but experienced …

LINCOLN – Precious Lewis of Omaha’s Mater Dei Academy had the high overall score in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state tournament on March 19 at Speedway Sporting Village in Lincoln. Lewis scored 288 out of a possible 300 points to set a meet record for a female archer. Archers shot 15 arrows at targets from 10 meters and 15 arrows from 15 meters. Mater Dei’s Ronald Fries had the high male score of 285 points. The …

LINCOLN – A free, web-based platform focused on teaching users how to excel in hunting, camping, fishing and shooting sports has attracted more than 5,000 participants. Nebraska Outdoor U! introduces users to the essentials of various outdoor pursuits, and quickly involves them in hands-on activities. As users gain knowledge and experience, they progress through a series of levels, gaining points, badges, and free gear along the way. The aim of the program is to help users build new skills, learn …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have scheduled training so that individuals may become certified master naturalists. The Nebraska Master Naturalist Program is an adult education program focused on providing volunteers with hands-on experiences in Nebraska’s natural resources. Participants will undergo hours of in-depth training, led by experts in their fields. They will learn about Nebraska’s flora and fauna, native ecosystems and much more. Following training, participants have the opportunity to contribute to …

LINCOLN – Gov. Pete Ricketts has appointed Pat Berggren of Broken Bow to fill the vacant position as District 6 commissioner for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The appointment was effective March 11, 2016. Berggren will complete the remainder of the term of his father, Lynn Berggren, who passed away Feb. 16. The term expires Jan. 15, 2017. Berggren stated, “I want to thank Governor Rickets for this appointment, although bittersweet, I am excited about serving the outdoor enthusiasts …