LINCOLN, Neb. – The trumpeter swans of the Sandhills and forestry work in the Pine Ridge are among the many topics featured in the 74-page June issue of Nebraskaland Magazine. Mark Vrtiska, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission waterfowl program manager, writes about the research of trumpeter swan reproduction in the Sandhills. Regional editor Justin Haag’s article about forestry in the Pine Ridge details the collaborative work between landowners and governmental agencies for a more sustainable future for the region’s landscape, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will open more camping opportunities in state park areas starting June 4, when all previous temporary restrictions on recreational vehicle and tent camping will be removed. Designated beaches and swimming areas also will open June 4. All reservation-only campsites and first-come campsites — other than at Mormon Island State Recreation Area (SRA) and Danish Alps SRA — will be available to all camping units, including RVs, camping trailers and tents. Mormon …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission important dates in June. June 1 – Underwater spearfishing season begins at Box Butte Reservoir and on private waters June 1-30 – Archery paddlefish season June 5 – Final day landowners may apply for one elk permit June 8-26 – Residents and nonresidents may apply for one deer permit in any draw unit June 8-26 – Residents may apply for one elk permit June 8-26 – …

LINCOLN, Neb. – While Community Fishing Nights will not be offered to the public this summer, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has several online resources to help anglers of all experience levels. To keep Nebraskans safe by maintaining social distancing in light of COVID-19, Game and Parks has cancelled Community Fishing Nights. These popular events have been held at waters across the state and are designed to introduce or reintroduce families and individuals to fishing. At these events, Game …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Contributors to Lincoln’s 2020 City Nature Challenge entered 1,675 observations of wildlife and plants, of which 508 individual species were identified, in the iNaturalist project over four days this spring. Lincoln and Lancaster County, for the first time, joined 243 other cities for the City Nature Challenge, a global event to observe and record all signs of nature and wildlife. Lincoln’s City Nature Challenge recorded several species that are considered at-risk in the state, according to the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting grant applications to promote outdoor recreation facilities and amenities for political subdivision parks and outdoor recreation areas through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is administered by the National Park Service for outdoor recreation projects. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, ball fields, soccer fields, swimming pools, picnicking facilities, playgrounds, pool renovations, splash pads, park acquisitions and development, and park related …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will open first-come, first-served camping on May 22 at Smith Falls State Park, 35 state recreation areas and wildlife management areas for all camping units, including tents. This decision is prompted by overwhelming demand for camping opportunities, challenges in bringing additional park locations and campsites into the reservation system as planned, and public comments regarding the desire to camp even without normal facilities, which will remain closed. Those include shower houses, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Eligible landowners may apply for one 2020 Nebraska elk hunting permit during the May 18 – June 5 application period. To download an application form, regulations and hunting unit descriptions, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/huntingseasons. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission district offices still are closed to the public. Landowner elk applications should be mailed to the offices to arrive by June 5, 2020. Offices accepting applications, and their elk units, are: • Northwest District: 299 Husker Rd., Box 725, Alliance, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A 29-year-old Phelps County man was sentenced May 13 to jail time in Phelps County Court after being convicted of multiple deer hunting violations. Nebraska conservation officers had investigated Arthur Underwood, Jr. for multiple hunting violations during the 2019 hunting seasons. Underwood pled guilty to 12 counts, including five counts each of over-bagging deer and violation of deer regulations, and one count each of attempted tampering with evidence and false reporting. The sentence included jail time of …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans will enjoy this summer boating on waters across the state. To mark National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, 2020, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging boaters to keep safety the top priority. Boaters and paddlers should not take safety for granted. Game and Parks suggests ways boaters may reduce the risk of incidents and help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. Before Launching – Ensure your boat is in good running …