Standing Bear Lake is being drawn down in preparation for a much-anticipated Aquatic Habitat and Boating Access project. The water level will be lowered about 20 feet in the 135-acre northwest Omaha lake so work can start in early spring of 2023. Visitors can expect the boat ramp and part of the northeast access area to be closed once construction starts. The project will focus on improvements to the boat ramp on the south side of the lake and angler …

Due to expected inclement weather, the Nebraska Game and Parks service center in Omaha will be closed Thursday, Dec. 22. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory predicting extreme cold and blizzard conditions overnight Wednesday and Thursday. Out of the abundance of caution, the office at 8495 Frederick St. will be closed for the safety of patrons and staff. Those wanting to purchase 2023 permits still may do so online at GoOutdoorsNE.com. Learn more or stay up-to-date at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

By Renae Blum, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission  Get outdoors this winter and enjoy the invigorating fresh air of a winter’s day on a state park trail. These five trails are great choices, offering wildlife viewing, shelter from the wind, and beautiful scenic views to appreciate. Bring a friend and take in the unique beauty that this time of year offers. Turkey Run Trail, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area Shielded from the winter wind, this 1.2-mile trail at Wildcat Hills …

Starting immediately as weather allows over the winter months, officials across the state plan to burn slash piles. Nebraska Game and Parks will burn slash piles containing trees and shrubs removed from grasslands and forests, along with other debris piles, on both wildlife management areas and state park areas. The goal is to reduce fuel loads while conditions are safer for burning. In the Pine Ridge, Nebraska Game and Parks is partnering with the Pine Ridge Ranger District of the …

Ring in the new year by getting outdoors and participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks Jan. 1. These annual guided hikes give you the chance to explore trails, snap photos, watch wildlife and participate in any planned activities. Or, choose any state park and create your own hiking adventure. Activities include a snowball toss at Verdon Lake State Recreation Area, a potluck soup luncheon at Ash Hollow State Historical Park and a photo scavenger hunt at Johnson …

By Renae Blum Hikers seeking a challenge will find what they’re looking for on these five Nebraska trails. Along several, hundreds of feet of elevation changes will test your hiking stamina, but scenic views make it worth the climb to the top. Other trails take time to complete or offer minimal protection from the elements. Whichever trail you choose, you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of scenic Nebraska – along with the satisfaction of tackling a challenge. Trail 10, Indian …

Doing some holiday shopping for someone who loves the outdoors? Find what you’re looking for with these seven gift ideas from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: Annual state park permits Give the gift of experiences – one year’s worth of access to over 70 scenic state parks from one end of the state to the other. With opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, wildlife watching or just enjoying the beautiful outdoors, Nebraska’s state parks have something for everyone. 2023 Nebraskaland …

People are encouraged to use caution until further notice while visiting Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area after a waterfowl die-off was reported Nov. 22. Nebraska Game and Parks staff have collected the waterfowl, which are being tested for cause of death. Due to the size of the lake and the number of snow geese currently utilizing it, additional birds may be affected or found over the holiday weekend. Lewis and Clark is home to Nebraska’s largest reservoir and is …

An Omaha man was injured in a hunting incident at about 7:30 a.m. Nov. 19 along the Platte River southeast of Yutan. The 22-year-old was taken to Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha for injuries to both of his hands that were not life threatening. An initial review of the scene showed he was unintentionally shot by another member of his hunting party. This is the third hunting incident reported in 2022 and the second in two days. In comparison, …

Nebraska’s limited river otter harvest season opened Nov. 1, providing those with a valid fur harvest permit an opportunity to trap one otter per season. The season closes Feb. 28, 2023, or three days after the 125th otter has been harvested in the state, whichever comes first. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s goal is to manage and maintain healthy, thriving populations for the long term. This season will provide data about statewide river otter distribution, while continuing to allow …