NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert is in effect for Rockford Lake in Gage County, while Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County remains on health alert for a second week. During water testing earlier this week, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality detected elevated toxin levels produced by blue-green algal blooms in Rockford Lake. Visitors to Rockford State Recreation Area should avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – High school anglers still have time to register for two fishing tournaments coming up in July at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area. The tournaments – the Nebraska BASS Nation High School Tournament and the TBF Student Angler Federation High School Tournament – are scheduled for July 21 and 22 respectively, making it easy for students to compete in both. Separate registration is required. Participation for each tournament is open to students in grades 9-12 who have a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Now that summer has arrived, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds boaters to be mindful of the state’s education requirements for boating. Nebraska law requires any motorboat or personal watercraft operator born after Dec. 31, 1985 to complete one of the two types of boating safety courses and be in possession of a course certificate. Operators must be at least 14 years old to drive motorboats and personal watercraft in Nebraska. The Commission has scheduled required …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Boating is one of many ways Nebraskans celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has reminders for ways to safely enjoy a day on the water with friends and family. Boaters should not take safety for granted. The Boating Safety Section of Game and Parks suggests ways boaters may reduce the risk of incidents and help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. Wear a Life Jacket – Children under …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Fishing activity is picking up, with some excellent results reported. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds anglers to heed fishing regulations whey they are out enjoying the summer. The following are a few specific reminders: Cast nets – The use of cast nets in eastern Nebraska waters is prohibited. Cast nets are allowed on some waters of the state during some months. However, in one case, an angler used a cast net to capture gizzard shad …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting grant applications for parks and other outdoor recreation facilities and amenities promoting outdoor recreation. The grants are funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a program administered by the National Park Service for outdoor recreation projects. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, ballfields, soccer fields, swimming pools, picnicking facilities, playgrounds, pool renovations, splash pads, park acquisitions and development, and park related support facilities. All projects …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s headquarters in Lincoln must drive alternate routes starting in July 5 because of street construction. North 33rd Street will be closed to through traffic between Holdrege Street to Madison Avenue for repairs. From Holdrege to Huntington Avenue there will be storm drainage work and pavement repairs. 33rd Street from Holdrege Street to Madison Avenue will remain closed until asphalt is installed on the entire section. The project should be …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to seven state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on Independence Day, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Those visitors should always use caution when lighting fireworks. Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) near Malcolm, Fort Kearny SRA near Kearney, Memphis SRA near Memphis, Fremont SRA near Fremont, Two Rivers SRA near Venice, Pawnee SRA near Emerald and Wagon Train SRA near Hickman will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health advisory is in effect for the east beach Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County. During testing earlier this week, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality detected elevated levels of toxic blue-green algae at the lake. Visitors to the east beach at Pawnee State Recreation Area should avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and camping are OK. The lake will be tested weekly through …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska’s 2017 spring turkey hunters are encouraged to share their experiences with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission by participating in a brief online survey. Hunters who provided an email address at the time they purchased a permit will soon receive an email invitation to participate in the survey. Those who did not provide an email address can take the survey at Game and Parks’ website. The survey will ask hunters about their turkey harvest, as well …