NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Registration opens June 5 for the sesquicentennial event “150 years of Nebraska Storytelling: a Conference Celebrating Nebraska History through Literature,” which will be held at Ponca State Park on Aug. 6-8. This event invites participants to explore Nebraska history and the art of storytelling through a series of educational experiences, including author presentations, writer’s workshops, American Indian perspectives and more. It will include more than 15 authors from a variety of genres with a deep connection to …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officials have confirmed that a male mountain lion killed a calf near Hay Springs in Sheridan County. The owner of the land where the calf was killed contacted Game and Parks officials on May 30 after finding the carcass. Game and Parks representatives examined the carcass and immediate vicinity the following day. The condition of the carcass suggested a high probability that a mountain lion was responsible. The landowner and Game and …

CHADRON, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging Panhandle landowners to enroll in programs to improve habitat for upland game birds and other wildlife while providing public hunting access. The programs are key components of the Commission’s Berggren Plan, a five-year initiative for improving pheasant hunting in Nebraska. “These programs not only provide incredible conservation benefits, but also help families get into the field to enjoy the state’s hunting heritage,” said Matt Steffl, the Commission’s northwest district …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The west entrance road into Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Lancaster County has reopened now that high water has receded. Peru Boat Ramp in Nemaha County and Schilling WMA in Cass County remain closed. Water is receding at Peru and Schilling is expected to open in a few days.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The boat ramp at Buckskin Hills Wildlife Management Area (WMA) has closed temporarily following a delay. The existing boat ramp will be replaced and concrete parking pads will be added. Anglers are encouraged to use Powder Creek Reservoir in Dixon County, Chalkrock Lake WMA in Cedar County, or Kramper Lake in Dakota County as alternatives until construction is complete. Buckskin Hills WMA is located 5 miles southwest of Newcastle in Dixon County. For more information, contact the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Gov. Pete Ricketts celebrated Nebraska Bird Month with a group of 5-year-olds from Trinity Infant and Child Care Center in Lincoln on Tuesday, May 30. On a sunny morning, Gov. Ricketts led about 20 students on a walk in which they looked for and identified birds. Following the bird watching event, he read a book about birds to the students. “Spending time in nature is great way to get young children to ask questions and think critically,” …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Celebrate amphibians at Salamander Saturday on June 3 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Riverview Lodge, visitors will be able to see salamanders and create their own salamander armbands. From 1-1:45 p.m., University of Nebraska-Lincoln herpetologist Dennis Ferraro will give a presentation on the disappearance of the western tiger salamander from eastern Nebraska. A park entry permit is required.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Electricity to Niobrara State Park will be shut off from 1-5 p.m. on June 4 so the Nebraska Public Power District can work on a substation near Lynch. The park’s pool will be closed all day and the cabins and RV campground will be without power. Power will be off from Lynch east to the Niobrara River. The park’s pool should be open by June 10.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Peru Boat Ramp in Nemaha County, Schilling Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Cass County and the west entrance road into Yankee Hill WMA in Lancaster County will remain closed through the Memorial Day weekend because of high water. Floodwaters from recent rains continue to cover portions of these areas, making them impassible. Boaters who carry kayaks and canoes into Yankee Hill WMA should be cautious of underwater hazards such as breakwaters and other structures that are …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy hiking, painting outdoors, and learning about wildflowers throughout June at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area (SRA), Lake Ogallala SRA, and Ash Hollow State Historical Park (SHP). The June events are as follows: – June 3: Ash Hollow Trail Walk, Ash Hollow SHP, 10 a.m. Celebrate National Trails Day with a guided 3-mile hike along the historic Oregon Trail. – June 3: National Trails Day Hike, Lake Ogallala SRA, 3 p.m. Binoculars for bird viewing will be …