NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans will enjoy this summer boating on waters across the state. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges boaters to keep safety the top priority. Boaters should not take safety for granted. The Boating Safety Section of Nebraska 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 age 13 and anybody on a personal watercraft are …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Boaters enjoying Nebraska’s public waters may be contacted by boat inspectors this summer. The goal of these inspections is to reduce the risk of aquatic invasive species (AIS) being spread across the state. Inspections will include a survey of boat operators about their recent boating activities, followed by an examination of their watercraft. Participants will be given information on ways to prevent the spread of AIS. Inspection and survey results will be used to determine if a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Pheasant, cottontail and wild turkey population measurements indicated higher numbers in Nebraska in 2017 compared to the previous year, according to the April Rural Mail Carrier Survey. If spring and early summer weather is moderate, production of young should be good this year, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The population measurements indicated an increase in pheasant numbers that was highest in the Southwest region. The increase in wild turkey numbers was highest in Panhandle …

LINCOLN, Neb. – With summer approaching, 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 boating safety …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Get outdoors and celebrate National Trails Day on June 3 in Nebraska’s state parks. Activities will be held in three state park areas to commemorate the day. Ash Hollow State Historical Park (SHP) – Meet at the picnic area at 10 a.m. for a 3-mile guided hike through the park along the historic Oregon Trail. Refreshments will be served following the hike. The park is located 3 miles southeast of Lewellen in Garden County. Indian Cave State …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Lied Platte River Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that spans the Platte River near South Bend, will temporarily close for repairs at the end of May. The Sarpy County side of the bridge will close beginning May 31 for pavement and abutment repairs. Construction is expected to last about a month. There will still be limited access to the Cass County side. The Lied Platte River Bridge was initially used by the Rock Island Railroad. After the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The public is invited to the grand opening of the new aquatic center at Ponca State Park on June 3. A welcome will kick off the event at 11 a.m., with guest speakers and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The aquatic center will open at noon, with food and concessions available. Family activities will start at 1 p.m. The aquatic center, which replaces a swimming pool that was built in 1956, can accommodate 250 people and showcases a combination …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Indian Cave State Park’s boat ramp is temporarily closed to public access because of high water in the Missouri River. The Riverview Marina boat ramp at Nebraska City is available.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Angler access improvements are planned this summer at Twin Lakes Wildlife Management Area in north-central Nebraska. New boat ramp facilities will be built at both north and south Twin lakes. South Twin will have an access road, parking area and walkways to a restroom and a concrete boat ramp built at this accessible launch facility. North Twin will have a gravel access road, rocked parking area and concrete boat ramp. Work should begin in early June and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Kick off the summer with some fun family activities at Platte River State Park and Louisville State Recreation Area. — The Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex at Platte River SP will have an open house May 26 from 4-8 p.m. Come to the shooting range for an evening of fun, with most of the activities free. — Students who have completed the online hunter education certification can take a Hunt Safe Session at Platte River …