NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – From June through August, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers, in conjunction with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol, will conduct special enforcement patrols focusing on state recreation areas (SRA) and other Commission-managed property in Lancaster County. The special patrols will focus on reducing the potential for alcohol-related vehicle and boat accidents around Branched Oak SRA, Pawnee SRA, Bluestem SRA, Wagon Train SRA, Stagecoach SRA and Wildwood Wildlife Management Area. The efforts …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in June. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes. June 1 – Underwater spearfishing season begins at Box Butte Reservoir and on private waters June 1-30 – Archery paddlefish season June 2 – Final day eligible landowners may apply for one elk permit June 3 – National Trails Day, Indian …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Get outside and get dirty like you did when you were a child. This summer, the Family Nature Club will provide that opportunity. A Family Nature Club event will take place June 8, July 6, July 13 and Aug. 3 at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Outdoor Classroom, located at 2201 N. 13th St. in Norfolk. “Everyone needs an evening of unstructured play,” said Jamie Bachmann, wildlife education assistant. “At the outdoor classroom, you can climb …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Recent heavy rains have caused flooding on some wildlife management areas (WMA) in southeast Nebraska. Water is over the west road leading into Yankee Hill WMA in Lancaster County, resulting in the road closure until water recedes. The Peru Boat Ramp in Nemaha County and the Schilling WMA in Cass County are closed to access due to high flows from the Missouri River. Caution should be used when accessing any WMA in southeast Nebraska because of potentially …

CHADRON – As many as 45 disc golfers are expected to compete Saturday, May 27, in the first Chadron State Park Gateway 3-disc Challenge, a tournament set at the park’s popular course which was recently expanded from nine to 18 holes with many new baskets and the addition of concrete tee boxes. Tournament organizer Jesse Ottman of Alliance said 33 players had signed up by Monday morning, already exceeding his expectations for turnout. He said many players are bringing campers …

CHADRON – Three Nebraska Game and Parks Commission attractions in the Panhandle are planning special activities for Free Park Entry and Fishing Day on Saturday, May 20. Free Park Entry and Fishing Day is an annual event in which the Commission provides an opportunity for people to experience the state’s diverse park areas and fishing resources free of charge. Following is a list of special activities. Chadron State Park near Chadron — The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The postponed boat-launch facility construction at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area’s Main Landing is scheduled to begin this fall. Reservoir water levels are two vertical feet lower this spring to facilitate the boat ramp and rock breakwater construction to begin later this year. When the project begins, breakwater construction will continue into late September as the reservoir refills. The public should be aware of construction activity and stay clear of the work area and construction equipment entering …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting Recreational Trail Program grant applications for fiscal year 2017 funding. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a grant program through the Federal Highway Administration that reimburses political subdivisions, such as communities, counties and natural resources districts, up to 80 percent of project costs for trail acquisition, development, renovation and support facilities. Applicants must have the financial means to undertake and maintain the project and all funding should be on …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is May 20. It is the annual opportunity for families to enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need of buying a fishing or park entry permit for the day. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, held in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Crawdad Creek, a series of five shallow, interactive ponds that flows picturesquely into Jenny Newman Lake, has opened at Platte River State Park. Crawdad Creek is the first feature completed as part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Venture Parks Complex, which calls for greatly expanded activities and amenities designed to meet the needs of a new generation of visitors at four parks – Platte River State Park, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, and Schramm Park …