NGPC News

LINCOLN – A public informational meeting will be held June 1 in Ogallala regarding the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan, which is being developed. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host the meeting, which will include a short presentation of goals and objectives created by the advisory committee, and a question-and-answer session in which public comment will be recorded. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the Quality Inn, 201 Chuckwagon Road. The advisory …

Many of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s attractions in the Panhandle are planning special activities for Free Park Entry and Fishing Day on Saturday, May 21. Free Park Entry and Fishing Day is an annual event in which the Commission allows fishing and entry to parks without requiring permits. It 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 at the region’s State …

LINCOLN – Heavy spring rains have led to soggy conditions at three state recreation areas in Nebraska. Louisville, Two Rivers and Dead Timber state recreation areas, all of which are adjacent to rivers, have all been affected by high water levels. Users should be cautioned that access to area roads, campgrounds, toilets and other facilities could be limited. Water levels can rise and fall quickly, and anyone planning to visit one of these areas – or any state park or …

LINCOLN – Warren Schwanebeck, a fish and wildlife biologist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, has been named wetland manager of the year by Ducks Unlimited. Schwanebeck was recognized for his work at Wilkinson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Platte County, where he oversaw a large wetland restoration project that was the result of a partnership with many different agencies. This spring, three endangered whooping cranes spent 12 days on those wetlands during a stopover on their spring migration. …

LINCOLN – Portions of Dead Time State Recreation Area are closed because of high water.  The road beyond the electrical camping area has been closed. This closure is marked. The electrical camping area remains open.  Closures are in effect until further notice.  -30- 

LINCOLN – Have you snapped some photos while enjoying a Nebraska state park, historical park or recreation area lately? Your shots could be displayed on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website. “We want to show people the fun things you can do and see at a Nebraska state park, and what better way to do that than through photos?” said Nebraska Game and Parks Marketing and Advertising Manager Jane Gustafson. “We encourage you to share your photos with us.” …

Fort Robinson State Park guests again will celebrate Native American culture during one of the High Plains’ premier powwows. The 17th annual Intertribal Gathering is moving to a traditional powwow format and will be June 18-19, a week later than its usual date. Featuring traditional dancing, drumming and singing in a family-friendly environment, the event annually attracts hundreds of dancers and spectators. An array of activities will complement the dancing, including a 5k run. Vendors selling Native American crafts, food …

LINCOLN – Archers of all skill levels are invited to complete in the inaugural Nebraska Game and Parks Director’s Cup on June 5. The outdoor archery tournament begins at 8 a.m. and will be held at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center at 4703 N. 44th St. in Lincoln. Participants will be able to compete in one of six divisions, which include a division for ages 12 and younger and a championship division for ages 18 and older. …

LINCOLN – Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring May to be Nebraska Migratory Bird Month, underscoring the importance of birds in Nebraska. The governor signed the proclamation during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 4, at the Nebraska State Capitol. “Nebraska is home to four ecosystems – tallgrass prairie, mixedgrass prairie, shortgrass prairie and Sandhills – and birds are an integral part of each one,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Wildlife Education Specialist Lindsay Rogers. Nebraska Migratory Bird Month was …

LINCOLN – Enjoy an afternoon of fishing or exploring state parks, recreation areas and historical parks on May 21 – no permit purchase required. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day is held annually on the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend. “It’s kind of an open house in our great outdoors,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Public Information Officer Greg Wagner. “Special hands-on, family-friendly events will be held around the state.” Below are several events planned for May 21. A full list …