NGPC News

LINCOLN – A health advisory is in effect for lakes at four Nebraska state recreation areas. During testing earlier this week, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) detected elevated levels of toxic algae at Rockford Lake in Gage County, Swan Creek Lake No. 5A at Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area in Saline County, and at Pawnee Lake in Lancaster County. While elevated algae levels have been recorded throughout the summer at Willow Creek Lake in Pierce County, levels were …

LINCOLN – The bird workshop sponsored by the Wild Bird Habitat Stores of Lincoln and Omaha and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission scheduled for Oct. 8 now will take place Nov. 5. Learn how to create winter backyard bird habitat at the event at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. The free workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the education center, located at 4703 N. 44th St. Reserve a spot in the workshop at: …

LINCOLN – Catchable-size rainbow trout are being stocked by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission in October to enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter. Trout fishing is a great way to introduce children to fishing because simple and inexpensive equipment may be used. A spinning or spin-cast rod and reel with a hook baited with a worm will work well. Add a split shot a couple feet above the hook and a bobber a couple of feet above the …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters that Goose Lake Wildlife Management Area, located southeast of Chambers in Holt County, is closed to public access until further notice. The closure is necessary because of a heavy infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive aquatic plant, at the lake. Eurasian watermilfoil can spread rapidly because a single fragment of stem or leaf can take root and form a new colony, and plants can grow up to 2 inches per …

LINCOLN – Kylie Krivohlavek of Seward set an event record by hitting 39 of 40 targets to win the 2015 Nebraska Youth Smallbore Silhouette Invitational at Pressey Wildlife Management Area south of Broken Bow on Sept. 26. Colin Wooldrik of West Point and Megan Vrbka of Staplehurst each hit 36 targets. Competitors fired 40 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition with a rifle unsupported and off hand at metal silhouette targets. Each shot 10 shots at targets that were 43, 66, …

LINCOLN – A boat ramp project scheduled to start this fall at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County has been postponed because of higher than expected water levels. Reservoir water levels dropped this summer following this year’s abundant precipitation, but not enough to reach the goal elevation needed to significantly reduce costs. Construction will be attempted again in the late summer or early fall of 2016. Visitors are reminded that over the next several months construction crews will …

LINCOLN – Try your hand at Old West action shooting at Lincoln’s Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center on Sundays from October through March. In Shootout at Salt Creek, adults will compete in a timed stage of 10 pistol, 10 rifle and four shotguns rounds. The entry fee is $10 and participants will furnish their guns and ammunition. Youth ages 10-15 will shoot 10 .22 pistol, 10 .22 rifle and four .410 shotgun rounds for $4. Cowboy attire is …

LINCOLN – Join Dave Titterington of the Wild Bird Habitat Stores of Lincoln and Omaha and learn how to create winter backyard bird habitat at a workshop Oct. 8 at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. The free workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the education center, located at 4703 N. 44th St. Reserve a spot in the workshop at: http://www.register-ed.com/events/view/68869. The education center also will host a basic bird identification workshop at 6:30 p.m. …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is requesting grant proposals that will enhance watchable wildlife opportunities and nature-based experiences in Nebraska. Potential projects include, but are not limited to, viewing site development, events, infrastructure, marketing, equipment and plan development. Proposals are due Dec. 10. There is a maximum of $3,000 available per proposal. Funding is provided by the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund. For more information, visit WatchWildlifeNe.org or contact Kristal Stoner at kristal.stoner@nebraska.gov.

LINCOLN – A public hearing will be held Oct. 1 in O’Neill to inform the public and to hear any comments regarding a proposed joint application for a permit to appropriate water for instream flows on the Niobrara River from just below the Spencer Hydro Facility to the confluence of the Missouri River for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and associated recreation. The hearing will begin at 1 p.m. at the Holt County Extension Office, 128 N. 6th St., Room …