NGPC News

LINCOLN – Enjoy an outdoor adventure with family or friends and experience Nebraska parks by joining The Great Park Pursuit (GPP) for a chance to win prizes. The goal of GPP, a partnership between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association, is to promote active lifestyles while increasing awareness of the state’s nature-rich outdoor recreation opportunities. This is done by encouraging participants to visit up to 20 GPP sites located across Nebraska between May …

LINCOLN – Several state recreation areas in Southeast Nebraska have been affected by heavy rainfall and not all areas may be accessible, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. At Stagecoach State Recreation Area (SRA), Dam Road remains closed, there is standing water on approaches to docks. At Wagon Train SRA, all areas are open, though there is standing water on approaches to docks. At Bluestem SRA, North Road remains closed. At Olive Creek SRA, Area 2 is now …

LINCOLN – Two trail roads at Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA) will be temporarily closed June 22 so that BNSF Railway can replace crossings on them. Trail Roads 5 and 7 on the north side of the lake will be closed so that work can begin at 7 a.m. on June 22. The crossings will be closed all day. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is posting signs and notifying campers of the closure. Swanson Reservoir SRA is located …

LINCOLN – Work has begun on improvements to the Main Landing boat launch facility at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area (SRA). Visitors will find construction equipment entering the Main Landing boat launch and Willow Cove Campground areas over the next several months. A new concrete ramp, boat dock and breakwaters will be built this summer and fall as water levels recede. In preparation for that construction, the delivery of rock rip-rap has started. The new boat ramp will be built …

LINCOLN – Applications may be made for Nebraska paddlefish snagging permits July 1-14. Snagging of paddlefish and nongame fish is permitted Oct. 1-31 in the Missouri River from the Gavins Point Dam west of Yankton, S.D., downstream to the mouth of the Big Sioux River at mile marker 734, west of Sioux City, Iowa. All inland waters in Nebraska are closed to paddlefish harvest. There are 1,520 permits authorized for residents and 80 for nonresidents. The application fees of $21 …

LINCOLN – Visitors to seven state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on Independence Day, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Those visitors should always use caution when lighting fireworks. Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) near Malcolm, Fort Kearny SRA near Kearney, Memphis SRA near Memphis, Fremont SRA near Fremont, Two Rivers SRA near Venice, Pawnee SRA near Emerald and Wagon Train SRA near Hickman will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight on …

LINCOLN – Hunters have until July 3 to apply for a 2015-2016 multispecies lottery permit. Two types of permits are available: Super Tag and Combo. The Super Tag permit is valid in 2015 and 2016 for one elk of either sex, one antelope of either sex, one deer of either sex, and two turkeys (only toms and bearded hens may be taken in the spring). The permit is valid in open seasons with the appropriate weapons. One Super Tag permit …

LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in July: June 29-July 2 – Outdoor Adventure Camp for ages 6-15, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 402-471-6141 July 1 – Archery fishing of game fish is allowed statewide through Dec. 31 July 1 – Underwater spearfishing of game fish allowed in specific waters through Dec. 31 (see page 22 of 2015 Fishing Guide) July 1-4 – Western and Wildlife …

LINCOLN – Anglers who fish at Sandy Channel State Recreation Area (SRA) in Buffalo County will soon have improved fishing access at three of the most popular lakes on the area. Lakes No. 2, No. 4 and No. 8 all have projects slated to improve shoreline access and boat access. Lake No. 8, the largest lake on the area, will have a handicap-accessible fishing pier installed, and more than 500 feet of shoreline will be cleared of brush and reshaped …

LINCOLN — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking additional input on proposed changes to the 2016-2017 season duck zone and goose unit boundaries. The proposed changes are based on input received from hunters. Game and Parks urges hunter participation at each step of the way so changes reflect hunter preferences. In order to provide feedback on proposed changes for 2016-2017, hunters can visit OutdoorNebraska.org, and then click on the “Hunting” tab, then “Waterfowl.” On the waterfowl home page, …