NGPC News

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is asking campers to restrict the movement of firewood to prevent the entry of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) into the state. EAB is a tree-killing beetle native to Asia. It can move from state to state in firewood. EAB has become established near Creston, Iowa, just 60 miles from the Nebraska border. A Voluntary Firewood Exchange Program is in place at several state park areas to prevent the movement of …

LINCOLN – Nebraskans are asked to be cautious when they enjoy a day on the water in their boats this summer. Boating safety should never be taken for granted. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 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 required by law to wear a United States Coast …

LINCOLN – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is Saturday, May 17. Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without having to purchase a fishing or park entry permit. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for more …

LINCOLN – The 2014 Big Game Guide is available in digital format at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s website, OutdoorNebraska.org. The publication is a summary of regulations, laws and orders pertaining to the hunting of deer, antelope, elk and bighorn sheep in Nebraska. It includes unit maps, as well as information on season dates, permits and bag limits. The guide soon will be available in hard copy wherever hunt permits are sold. To view the guide online, just click …

LINCOLN – The public is invited to join two Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staffers on a Cowboy Trail bicycle tour May 17-23 from Norfolk to Valentine. Riders may join Jenny Nguyen and Jamie Bachmann for all or any segment of the 195-mile tour, which begins at Norfolk’s TaHaZouka Park at 8 a.m. All riders must arrange their transportation. A summary of the itinerary: May 17 – Norfolk to Neligh; May 18 – Neligh to O’Neill; May 19 – O’Neill …

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 17. 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 – Nebraskans preparing for a summer of boating fun should be aware of the state’s boater education requirements. State law requires that any motorboat operator, including personal watercraft operators, born after Dec. 31, 1985, complete a boating safety course. Those operators also must be in possession of a course certificate when operating the boat. Persons must be at least 14 years of age to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska. Boating safety certification may be obtained through …

LINCOLN – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is May 17. Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without having to purchase a fishing or park entry permit. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Family fishing clinics will take …

LINCOLN — Walkers from schools, businesses and other organizations raised $5,000 for the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation on National Walk at Lunch Day on April 30. Hundreds of walkers from 468 schools and businesses across the state participated in the annual event, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. For every school, business or organization that participated in the event, Blue Cross and Blue Shield donated $20 to the Game and Parks Foundation and the Special Olympics. …

LINCOLN – Birders of all experience levels are invited to join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for the Northeast District Birding Day on May 20 at Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Flights of birders will depart from the WMA maintenance shop at 6:15 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. A lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. for $5. Birders may continue on their own following lunch. Grove Lake WMA is located 2 miles north of Royal in Antelope County. …