NGPC News

Because of the fire hazard created by dry and windy conditions, a burn ban is in effect at Calamus State Recreation Area until further notice. This ban includes all open fires, such as campfires, and those in any place throughout the SRA. Calamus SRA includes nearly 5,000 acres of native grassland in the Sandhills region of Nebraska. For more information about Nebraska state park areas, visit OutdoorNebraska.org.

The Grove Trout Rearing Station near Royal, Nebraska, in Antelope County, will close to visitors April 11-15 for maintenance and inspection on the diversion pond. “While the maintenance takes place, staff will be using heavy equipment, and public safety is taken into consideration for this closure,” Fish Production Manager Joe Cassidy said. “While this is a necessary part of the operation of the facility, we want this to be brief and resume public visitation. We thank visitors and anglers for …

Spring turkey hunters are eager to get back in the woods again this year, but they should not be so eager they overlook safety. The archery season opened March 25. On April 9, youth under age 16 may begin hunting turkeys with shotguns. Adults get the chance to hunt with shotguns starting April 16. The spring turkey season closes May 31. “Hunting continues to be one of the safest recreational activities there is, but there are a few things to …

Guests interested in dining at the aptly named The View at Mahoney can enjoy that experience without having to purchase a park entry permit during the month of April. Located inside Peter Kiewit Lodge at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, the restaurant offers family friendly dining options. The View also offers to-go purchases of pizza and wings, and caters as well. “The restaurant offers a stellar view of the Platte River and is a great place for a night out, …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for one 2022 bighorn sheep lottery permit beginning April 18. A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Only Nebraska residents 12 years and older are eligible for the lottery. It is unlawful to submit more than one application in a calendar year. Residents may receive only one permit in a lifetime. The permit is not transferable. The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central time April 18 and ends …

Prescribed burns are planned this spring on many Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas, state parks and state recreation areas where weather allows. Historically, wildlife habitats were shaped by wildfires that occurred throughout the year. Burns can help set back undesirable plants that invade native woodlands and prairies, as well as other grass and wooded areas. Prescribed burning, if used with grazing, can set back smooth brome and Kentucky bluegrass, increase diversity in grasslands and improve habitat for …

Fisheries staff at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission again will capture spawning walleyes at Sherman Reservoir, Merritt Reservoir and Lake McConaughy to collect eggs to meet stocking requests. As of April 1, a designated area along the dam at Sherman is closed to bank anglers and boats following sunset. The collection there will begin the night of April 1. Crews will begin collections at Merritt on or near April 6 and finish at McConaughy likely the following week. Access …

Nothing brings out paddlers like unseasonably warm temperatures. Those enjoying Nebraska’s water bodies and water trails are urged to be cautious this spring. While air temperatures can warm quickly, water temperatures still can be dangerous. Nebraska Game and Parks has the following safety tips for spring kayakers: There’s safety in numbers, so paddle with a friend or friends. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return home. Watch the weather forecast; it can change quickly. …

Access to Martin Bay at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area is temporarily closed effective March 31 for an asphalt road improvement project. Walleye spawn anglers should anticipate parking on the south end of the dam during the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed in late May prior to the Memorial Day holiday. The Martin Bay intersection at Highway 61 was closed the morning of March 31 so Martin Bay Recreation Road can get an asphalt overlay. …

Prescribed fires will take place at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on April 1, affecting some public access, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Affected trails and roads in portions of the park will be marked with signs and closed during the fires. CenturyLink Lake will be closed during the burn. These fires are part of an ongoing prairie and oak woodland restoration project by the Game and Parks and will help control the spread of invasive plants.