NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – The damaged Willow View boat ramp at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area is expected to be closed for the remainder of the year. A concrete extension to the ramp sloughed away over time, creating a hazard for boat trailers. In addition, the north lane of the Spring Creek Area boat ramp will close for the year starting July 31, as the end of the concrete ramp is getting close to the water line. Two other boat …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The 2020 Hunting and Fishing R3 Summit is going virtual this year, streaming live over Zoom from 10 a.m. to noon CST Aug. 5. Register at OutdoorNebraska.org/r3summit on or before Aug. 2 to receive the virtual meeting Zoom link via email. Those unable to attend will be able to watch a recording of the summit online at a later date. “We hope this adjustment will allow more people and organizations to tune in live,” said Jeff Rawlinson, …

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Having a successful fishing trip depends on how you plan for success. Planning will help regardless if your goal is to catch a state record fish, or escape from chores for the day. Remember that some days we catch fish on bare hooks, while others days we just go fishing. Prepare and plan to have fun and you will never be disappointed. The following are few planning tips and hints: Plan where …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in August. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Aug. 1 – Squirrel hunting season opens Aug. 1 – Registration begins for Harvest Information Program Aug. 1 – Private land antlerless elk hunting season opens Aug. 1 – Campfire Christmas in July, Indian Cave State Park, Shubert Aug. 3 – Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may purchase remaining deer and antelope permits, and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Prescribed burns are planned on two Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas (WMA) in southeast Nebraska, if weather conditions allow. Burns are planned at Taylor’s Branch WMA in Pawnee County and Osage (southeast tract) WMA in Johnson County. Other prescribed burns on WMAs may be planned later this summer. Burns during the summer and fall can help set back undesirable plants that invade native prairies and other grasslands. Eastern redcedar trees and undesirable deciduous shrubs …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A pilot program is providing Nebraska women the opportunity to purchase subscription boxes designed to help them develop and expand their outdoor skills. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; and Iowa Department of Natural Resources have joined Becoming an Outdoors-Woman and Women in the Outdoors in creating this opportunity. Each subscription box, which will include gear, educational resources, field guides and more, can be purchased for $50. No long-term commitment …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area and Rock Creek Hatchery in Dundy County are closed until further notice after a Thursday night storm washed out access roads. The storm dumped enough rain that Rock Creek Lake rose 10 inches, said Beau Licking, Enders and Rock Creek Lake SRA superintendent. The north entrance to the state recreation area, sections of Rock Creek Lake Road to the hatchery, and portions of roads within the park are impassable. Park staff …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, has been issued at Rockford Lake in Gage County and Wagon Train Lake in Lancaster County. Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County remains on alert. The alert has been removed at Bluestem Lake in Lancaster County. Visitors to Rockford, Wagon Train and Willow Creek state recreation areas should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing water, such as swimming, wading, skiing or …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters may begin purchasing for 2020 big game permits Aug. 3. Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may purchase any remaining deer and antelope permits, and residents and eligible landowners may purchase any remaining elk permits. These permits, which include forfeited and unsold draw permits, will be available beginning at 1 p.m. Central time Aug. 3 through the end of big game seasons. To view a list of big game permits available to purchase, go to OutdoorNebraska.org, then …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for a 2020 bighorn sheep lottery permit through Aug. 7. Only Nebraska residents are eligible. A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Apply at OutdoorNebraska.org or at a Game and Parks district office or service center via phone or through a provided drop box. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/locations for office locations and phone numbers. The 2020 bighorn sheep season is Dec. 1-22. One permit has been authorized for …