NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. — A 34-year-old Exeter man was seriously injured at Branched Oak State Recreation area on Friday, July 3, 2020, after a firework exploded in his hands. As of Saturday, he is in serious, but stable condition. The incident occurred about 10:20 p.m. at the state recreation area when he attempted to discharge a mortar-style firework while holding it near his chest. He sustained injuries to his chest, arms and hands, and was taken by rescue squad to Bryan …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, remains in effect at Wagon Train Lake in Lancaster County. Visitors to Wagon Train State Recreation Area should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing water, such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and camping are OK. Dog owners are urged to keep pets out of the water and not allow them to ingest lake …

LINCOLN Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust for the Treehouse Classroom and Interactive Stream: Engaging Nebraskans in Conservation Education project. The Treehouse Classroom and Interactive Stream will engage Nebraskans in environmental education and promote conservation of natural resources, continuing the success of the new Schramm Education Center at Schramm Park State Recreation Area (SRA). This project will design and build the Treehouse Classroom on the bluffs overlooking …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Applications for paddlefish snagging permits are being accepted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission through July 14. Drawing results will be available by July 20. Any permits remaining following the drawing will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Aug. 17 at 1 p.m. Central time. Applications began at 1 p.m. CT on July 1. The paddlefish snagging season is Oct. 1-31. For more information, including an application form, read the 2020 Nebraska Fishing Guide …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission important dates in July. July 1 – Select state park area service centers will reopen to the public for customer service, information and permit sales (OutdoorNebraska.gov/healthinfo). July 1 – Year-to-date reservation process returns for Nebraska state park area cabins, lodge rooms meeting rooms, group lodges, cabooses, pavilions, and picnic shelters July 1 – Outdoor shooting range reopens, Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area, Gering July 1 – …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is pleased to announce the continued reopening of several facilities, activities and amenities in state park and recreation areas across the state. They include: • Most Nebraska state park swimming pools, aquatic centers and the Platte River State Park spray park will reopen July 4. Pools will open with limited hours and operate at reduced capacity. Hours of operation can be found at OutdoorNebraska.org. The swimming pool at Niobrara State Park …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The mountain biking trails at Platte River State Park near Louisville are among many topics featured in the July issue of Nebraskaland Magazine. Regional editor Eric Fowler’s story profiles 4.4 miles of new trail at the eastern Nebraska park, which has long been a destination for regional mountain bikers who say it has become worthy of national attention. Also in the July issue, associate editor Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley writes about overcoming challenges in getting the right fit for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – People interested in hunting deer at Gifford Point Wildlife Management Area (WMA) this fall may apply for access permits July 1-31. Two hundred of these permits will be issued to allow hunters access to the area. The use of rimfire and centerfire weapons is prohibited at Gifford. Muzzleloaders are not allowed during the November firearm deer season. The Gifford permit allows access to take deer with archery equipment from Sept. 1 through Jan. 15 and with a …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Six $1,000 scholarships are available to Nebraska schools starting up Trout in the Classroom, a science-based program that allows students to explore aquatic ecosystems, life cycles, water quality and the scientific process by raising trout from eggs. Scholarship applications, as well as program participation applications, are due August 31, 2020. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission educators designed Trout in the Classroom curriculum as an opportunity for scientific learning for students in second through twelfth grade. Participating educators …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Roads on several state wildlife management areas (WMAs) remain closed, partially closed or are intermittently closed because of poor conditions. County roads leading to the areas also may be closed. These closures are due to damage from the flood of 2019 along with continued high water table in some areas and local rainfall making roads impassable. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission continues to work to get vehicle access open to these areas. The impacted WMAs include: …