NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Visitors to six state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on July 4. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is urging them to be especially careful this year. Visitors should always use caution when lighting fireworks, but should be mindful of the dry conditions that exist across the state this year. Additionally, guests should follow recommended social-distancing, gathering-size and hygiene recommendations in light of the COVID-19 health crisis. The areas that will permit fireworks …

By Renae Blum Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Mark Alberts’ dad could recall going out with his grade-school teacher to cut down a cedar Christmas tree, and they had to hunt to find one. Today things have changed, and the Loess Canyons, a roughly 338,000-acre landscape south of North Platte, is overgrown with eastern redcedar, a hardy, drought-tolerant invasive species. While once looked upon favorably, the hardy, drought-tolerant invasive species is now recognized for its harmful effects on the Great …

LINCOLN, Neb. – In honor of the role pollinators play in Nebraska’s economy and ecosystems, Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed June 22-28, 2020, Nebraska Pollinator Week. The celebration of Nebraska Pollinator Week, typically commemorated with pollinator-related events across the state, has taken on a new form this year in the interest of public health due to COVID-19. Virtual events will be hosted, and Nebraskans can join the Nebraska Pollinator Week 2020 Challenge, head outside, look for pollinators, and be a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – With many offices closed because of the coronavirus public health situation, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission encourages the public to purchase their park entry permits online prior to their outdoors excursions. Park entry permits are required for each motorized vehicle entering a state park, state recreation area or state historical park. To purchase one, click on the “buy a permit” link at OutdoorNebraska.org and follow the instructions. Once purchased, a temporary permit may be printed for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Mormon Island State Recreation Area, near Grand Island in Hall County reopened its campground June 12 as part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s continuing effort to restore park opportunities and amenities across the state. Game and Parks made this decision following consultation with Central District Health Department officials. Game and Parks actions amid the COVID-19 health crisis have been closely coordinated with public health officials and in concert with directed health measures. Park visitors are …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters have until July 3 to apply for a 2020-2021 multispecies lottery permit. Two types of permits are available: Super Tag and Combo. The Super Tag permit is valid in 2020 and 2021 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 …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Summer is here, and people all across Nebraska are fishing. Why not introduce someone new to fishing, snap a photo of the adventure and register in the Take ’em Fishing Challenge for a chance to win a prize? This is the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s second year offering the challenge, which encourages experienced anglers to take a pledge to go fishing with a beginner or someone who hasn’t fished in several years. Anglers who take a …

GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – Take ’em Hunting Challenge grand prize winner Adam Paitz of Grand Island is ready to make memories with his family riding his new John Deere utility terrain vehicle, donated by AKRS Equipment for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission contest. Paitz was selected at random June 1 from the more than 2,175 who participated in the challenge to take along someone new or just beginning hunting and submit their photos online. Paitz, a police officer for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for a 2021 mountain lion hunting season at its June 19 meeting in Lincoln. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44th St. A public hearing is scheduled at 9:15 a.m. Central Time for proposed amendments to wildlife regulations pertaining to mountain lion hunting. Interested persons may attend and testify orally, but are strongly encouraged to submit written …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, working in collaboration with Ogallala and Keith County area partners, will implement actions designed to make the Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas safer and more family-friendly destinations by enhancing recreational facilities and prohibiting the possession of alcohol. The new regulation, which now bans the possession and consumption of alcohol at the two state recreation areas, officially went into effect June 9. Management plans also call for increased law …