Parks

HEMINGFORD, Neb. — Construction is wrapping up for the upgraded boat launch facility at Box Butte State Recreation Area and its new ramp is expected to be open for this weekend’s visitors. Husker Engineering of Burwell is completing final touches on the new handicapped-accessible launch, considered a big improvement over the old one. The ramp includes two 16-foot-wide lanes and a dock in the middle that adjusts to changing water levels. While the ramp is operational under current conditions, installation …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County and Rockford Lake in Gage County are on health alert. During water testing earlier this week, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality detected elevated toxin levels produced by blue-green algal blooms in both lakes. Visitors to Willow Creek and Rockford Lake state recreation areas (SRA) should avoid full body contact activities such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities such as boating, fishing and camping are OK. Dog owners …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Riverview Marina State Recreation Area (SRA) in Nebraska City and the boat ramp at Indian Cave State Park near Shubert are closed to the public until further notice due to high flows from the Missouri River. In addition, the high water from heavy recent rains have put the boat ramps out of service at Wagon Train and Bluestem SRAs in Lancaster County. Those areas and Louisville SRA in Cass County are experiencing lowland flooding. Water levels can …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Riverview Marina State Recreation Area (SRA), which is located along the Missouri River in Otoe County, has reopened to the public. The SRA was closed temporarily after heavy rains caused flooding that made the boat ramp, parking lots, shower building and campground inaccessible. Water levels have receded and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff have cleaned up silt and debris. A valid Nebraska State Park Permit is required for each vehicle entering the SRA.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Rockford Lake in Gage County no longer is on health alert after testing revealed no elevated toxin levels for two straight weeks. During water testing two weeks ago, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality detected elevated toxin levels produced by blue-green algal blooms in the lake. Health alerts are lifted when algal toxin levels are below advisory concentration for two consecutive weeks. Lakes with beaches and those that allow power boating are tested weekly through the summer …

LINCOLN, Neb. – State parks and historical parks across Nebraska are planning events throughout the fall season to help visitors enjoy this beautiful time of year. Events span a wide variety of interests, including outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, stargazing, living history, shooting sports and photography. Among the activities slated for this fall: — 14th Annual Missouri River Outdoor Expo, Ponca State Park (SP), Ponca, Sept. 15-16 – Celebrate our outdoor heritage with more than 90 hands-on demonstrations, exhibits, vendors and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters are reminded that state recreation areas (SRA) are closed to hunting until Sept. 4. Several hunting seasons will be open during the Labor Day weekend. Archery deer, teal, dove, grouse and other small game seasons will be open Sept. 1. SRA regulations prohibit any hunting until the Tuesday following Labor Day. This year that date is Sept. 4. Regulations state the portions of some SRAs are open to hunting from the first Tuesday following Labor Day …

CHADRON, Neb. – The public is invited to examine the natural diversity of the Pine Ridge during the third annual Chadron State Park Bioblitz on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14-15. A bioblitz engages attendees to identify as many plants and animal species as possible within a designated area and timeframe. During this bioblitz, members of the public will team up with local natural resources experts to explore and learn about the biodiversity and habitat at Chadron State Park.  The event, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Rockford Lake in Gage County remains on health alert. During water testing last week, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality detected elevated toxin levels produced by blue-green algal blooms in the lake. Visitors to Rockford Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) should avoid full body contact activities 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 …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Families are invited to a monarch butterfly habitat tour Sept. 9 at Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area in Saunders County. The free event is from 1-3 p.m. at the day use area on the east side of the lake. Following a presentation about the decline of monarchs and the type of habitats they need to survive, butterflies will be captured, tagged and released. Appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended. The tour is made possible by Pheasants Forever, …