Parks

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Department of Roads are finalizing plans for repairs to the asphalt roads within Niobrara State Park (SP). An asphalt overlay of the entire park road system – approximately 7¾ miles – is proposed. Road conditions within the park have deteriorated, and park officials have identified a road rehabilitation project as a top priority. The Department of Roads coordinates program design and construction. Design work has been completed and the …

It’s just that time of year – the winter doldrums are settling in, and your feet are itching to escape and go somewhere new. Your office mate across the hall might be headed to Aruba, but that’s not an option for all of us. Rest assured, though, if you’re in need of a mid-winter getaway, plenty of options are tucked right into your backyard. 1. Ponca State Park Hiking Marathon Challenge Winter and hiking – an unlikely combination, you say? …

Whenever the occasion arises, whether camping or in the backyard, I always light the fire pit for an outdoor treat.   The outside weather has never been a factor, anytime of year will do.   My family agrees a meal cooked over the campfire, grill or in the Dutch Oven, is simply irresistible. Skip the restaurant this year, and make your own Valentine’s Day dinner – in your backyard! This February 14, I will be preparing an Italian dinner, consisting of lasagna, …

LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in February: Feb. 1, 5 – Hunt Safe Session, Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, Platte River State Park (SP), Louisville, 5:30 p.m., 402-234-2217 Feb. 2 – Big game public informational meeting, Bridgeport, Prairie Winds Community Center, 428 N. Main St., 7 p.m. Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 – First Steps Pistol, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m., …

LINCOLN – Learn to teach youth and families the lifelong activity of fishing by becoming certified as a youth fishing instructor. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will conduct this free workshop Feb. 13 at Rock Creek Station State Historical Park near Fairbury from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Youth fishing instructors will receive training and tools to conduct fishing clinics. These volunteers will have access to the Commission’s loaner fishing equipment and educational materials for events, as well as …

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking comment regarding an environmental assessment document for the dam at Box Butte State Recreation Area north of Hemingford. Engineers have identified problems with sedimentation through the dam’s toe drain – a perforated pipe that runs along the base of the earthen dam to collect water from the reservoir’s seepage and move it to the downstream side of the embankment. The bureau prepared the draft to evaluate environmental consequences of undertaking corrective actions to the …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved outdoor trail projects for 2016 federal funding through the Recreational Trail Program at its meeting Jan 14 in Lincoln. Funding is provided by legislative apportionment authorized under the Federal Highway Administration. The approved projects are: — City of Kearney, $250,000, to build a 5,400-foot-long, 8-foot-wide concrete Archway Trail with a 5-foot-wide crushed rock shoulder for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. — City of Genoa, $184,694, to build a 5,420-foot long, 8-foot …

LINCOLN – Bring the family to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland for the Cold Day, Warm Hearts and Family Fun event on Jan. 23. This event from 3 – 6 p.m. at Owen Marina will include archery and ice fishing, if conditions allow. Learn how to build an outdoor shelter, as well as get information on outdoor survival. Children will make winter crafts and roast hot dogs and s’mores over a bonfire. Meals and s’mores kits will be …

LINCOLN – Enjoy Valentine’s Day at a Nebraska state park this winter. Valentine’s dining specials are offered at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (SP) on Feb. 12 – 14 and at Platte River SP on Feb. 13 – 14. In addition, Mahoney SP has a lodging discount on Feb. 11 and special Valentine’s packages available for those who reserve a cabin or lodge room between Feb. 11 and Feb. 14. Birds and Breakfast is the theme of the Valentine’s weekend …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider amendments to wildlife regulations when it meets Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. in the third-floor conference room of its Lincoln headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St. A 1:30 p.m. public hearing will be held to consider the following wildlife amendments: — adopt changes regarding the separation of elk carcasses and the transportation of them to a check station. — adopt changes regarding the trapping of furbearers, including trap checking rules and …