LINCOLN – Now that the presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been confirmed in Nebraska, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission emphasizes that campers should continue to restrict the movement of firewood to prevent the spread of EAB throughout the state. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture on June 8 confirmed the presence of the EAB in Omaha’s Pulaski Park. EAB is a tree-killing beetle native to Asia. It can move from state to state in firewood. As …

LINCOLN – Warren Schwanebeck, a fish and wildlife biologist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, has been named wetland manager of the year by Ducks Unlimited. Schwanebeck was recognized for his work at Wilkinson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Platte County, where he oversaw a large wetland restoration project that was the result of a partnership with many different agencies. This spring, three endangered whooping cranes spent 12 days on those wetlands during a stopover on their spring migration. …

LINCOLN – Portions of Dead Time State Recreation Area are closed because of high water.  The road beyond the electrical camping area has been closed. This closure is marked. The electrical camping area remains open.  Closures are in effect until further notice.  -30- 

LINCOLN – Have you snapped some photos while enjoying a Nebraska state park, historical park or recreation area lately? Your shots could be displayed on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website. “We want to show people the fun things you can do and see at a Nebraska state park, and what better way to do that than through photos?” said Nebraska Game and Parks Marketing and Advertising Manager Jane Gustafson. “We encourage you to share your photos with us.” …

LINCOLN – Archers of all skill levels are invited to complete in the inaugural Nebraska Game and Parks Director’s Cup on June 5. The outdoor archery tournament begins at 8 a.m. and will be held at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center at 4703 N. 44th St. in Lincoln. Participants will be able to compete in one of six divisions, which include a division for ages 12 and younger and a championship division for ages 18 and older. …

LINCOLN – Gov. Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring May to be Nebraska Migratory Bird Month, underscoring the importance of birds in Nebraska. The governor signed the proclamation during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 4, at the Nebraska State Capitol. “Nebraska is home to four ecosystems – tallgrass prairie, mixedgrass prairie, shortgrass prairie and Sandhills – and birds are an integral part of each one,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Wildlife Education Specialist Lindsay Rogers. Nebraska Migratory Bird Month was …

LINCOLN – Enjoy an afternoon of fishing or exploring state parks, recreation areas and historical parks on May 21 – no permit purchase required. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day is held annually on the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend. “It’s kind of an open house in our great outdoors,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Public Information Officer Greg Wagner. “Special hands-on, family-friendly events will be held around the state.” Below are several events planned for May 21. A full list …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln and the Outdoor Heritage Education Complex at Platte River State Park invite you to Take Aim at Summer with free archery events for the whole family. Events will take place at the Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N. 44th St., in Lincoln on Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Outdoor Heritage Education Complex at Platte River State Park on Friday, May 27, from …

LINCOLN – Several Nebraska state park areas will receive picnic tables made of recycled tires, thanks in part to a grant. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has received a grant from the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Program administered by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality for the purchase of 155 picnic tables made from 25 percent recycled tire material. “The purpose of the grant is to provide park areas with picnic tables that use scrap tire product …

By Adam Kester Nebraska Game and Parks Wildlife Biologist Anyone who has hunted turkeys in Nebraska knows that it’s one of the best turkey hunting states around. Why? There are plenty of reasons. Following are just six. Turkeys are everywhere. Literally, you can find turkeys in every county in the state! Some counties in Nebraska even rank within the top 10 counties in the nation for turkey abundance. There are plenty of places to go. Turkey hunting opportunities on public …