LINCOLN – The Sixth Annual Nebraska State High School Fishing Tournament is scheduled for July 23 at Elwood Reservoir Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The tournament, a cooperative program between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and The Bass Federation – Student Angler Foundation, is open to two-person teams of anglers in grades 9 through 12. Each team will have a coach who provides a boat for the competition. Anglers will check in at 5:30 a.m., and a rules meeting will …

LINCOLN – Hot summer temperatures can bring people to the water in droves. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission urges everyone enjoying a day on the water to do so safely. Outdoor recreation in Nebraska is safe. Spending time outdoors or at any of the state’s family-friendly state park areas is a great way to make memories. Nebraska Game and Parks has the following reminders for safety on the water: Avoid Alcohol – Whether boating, swimming or tubing, alcohol consumption …

LINCOLN – Help Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (SP) celebrate its 25th anniversary at a July celebration. On July 16, the park will host a celebration from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Activity Center Outdoor Pavilion. The event will feature live music, a rock climbing wall and a bounce house. Visitors can enjoy special prices on park activities at this event and in the weeks preceding it. In addition, the Lodge Restaurant at Mahoney will cater food and beverages …

LINCOLN – Experience a history-rich Fourth of July weekend at Fort Kearny State Historical Park (SHP) during the park’s annual Stampede Days event. From July 2 to July 4, visitors can explore a traditional soldiers’ camp, see living history exhibits and watch wood carving demonstrations by the Central Nebraska Wood Carvers. A cannon will be fired each day. Wagon rides will take place on July 2. The following day, Humanities Nebraska speaker and author Charlotte Endorf will portray Annie Oakley …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will provide an update on the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan during its meeting June 17 in McCook. The public is invited to attend the 8 a.m. meeting, which will take place in Room 213 of McMillen Hall at McCook Community College, 1205 East 3rd St. The update will include planning that has taken place and what is scheduled, the role and input by the plan’s advisory committee, review of public input …

LINCOLN – Jenny Newman Pond at Platte River State Park is undergoing a renovation that will include the addition of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant walks, improved fishing access and interactive ponds. While there will be no direct impact to the Cottonwood, Choke Cherry 1 and Choke Cherry 2 cabins near the pond, the area behind them will be under construction. Owen Landing remains open daily until mid-August, and then will be open on weekends only. Paddleboat rides and fishing access …

LINCOLN – Come to Platte River State Park (SP) this summer and learn or expand shooting skills with three different workshops. Introduction to Shotguns and Trap Shooting will be held June 15 and July 13. Led by a trap coach, this workshop is designed for new and novice shooters. It will include an introduction to shotguns, trap shooting and 5-stand sporting clays. The Rimfire Steel Plate Fun Shoot is scheduled for June 11, July 16 and Aug. 13. The entire …

LINCOLN – Visitors to seven state recreation areas will be allowed to touch off fireworks on Independence Day, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Those visitors should always use caution when lighting fireworks. Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) near Malcolm, Fort Kearny SRA near Kearney, Memphis SRA near Memphis, Fremont SRA near Fremont, Two Rivers SRA near Venice, Pawnee SRA near Emerald and Wagon Train SRA near Hickman will permit fireworks from 8 a.m. until midnight on …

LINCOLN – From June through August, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers, in conjunction with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol, will conduct special enforcement patrols focusing on state recreation areas (SRA) and other Commission-managed property in Lancaster County. The special patrols will focus on reducing the potential for alcohol-related vehicle and boat crashes around Branched Oak SRA, Pawnee SRA, Bluestem SRA, Wagon Train SRA, Stagecoach SRA and Wildwood Wildlife Management Area. The efforts will …

LINCOLN – One male peregrine falcon chick from the nest box near the top of the Nebraska Capitol building was banded and given a checkup on Tuesday, June 7. “The banding went very well and the chick appears to be in very good shape,” said Joel Jorgensen, nongame bird program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “The young male has everything he needs to be successful.” Peregrine female A/*Y laid five eggs in late March and early April, …