LINCOLN – A public informational meeting will be held June 1 in Ogallala regarding the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan, which is being developed. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host the meeting, which will include a short presentation of goals and objectives created by the advisory committee, and a question-and-answer session in which public comment will be recorded. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the Quality Inn, 201 Chuckwagon Road. The advisory …

LINCOLN – Heavy spring rains have led to soggy conditions at three state recreation areas in Nebraska. Louisville, Two Rivers and Dead Timber state recreation areas, all of which are adjacent to rivers, have all been affected by high water levels. Users should be cautioned that access to area roads, campgrounds, toilets and other facilities could be limited. Water levels can rise and fall quickly, and anyone planning to visit one of these areas – or any state park or …

DONIPHAN, Neb. – Billy Miller of Blair relied on consistency during a weekend of inconsistent conditions to top the field in the 47th annual Cornhusker Trapshoot on Saturday at the Nebraska Trapshooting Association home grounds. The junior won the Cornhusker Cup by hitting 143 of 150 targets over two days. He hit 72 of 75 at 16 yards Friday on a breezy, but mostly dry, day. Rain soaked the ground overnight and shooters on Saturday were greeted with standing water, …

LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in May: April 30-May 1 – Living History, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park (SHP), Fort Calhoun, 402-468-5611 May 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 –Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex open, Platte River SP, Louisville, 402-471-5547 May 3 – Women’s Firearm Series: Introduction to Handguns, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6:30-9 p.m., 402-471-6141 May 3, 10, 17 – Outdoor Skills Club, …

LINCOLN – The largest field in the history of the Cornhusker Trapshoot will include the defending Cornhusker Cup champion and a strong list of competitors when action begins this week. More than 2,600 shooters are expected to compete in the 47th annual Cornhusker Trapshoot, which will be held April 28-30 on the home grounds of the Nebraska Trapshooting Association (NTA) in Doniphan, Nebraska. Many of the top shooters from 2015 return this year, including defending Cornhusker Cup champion Dean Rodgers …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission adopted a comprehensive pheasant management plan at its meeting April 22 in Chadron. The goal of the Nebraska Mega Plan for Improving Pheasant Hunting is to produce the best pheasant hunting experiences for the most people over the next five years. Since the first reports in Nebraska around 1900, pheasants have become a fixture of the state’s agricultural and cultural heritage. Hunting is not only a management tool but a tie that …

LINCOLN – The Fort Atkinson State Historical Park Tactical Plan will be the topic of a public informational meeting hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on May 11 in Fort Calhoun. The goal of the plan is to implement the vision statement outlined in the plan: “To be a viable tourist destination that offers quality historical interpretation of the westward expansion of the United States and Fort Atkinson’s role in this history, which increases visitation to the Fort …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds Nebraska boaters that any operator of a motorboat or personal watercraft born after Dec. 31, 1985 is required to be certified in boater safety. In addition to successfully completing a boating safety course, the operator must be in possession of a valid certificate. Nonresidents may present a certificate from their state. To bring attention to boating safety, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators has declared April as National Take …

LINCOLN – Bird lovers across the state will be congregating in May in dozens of get-togethers to celebrate International Migratory Bird Month, better known as Nebraska Bird Month. “The goal of Nebraska Bird Month is to help Nebraskans learn about and protect our feathered friends,” said Nebraska Game and Parks wildlife educator Lindsay Rogers. “Public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation.” Several Nebraska state parks and recreational areas will be hosting events: • Ponca State Park, …

LINCOLN – Life at an 1820s military post will be depicted at Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park on April 30 and May 1. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors are encouraged to interact with volunteers demonstrating period trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, tinsmithing and coopering, as well as crafts such as quilting, spinning and weaving. Soap-making and military demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend. Living history demonstrations take place periodically throughout the summer and …