LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will burn tree piles, as weather and snow cover allow, at several sites across the state. Tree piles are created by the removal of invading trees in grassland or timber stands or from trees damaged in wildfires or storms. Removal of tree piles will open grasslands and timber for continued management, eliminate a wildfire fuel source and eliminate sites conducive to the germination of noxious and invasive plants. Late-season timber and grassland …

LINCOLN – Boaters in Nebraska, starting in 2016, will help the state’s effort to prevent the infestation and spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). The Aquatic Invasive Species Program was created by the Nebraska Legislature in 2015. An Aquatic Invasive Species Fee, to be collected from resident and nonresident boaters, will help fund the program. The fees will pay for education programs, prevention efforts such as monitoring water bodies, inspection and decontamination of boats, control of AIS populations, and other …

What is the fee structure for the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program? • Motorized watercraft registered in Nebraska will have an additional $5 fee to their 3 year registration fee. • Motorized watercraft registered in any other state will be required to obtain a $15 AIS stamp annually. What will the AIS stamp fees be used for? Fees collected, as authorized with the passage of LB 142 by the 2015 Legislature, will fund the newly created Aquatic Invasive Species Program …

LINCOLN – The west entrance to Lake Wanahoo State Recreation Area has reopened following completion of a paving project. The campground and boat ramp have also reopened to public use. The entrance closed on Nov. 18 while the entrance road was paved. The campground and boat ramp – both of which were accessible via the west entrance – also closed during this time. While the entrance, campground and boat ramp have all reopened, some construction work is still being completed …

LINCOLN – Father Hupp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Thayer County has reopened to the public following a temporary closure that was in place to protect whooping cranes using the area. Six whooping cranes present at the WMA since Nov. 13 left the area and continued their migration south on Dec. 1. Whooping cranes are an endangered species and their wild population totals only about 300 individuals. The entire population migrates through Nebraska each spring and fall between wintering sites …

LINCOLN – Ag producers are invited to attend a free informational meeting about what the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) can offer them. The meetings are being held across the state through January. The General CRP Signup is Dec. 1 – Feb. 26. Soil rental rates have increased significantly in some areas. Learn about the new rates, as well as other CRP options. The meeting schedule is as follows: Dec. 2 – Benkelman, Farm Bureau Office, 1303 A St., 11 a.m. …

LINCOLN – State parks and historical parks throughout Nebraska are planning traditional winter events for the entire family. Called “Winterfest,” this statewide series of events is intended to help families rekindle old holiday traditions and create new ones, while showcasing the beauty of Nebraska during the winter. Many parks offer discounted lodging in conjunction with Winterfest events, offering families a chance to spend affordable, uninterrupted time together during a busy time of year. The Winterfest schedule is: — Christmas in …

LINCOLN – Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on consecutive weekends in December for a day of family-friendly archery. This free open house of outdoor shooting skills and other activities will be held Dec. 5 at Platte River State Park and Dec. 12 at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. All ages and experience levels are welcome. The Dec. 5 event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor …

LINCOLN – Father Hupp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) remains temporarily closed because of the presence of six endangered whooping cranes. The closure will be lifted once the cranes have left the area, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Father Hupp WMA is located 2½ miles west of Bruning in Thayer County. The closure is a standard procedure for the Commission once whooping cranes are confirmed on a property owned or managed by the agency. Whooping cranes are an …

LINCOLN – The public is invited to attend any of six public information sessions in December and comment on the development of a master plan for the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail. Staff from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Tourism Commission will make short presentations at the beginning of each session. Anyone in attendance then will be able to comment on what they would like to see included in the master plan. Game and Parks has …