LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds landowners that they have until June 1 to enroll in a program that pays for doing little more than keeping their wheat and milo stubble tall during the coming harvest. The Nebraska Environmental Trust has awarded $1.5 million to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to enroll tall wheat and milo stubble into the Crop Stubble Management, Wildlife and Water Conservation Program for three years. The program is being offered …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Boaters should not take safety for granted. Since May 18-24 is National Safe Boating Week, the Boating Safety Section of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission suggests ways boaters may reduce the risk of incidents and help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. Wear a Life Jacket – Children under age 13 and anybody on a personal watercraft are required by law to wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. People being …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Seward County Izaak Walton League, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Seward County Pheasants Forever will host Youth and Parent Day at the Range on June 8. This free event will take place from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Seward County Izaak Walton Cabin, just south of Seward. Participation is open to hunter education graduates of Seward County ages 11-16 years and their parents. There will be live-fire sessions on the archery, shotgun and rifle/muzzleloader ranges. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The first application period for big game hunting permits begins May 20 at 1 p.m. Central Time and runs through June 7. A summary of the application period: Deer – Residents and nonresidents may apply for one permit in any one draw unit. The draw units are: Republican Mule Deer, Platte Mule Deer Conservation Area (MDCA), Platte Whitetail, Frenchman MDCA and Frenchman Whitetail. Antelope – Residents and eligible landowners may apply for one buck or either-sex firearm …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioners will consider a staff recommendation to create a mountain lion hunting season when they meet May 24 in Chadron. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the Chadron State College Student Center Ballroom on East 12th Street. Public hearings for regulations regarding mountain lions are scheduled for 8:45 a.m. and 9 a.m. The public may view the meeting agenda at http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/admin/commission/pdf/agenda.pdf. Regulation recommendations for the meeting may be viewed and commented …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Run wild and enjoy the scenic backwoods of Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on June 1 to support the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund. Sign up for Run Wild, a 10-kilometer trail run in a wild animal costume. The Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund helps thousands of nongame species that call Nebraska home. Learn more about it at NebraskaWildlifeFund.org. Visit www.RunWildNe.org to register. Registration fees are $40 through May 17 (extended from May 9) and $45 through May 24. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Missouri River Post Flood Habitat Recovery Program (HRP) provides eligible landowners incentives for enrolling cropland impacted by the 2011 flood into the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP). All lands eligible for CRP and CCRP located on the 500-year Missouri River Floodplain are eligible for the HRP. There will be a one-time incentive payment of $100 per acre for each CRP acre enrolled with Farm Services Agency (FSA). …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Free Fishing and Park Entry Day on May 18 is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy fishing or a state park area in Nebraska without the requirement of a fishing or park permit. Although no fishing or park entry permits will be required on the free day, which is celebrated annually on the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend, all other fee requirements, laws and regulations will be in effect. Anglers at Two Rivers State Recreation Area’s (SRA) …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The status of mountain lions in Nebraska will be the subject of a free program May 9 in Kearney. Sam Wilson, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission carnivore program manager, will make the presentation at 7 p.m. at the Harmon Activity Center, located in Harmon Park. Wilson also will discuss mountain lions May 9 on the “Talk of the Town” radio program on Kearney’s 1340 KGFW-AM at 9 a.m. and again May 11 at the Fort Kearny Outdoor …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on May 11 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area (SRA) for a family day of food and fun at the Outdoor Discovery Day. Aside from the dozens of outdoor activities, there will be plenty of free food at several of our campground activities. Eat cobbler made in the Dutch oven. Roast hot dogs over an open fire. Don’t forget to participate in our ’smores eating contest. …