LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has been awarded a $315,000 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust for the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project: New Approaches to Biodiversity Conservation. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project has been the blueprint for conservation of Nebraska’s plants, animals, and natural habitats since 2005. The plan identifies at-risk species, threats to those species, conservation actions, and prioritizes Biologically Unique Landscapes (BULs) for effectively conserving Nebraska’s biodiversity. Natural Legacy partners have worked with hundreds …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A health alert for harmful algal blooms, also known as toxic blue-green algae, remains in effect at Wagon Train Lake in Lancaster County and Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County. Rockford Lake in Gage County has been removed from the list of lakes under health alert. Visitors to Wagon Train and Willow Creek state recreation areas should avoid full-body contact activities that could lead to swallowing water, such as swimming, wading, skiing, jet skiing, etc. Non-contact activities …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The damaged Willow View boat ramp at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area is expected to be closed for the remainder of the year. A concrete extension to the ramp sloughed away over time, creating a hazard for boat trailers. In addition, the north lane of the Spring Creek Area boat ramp will close for the year starting July 31, as the end of the concrete ramp is getting close to the water line. Two other boat …

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Having a successful fishing trip depends on how you plan for success. Planning will help regardless if your goal is to catch a state record fish, or escape from chores for the day. Remember that some days we catch fish on bare hooks, while others days we just go fishing. Prepare and plan to have fun and you will never be disappointed. The following are few planning tips and hints: Plan where …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in August. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Aug. 1 – Squirrel hunting season opens Aug. 1 – Registration begins for Harvest Information Program Aug. 1 – Private land antlerless elk hunting season opens Aug. 1 – Campfire Christmas in July, Indian Cave State Park, Shubert Aug. 3 – Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may purchase remaining deer and antelope permits, and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Prescribed burns are planned on two Nebraska Game and Parks Commission wildlife management areas (WMA) in southeast Nebraska, if weather conditions allow. Burns are planned at Taylor’s Branch WMA in Pawnee County and Osage (southeast tract) WMA in Johnson County. Other prescribed burns on WMAs may be planned later this summer. Burns during the summer and fall can help set back undesirable plants that invade native prairies and other grasslands. Eastern redcedar trees and undesirable deciduous shrubs …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters may begin purchasing for 2020 big game permits Aug. 3. Residents, nonresidents and eligible landowners may purchase any remaining deer and antelope permits, and residents and eligible landowners may purchase any remaining elk permits. These permits, which include forfeited and unsold draw permits, will be available beginning at 1 p.m. Central time Aug. 3 through the end of big game seasons. To view a list of big game permits available to purchase, go to OutdoorNebraska.org, then …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for a 2020 bighorn sheep lottery permit through Aug. 7. Only Nebraska residents are eligible. A $29 nonrefundable application fee must accompany each application. Apply at OutdoorNebraska.org or at a Game and Parks district office or service center via phone or through a provided drop box. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/locations for office locations and phone numbers. The 2020 bighorn sheep season is Dec. 1-22. One permit has been authorized for …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters of migratory birds are reminded of their requirement to register for the Harvest Information Program (HIP) beginning Aug. 1. HIP registration is required of residents age 16 and older and all nonresidents who plan to hunt migratory game birds in Nebraska between Aug. 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021. These birds are doves, ducks, geese, snipe, rail, coots and woodcock. Among those who must register in Nebraska are hunters registered in another state and holders of …

By Larry Pape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Visit any fishing tackle store and you might be overwhelmed with the selection of what is “required” to go fishing. There are lures, jigs, plugs and poppers of every color and shape and rod and reels of every price range. The truth is that a stick, string, hook, weight and optional bobber is all it takes to have a fun evening of fishing at the lake. Let’s discuss what you really need. …