A fully equipped, turn-key operation and additional incentives are some of the benefits offered to a new restaurant partner at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The agency is seeking proposals for a food service provider at the park conveniently located just off Interstate 80 between Lincoln and Omaha. A family-friendly bar and grill would be an excellent fit for this opportunity at the Peter Kiewit Lodge, which offers a fully equipped restaurant that …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider awarding funds for community outdoor projects when it meets Jan. 20 in Lincoln. Commissioners will consider staff recommendations to approve grants for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program and outdoor trail projects for federal funding through the Recreational Trails Program. The meeting will start at 8 a.m. at Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St. Also on the agenda are staff recommendations to: Commissioners will consider proposed boating regulation changes …

They had to come back. Join hosts Kevin and Patrice McCabe as they return to Nebraska’s state parks for an episode of RV There Yet?, a Discovery Channel reality show now in its second season. This time, the couple headed to northeast Nebraska, making stops at Niobrara State Park, Smith Falls State Park and the Cowboy Trail. During their stay, they enjoyed a sunrise on horseback at Niobrara State Park, stood under the spray of Nebraska’s tallest waterfall at Smith …

The 2023 mountain lion hunting season in Nebraska’s Pine Ridge closed Jan. 8 when the harvest sublimit of two females was met. The season opened Jan. 2. Excellent snow tracking conditions likely helped hunters find success during the season. In accordance with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s management objective, the harvest of mountain lions allows the population to remain resilient and healthy, while halting growth or moderately reducing the population size. “This maintains the population density in the Pine …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking public input on potential changes to elk management unit boundaries. The purpose is to help distribute hunters appropriately and increase elk harvest in areas where increased harvest is desired. Game and Parks will host a virtual public informational meeting on the proposal at 7 p.m. Central time Jan. 17. To view the proposed changes or register for the meeting, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/elkplan. The public may give feedback on the plan by commenting during …

The big game public information meeting planned by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for Wednesday, Jan. 4, in Bassett, has been postponed because of poor travel conditions in the area. The meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. at the City Hall Conference Center, 106 E. Legnard St. Hunters and landowners are encouraged to offer their feedback on big game issues during this three-hour meeting. The first hour will be an open house with time …

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will burn brush piles at Mormon Island State Recreation Area in Hall County over the next few days. The burn is designed to help reduce hazardous fuels and small predator habitat. It also should open areas up for park management for the coming season. A park entry permit is required for any vehicle entering Mormon Island SRA.

Anglers in Nebraska got a lot accomplished this year — just by buying a fishing permit. Regardless of their success on the water, their purchase of a permit — and the Aquatic Habitat Stamp that is included — helped fund more than $8 million in improvements through the Nebraska Aquatic Habitat Program in 2022. In essence, they helped bring new life to aging waters. The program, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022, enhances aquatic ecosystems by implementing restoration techniques in …

Several changes await Nebraska wild turkey hunters in 2023. Hunters can begin purchasing their spring season permits from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission beginning at 1 p.m. Jan. 9 and should become familiar with the changes before the season opens. The changes for this spring season: Hunters now may purchase up to two spring permits instead of three. A hunter may harvest no more than one turkey per calendar day during the spring season. This year, 10,000 spring permits …

A variety of fun, educational events are scheduled throughout January in Nebraska’s Venture Parks. These events cover an array of interests for all age groups. Venture Parks, Nebraska’s four state parks and recreation areas along the Platte River – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Louisville State Recreation Area – are where unique experiences and enhanced camping opportunities have been created in response to demand. Park entry permits are required on …