Box Butte State Reservoir State Recreation Area soon will have capacity to accommodate more campers. Those campers even will have a new facility for cleaning up during their stay. Workers soon will begin construction of an $840,000 addition at Box Butte that includes 20 new electrical campsites and the installation of a shower house and sewage dump station. Mike Morava, regional park superintendent for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said construction is scheduled to begin in March. He is …

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week, Andy Little, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses a new turkey research project in western Nebraska. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Wild Turkey Research Air Dates: Feb. 17-24 Length: 3:00 Episode 257

Winter Storm Diaz, the massive blizzard that moved across Nebraska in December 2022, now has claimed less visible victims — countless fish in at least 20 Sandhills and Panhandle lakes. Low oxygen levels have been recorded in many of the regions’ shallow, highly vegetated lakes, said Al Hanson, fisheries supervisor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s northwestern district. As anglers are reporting dead plants and fish on their underwater cameras, people making long trips to Sandhills lakes for fishing …

Campers at Chadron State Park soon will have more power — more electrical power, that is. Later this year, workers are scheduled to upgrade 44 campsites to 50-amp electricity. With the 25 other campsites that have received the upgrade in recent years, all of the park’s paved camper sites will now have 50 amps. The improvements complement many other campground upgrades in recent years, including six sites upgraded to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a new showerhouse. …

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week, Al Hanson, northwest district fisheries supervisor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, discusses the winterkill at certain lakes in the region. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Winterkill Air Dates: Feb. 10-17 Length: 3:00 Episode 256

Horseback riders are among those sure to appreciate upcoming improvements to Fort Robinson State Park. Plans include a $1.2 million addition of campsites and facilities for visitors traveling with horses, said Jim Miller, park superintendent. Late this summer, construction will begin on an expansion to the equestrian campground at the northwest corner of the main park complex, doubling its size. Included will be 24 additional sites with hook-ups to 50-amp electricity, water and sewer. Also new will be an adjacent …

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week the discussion is about northern pike. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Northern Pike Air Dates: Feb. 3-10 Length: 3:00 Episode 255

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics and opportunities of the Nebraska Panhandle. This week, the program focuses on the special features that help wildlife species make it through the winter. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Wintering Wildlife Air Dates: Jan. 20-27 Length: 3:00 Episode 253

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week the discussion is about skunks. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Skunks Air Dates: Jan. 13-20 Length: 3:00 Episode 252

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring outdoor topics relevant to the Nebraska Panhandle. This week the discussion is about fish parasites. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Fish Parasites Air Dates: Jan. 6-13 Length: 3:00 Episode 251