August Outdoor Calendar Aug. 1 – Squirrel hunting season opens Aug. 1 – Winners of Fish for Millions promotion to be announced Aug. 2 – Shoreline baiting for carp fishing, Conestoga State Recreation Area (SRA), Denton Aug. 3 – Buffalo cookout, Niobrara State Park (SP), Niobrara, 6 p.m., 402-857-3373 Aug. 3 – National Park Service Outdoor Event, Niobrara SP, Niobrara, all day, 402-857-3373 Aug. 3-4 – Living History Weekend, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park (SHP), Fort Calhoun, 402-468-5611 Aug. 4-9 …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting recreational trail grant applications for fiscal year 2014 funding. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a grant program through the Federal Highway Administration that reimburses political subdivisions such as communities, counties and natural resources districts up to 80 percent of project costs for trail acquisition, development, renovation and support facilities. Applicants must have the financial means to undertake and maintain the project and all funding should be on hand. …

Matthew Steger has been hired to fill the Budget Division’s Accounting Clerk I position. Originally from Wheaton,  a Chicago suburb, Steger is currently pursuing a master’s degree in accounting at UNL with “…only one term paper to write and one class to complete,” he added.   Steger  decided to come to work with NPGC because,  “I want to be a part of the stewardship of Nebraska’s resources that NPGC performs.  My interest in the outdoors aligns quite well with the …

[ Submitted by Amanda Filipi] Flickr Photo Gallery Snow, snow, snow!! Yes, your reading it correctly, it snowed several inches at the beginning of May!  The Western Outdoor Discovery Program was scheduled for the beginning part of this month.  The first day of the program went wonderful and we several great activities and presenters.  Unfortunally, we had to cancel the second day of this event, due to snow. Special thanks to Kirk, the Lake Minitare staff, Boating Safety Crew, and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The transfer of ownership of Champion Mill State Historical Park (SHP) and State Recreation Area (SRA) from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to Chase County will take place in a ceremony July 1. State Sen. Mark Christensen of Imperial and officials from Chase County and Game and Parks will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony at the park. Champion Mill SHP and SRA, located adjacent to the town of Champion, comprise approximately 11 acres, most of …

The Youth Memorial Fishing Tournament was held at Johnson Lake in Fremont on Saturday, June 15th and was a big success.  This was the third annual Mike Baker Memorial fishing day that Game and Parks has helped sponsor.  Mike Baker was a local Fremont man who was an avid fisherman  and who loved teaching kids how to fish.  Baker was killed by a drunk driver three years ago. The event hosted an estimated 300 kids and 200 parents.    All of …

[May Report Submitted by  Mark Clymer] I worked with the 2013 State High School Trap Shoot at Doniphan on May 2-3-4.  The weather could not have been worse, as it was very COLD and WINDY.  Despite the conditions, we did have about 2300 shooters during the three day event.  It is amazing to witness the disciplined attitudes that these fine young men and women display.  It is one of the most enjoyable events that we help with. The Fort Kearny …

[Submitted by Shelley Steffl – Wildlife Biologist II ] The rain stopped long enough for us to meet up at the Buffalo Creek Wildlife Management Area for our District Birding Day.  Thats where Micah Ellstrom snapped this fabulous shot. We had folks in attendance from the Parks Division, the Wildlife Division as well as the Communications Division.  We also had four members of the local Audubon Society Chapter spend the morning in the field with us.  After birding on the …

[Submitted by Ben Wheeler] The TernCam is back up and operating. For four years now, the TernCam has provided everyone an opportunity to view the nesting tales of an endangered interior least tern in Nebraska without disturbing the birds. The TernCam is a remote, solar-powered camera that streams regularly updated images (about every 3-5 seconds) online through the Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership website. This year, the TernCam is located at an active sand and gravel operation along the Middle Loup River. The …

June 10th, 2013 – Colby Johnson, Park Superintendent Superintendent’s Note: Memorial Day is behind us here at the park and we are looking forward to a great summer. All facilities are open with visitation going up every weekend as the water and air temperatures begin to rise. Water levels have been steady for the last few weeks but we expect the summer drawdown to begin in the coming weeks. Our boat ramps with NGPC docks are listed below. We have …