LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking public input on its draft elk management plan. The purpose of the plan, which is a working document, is to provide background and historical information about elk in Nebraska, while providing guidance in the decision-making process. Game and Parks will host two virtual public informational meetings on the plan: 7 p.m. Central time Sept. 20 and 2 p.m. Sept. 22. To view the plan or register for the virtual …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A fish die-off has occurred this week at Liberty Cove Reservoir near Lawrence in south-central Nebraska. Thousands of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and golden shiners, were observed dead at this Little Blue Natural Resources District recreation area. Low levels of oxygen in the water are believed to have caused the die-off. Low dissolved oxygen levels and additional stressed fish were observed. Cloudy, calm weather can cause low oxygen levels in small water bodies …

LINCOLN, Neb. — After a one-year hiatus, the Missouri River Outdoor Expo is back Sept. 18-19 at Ponca State Park, with a diverse array of family-friendly, hands-on activities that showcase outdoor education, sports and recreation. Be inspired by Matt Stutzman, the silver medalist in the 2021 Paralympic Games archery competition, pro angler Aaron Petersen, Gould Brothers, Axe Women Loggers of Maine and the conservation efforts of Wild Encounters. Then try your hand at a variety of outdoor activities: monarch tagging, …

LINCOLN, Neb. — There’s still plenty of camping spots available — even over Labor Day weekend — at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas. Campers are reminded they will need a reservation to stay overnight, and reservations should be made before leaving home. Reservations can be made online at NebraskaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com, via mobile app RA Camping, or by phone at 308-284-8800 during business hours. Same-day reservations may be made online or by phone until 5 p.m. Mountain time, if sites …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The rifle sight-in range at Killdeer Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County will briefly close sometime between Aug. 16 and Sept. 1 for a fence project. A new fence will be installed along the perimeter of the WMA during that timeframe, weather depending. The sight-in range will only be closed when the fencing project is near the 100-yard range; signs will be posted on the days it is closed for patron and worker safety. The range is …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Two fishing cleaning stations are out of commission at the Sutherland and Johnson state recreation areas as they get upgraded with a more efficient and safer design. The Barracuda Fish Grinder is being installed at the north inlet campground at Johnson Lake and at Sutherland’s Reservoir. The fish cleaning stations in those locations will be closed about two weeks as new electrical, plumbing and waste discharge are installed for the upgraded table. The fish cleaning station located …

LINCOLN, Neb. — In some photos, a single person fills the hand-built blue photo frame, the backdrop a memorable location within one of Nebraska’s state park treasures. In others, extended families spill over, 20 or 30 of them gathered behind the selfie station frame, nearly blocking the entire view of the park, but capturing a treasured moment to share in the future. Each is participating in Your Parks Adventure, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission challenge to outdoor enthusiasts to …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds landowners there are tools and resources available to those experiencing crop and livestock damage due to wildlife. Landowners can contact their nearest Game and Parks district office to discuss options to alleviate damage, such as scare devices, fences, damage control permits or opening lands to public access for hunting. Find an office at outdoornebraska.gov/locations. In addition, landowners can go online to relate wildlife damage issues to Game and Parks at outdoornebraska.gov/depredation. Big …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln is hosting a new event for families and young adults: the Director’s Take Aim Games. The Games will allow groups of up to seven to register for light-hearted competition in various shooting sports, such as indoor rifle, outdoor archery, tomahawk throwing, slingshots and more. Start times for the competition rounds are 9 a.m. and noon on Saturday, Aug. 21 at the outdoor education center, 4703 N. 44th St. Participants can …

LINCOLN, Neb. — With soaring temperatures, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission would like to issue the following safety reminders to those out enjoying water activities. Never swim alone — Always swim with a buddy. Pay attention — Avoid distractions and focus on swim mates and the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children, according to the American Red Cross, and drownings can happen in seconds, as well as in shallow waters. Staying watchful — even of strong swimmers …