LINCOLN – Gov. Pete Ricketts appointed Donna Kush of Omaha, a corporate leader in public affairs, policy, communications and marketing, to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to represent District 2 (Douglas County). Kush is president and chief executive officer of the Omaha Community Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the nation. She has more than 28 years of corporate experience, building and restructuring organizations, developing strategic plans and initiatives, leading public-private partnerships, and managing crisis situations. “Donna …

LINCOLN, Neb.— Nebraskans may begin enjoying recreational vehicle camping by reservation only at select state park areas starting May 20, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Limited RV camping will be available at select park areas where social distancing and group-size recommendations can be maintained to help ensure compliance with the state’s public health directives amid the COVID-19 health situation. A list of the available park areas will be posted on the agency website and updated as additional …

LINCOLN, Neb. – With virtual meetings expected to be a part of people’s lives for the foreseeable future as the coronavirus pandemic continues worldwide, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is making available 12 iconic photos for use as video conferencing backgrounds. The photos, featuring the photography of Nebraskaland Magazine, showcase wildlife, scenic parks and stunning views, so those connecting over virtual conference platforms for work or for fun can highlight their sense of adventure — and hide any messes …

LINCOLN, Nebraska – In honor of the role birds play in Nebraska’s economy and ecosystems, Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed May as Nebraska Bird Month. The monthlong celebration, typically celebrated with bird-related events across the state, has taken on a new form this year in the interest of public health due to the novel coronavirus. Rather than attend an event, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission invites Nebraskans to get outside, look for birds and join a national citizen science program …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Though Nebraskans everywhere have been practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the community, camping enthusiasts need only look to their home or backyard for the ultimate “getaway.” “Nebraska Game and Parks Commission knows that camping is one of many people’s favorite activities, and we want to encourage you to create memories with your family during this time by doing some of your favorite things at home,” said Parks Division Administrator Jim Swenson. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will prohibit overnight camping at state parks, state recreation areas and wildlife management areas starting Monday, April 6 through Friday, May 8, with a possible extension. In addition, the closure of state park area lodging and cabins will be extended through May 8. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services recommends travelers coming to Nebraska or back …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Need an excuse to keep busy and learn something new? Need free resources that can teach children about the natural world? Look no further. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offers a wealth of free education activities and lesson plans now curated in one place at OutdoorNebraska.org/onlineeducation. There people can find lesson plans, ask a nature question, find ideas for science activities and crafts, and more — all engaging, scientifically-accurate and age appropriate — with items already …

LINCOLN, Neb. – What’s better than a stocking of rainbow trout in your local urban lake? Two stockings! The Grove Trout Rearing Station in Antelope County had some trout left over after completing its scheduled March stockings. So, on March 31, it stocked those 10-inch fish at the following: TaHaZouka Park Lake in Norfolk, 500 trout; Neligh Park Pond in West Point, 750; and Lake Halleck in Papillion, 1,500. All three waters had been stocked once this month. These stockings …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is advising hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to honor guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other health organizations, to avoid spread of coronavirus as they head to the field this spring. “Outdoor recreation has long been an important part of our way of life for relaxing and getting in touch with nature, and many people are turning to outdoor recreation as they seek comfort during …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is suspending the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits in a proactive effort to prevent the potential for the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This is being done by the Commission in coordination with Gov. Pete Ricketts Executive Order No. 20-11 to help protect the health of Nebraskans by discouraging unnecessary travel. Game and Parks will stop selling 2020 nonresident spring turkey permits effective immediately. Nonresidents who have purchased …