NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Ted LaGrange, wetlands program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, is the 2020 recipient of the ELI National Wetlands Award for Wetlands Program Development. The National Wetlands Awards Program, administered by the Environmental Law Institute, has honored more than 200 wetland champions since its establishment in 1989. The program honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation’s wetlands. The Wetlands Program Development award is given to a state, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine has developed a reputation for its population of the highly sought muskellunge, often referred to as “the fish of a thousand casts.” A story by editor Jeff Kurrus in the April issue of Nebraskaland Magazine tells how the muskies of Merritt are defying the species’ reputation as an extremely rare catch and how regulations are being adapted to keep it that way. The April issue also features stories about the …

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. – The 2020 mountain lion hunting season in the Pine Ridge closed March 31 with seven mountain lions harvested. Season 1 opened Jan. 2. The south subunit closed during Season 1 when the harvest limit of four (three male and one female) was met on Feb. 5. No mountain lions were harvested during Season 1 in the north subunit, so an Auxiliary Season was held. Three mountain lions (two male and one female) were harvested during the north …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The summer season of the Post Playhouse at Fort Robinson State Park has been cancelled to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus. “We plan to pick up next year with our 2021 season and be stronger than ever,” said Tom Ossowski, producing artistic director for Post Playhouse Inc. The Post Playhouse has been providing live theatre at Fort Robinson since 1967. For more information and options for persons who have purchased tickets already, visit postplayhouse.com.

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 …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is clarifying its 2020/2021 duck season dates to specify the hunting dates in the Low Plains and High Plains units. The duck and coot dates are: Zone 1: Oct. 10-Dec. 22; Zone 2: Oct. 3-Dec. 15 in Low Plains, and Oct. 3-Dec. 15 and Jan. 6-27 in High Plains; Zone 3: Oct. 24-Jan. 5 in Low Plains, and Oct. 24-Jan. 5 and Jan. 6-27 in High Plains; and Zone 4: Oct. …