NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Access at many state recreation and wildlife management areas may be limited or restricted because of high water after recent heavy rains in south-central Nebraska. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds people not to drive through flood water. High water can sweep vehicles away and hide underwater hazards. Game and Parks also reminds boaters of the potential hazard from floating debris that may become dislodged during high water level events at reservoirs. The only usable boat …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking to add new conservation officers. Conservation officers have the important job of protecting our natural resources and helping keep the people who use our state parks and other public lands safe through the enforcement of fish, wildlife, boating, and park laws. As state peace officers, conservation officers also enforce other criminal and traffic laws on lands owned by the Game and Parks and elsewhere throughout the state. Conservation officers …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) introduced the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in the U.S. House of Representatives at a press conference in Washington D.C. on Friday, July 12. This bipartisan legislation, if passed, would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to allow for the dedication of $1.3 billion in existing revenue annually, without any new taxes, from the U.S. Treasury to state fish and wildlife agencies to implement their State Wildlife Action Plans and …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Heavy rains in south-central Nebraska have forced the temporary closure of some state recreation areas (SRA) as some roads and campgrounds are underwater. Sandy Channel and Union Pacific SRAs in Buffalo County are temporarily closed. Interstate 80 exit 263 to Union Pacific SRA is closed. The lower loop of Shady Bay Campground (sites 48-62) at Medicine Creek SRA in Frontier County also is temporarily closed. In Dawson County, access is available to Gallagher Canyon SRA. Most of …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Kearney service center closed temporarily Tuesday, July 9 because of flooding caused by heavy rain. The office, located at 1617 1st Ave., is closed to the public to allow for cleanup. The public is encouraged to purchase permits online at OutdoorNebraska.org or visit a local permit agent. The Kearney office likely will reopen July 10 with limited public service.

LINCOLN, Neb. – For a touch of holiday cheer at a beautiful park, bring the family to Indian Cave State Park on July 26-27 for the 6th Annual Campfire Christmas in July. Traditional holiday activities include visits with Santa, lighted Polar Express hayrack rides, a Yule log quest, holiday craft and Christmas-themed outdoor movies. Try your hand at the antler toss, snowball toss and horseshoes, and snack on tin roof sundaes, popcorn, pop and roasted hot dogs. Other activities throughout …

LINCOLN, Neb. – For a fun competition set in a family-friendly atmosphere, test your shooting skills at Platte River State Park’s Steel Plate Challenge on Aug. 10. The Steel Plate Challenge is a great way to get started in competitive shooting or improve shooting skills. The rules are simple: when the buzzer sounds, participants will rapidly engage targets made from armor plate at relatively close distances, shooting each target at least once as rapidly as possible. The competition is part …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission recently certified three state fishing records, including one that topped a record that had stood for 47 years. — Andrew Myer of Norfolk set a bow-and-arrow record when he took an 89-pound paddlefish on the Missouri River in Cedar County in June. It broke the old record, which was set in 1972, by 3 pounds. The fish was 5 feet, 10½ inches in length from the tip of snout to the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Learn all aspects of fishing for catfish at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Discover Catfish Fishing event Aug. 1 at Lincoln’s Holmes Lake. This event will be held in conjunction with Community Fishing Night, only later in the evening. Community Fishing Night at the lake will be from 6-8 p.m., with Discover Catfish Fishing from 8-10 p.m. Participants can learn the basics of catfishing, from bait and equipment to techniques. Anglers are encouraged to bring a …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Adults are invited to grab a buddy and join the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at Omaha’s Zorinsky Lake on July 25 for Fishing with Friends. This adult-based opportunity is a chance for like-minded individuals who have little or no fishing experience to learn some skills. Bait, equipment and instruction will be provided. Beyond fishing, participants can learn how to clean fish and cook fish in a healthy manner. In addition, experts will be on hand to …