NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – A new website makes it easier for birders to learn about the birds that inhabit Nebraska. Birds of Nebraska Online, available at birdsofnebraska.org, offers information on status, distribution and temporal occurrence of 512 species that occur regularly or have been reported in Nebraska in a searchable format. Distribution maps are provided for species that occur regularly in the state. In addition, each species account includes detailed information that will be of interest to professional ornithologists and ardent …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission invites the state’s second through 12th grade classrooms to participate in the Nebraska Trout in the Classroom Program. This interdisciplinary, science-based program invites classrooms and schools to explore aquatic ecosystems, life cycles, water quality and the scientific process through raising trout eggs in their classroom. Participating classrooms set up a cold-water aquarium in their classroom or school, then Game and Parks provides the rainbow trout eggs. Students care for their trout …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy a Labor Day weekend filled with fun outdoor activities at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area (SRA) Sept. 1-2. Get out on the water and see the park in a different light with kayaking and a lighted hayrack ride on Sept. 1. Sept. 2’s activities include an introductory archery course, Labor Day-themed arts and crafts, a fun educational program about pollinators, and a family movie in the evening. A park permit is required of each vehicle …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy a weekend of history reenactment Aug. 25-26 at central Nebraska’s Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park. The weekend, themed Braves and Bluecoats: Indians and the Army on the Great Plains, will include reenactors portraying roles of the fort in the 1870s. There will be skirmishes, military drills, artillery demonstrations and cannon firing. Activities begin at 9 a.m. each day. The park is located 6 miles southeast of Burwell in Valley County. A vehicle park entry permit is …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Memphis Lake in Saunders County will be drawn down 2 feet beginning Aug. 15 to facilitate a wetland restoration project. Construction will begin this fall on the Memphis Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) project, which is expected to improve wildlife habitat, increase wetland management capabilities, and improve hunter access. The project should benefit many species that use the wetland, including waterfowl and shorebirds. The project will include installation of a water-control structure, which will allow the wetland …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officials have confirmed that a female mountain lion was killed by a landowner north of Hay Springs in Sheridan County for depredating poultry. The landowner observed the mountain lion killing his chickens, shot and killed the 10- to 12-month-old mountain lion, and immediately reported to Game and Parks in accordance with state law. Staff wildlife and law enforcement officials collected the carcass. “State law allows livestock owners to kill a mountain lion …

MORRILL, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is lowering the water level at Kiowa Wildlife Management Area south of Morrill in efforts to improve the property’s wetland. The Commission is employing multiple management methods to control cattails encroaching the wetlands. A lower water level will allow a firebreak to be created by disking. The break will be used for a prescribed burn of the cattails this winter.   In spring 2019 the water level will likely return to normal, …

MINATARE, Neb. — The public is invited to celebrate National Dog Day by bringing their four-legged friends for a community hike at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area. Hike with Hounds will be Saturday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m. beginning at the lighthouse. Along with a stroll along the lake, the event will cover a variety of tips and topics for people to safely hike with their four-legged friends in various parks and wildlands. All socialized dogs are welcome as long …

GERING, Neb. — The Wildcat Hills Shooting Sports Complex at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area will be the site of a benefit shooting competition for a veterans service organization Saturday, Aug. 25. Registration for the Western Nebraska Veterans Shoot-out will begin at 8 a.m. with shooting at 9:30 a.m. The double-elimination event is open to the first 60 people and entrants may compete in up to two of the event’s four divisions – two for pistols and two for rifles.  …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The public is invited to attend a free workshop on the use of cover crops Aug. 21 in Arapahoe. Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host this habitat tour from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Ella Missing Community Center, 411 6th St. The workshop will include topics such as grazing covers, soil health and financial assistance. There also will be a producer panel and field tour. Lunch is provided. Contact Andy …