NGPC News

A planned drawdown of Lake Ogallala for infrastructure maintenance will affect boating access at three Nebraska state recreation areas this fall. Lake Ogallala, Sutherland Reservoir and Lake Maloney SRAs will have limited access. It will begin with the Sept. 26 lowering of Lake Ogallala as part of a scheduled maintenance project on the Keystone Diversion Dam by the Nebraska Public Power District. Boat docks at Lake Ogallala are being removed in anticipation of the drawdown. Docks at Sutherland and Maloney …

The Thunder Bay and West Ridge campgrounds at Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area near Loup City are closed temporarily because of construction. Electrical and RV sites are being added to those two campgrounds. Work is scheduled to be completed in the spring. Visit Outdoornebraska.gov/parks to find camping sites in Nebraska state park areas.

Updated Sept. 28, 2022 Rainbow trout will be stocked by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to enhance fishing opportunities this fall and winter. “This program emphasizes the urban and community waters statewide,” said Greg Anderson, Game and Parks’ fish production supervisor. “Ten-inch trout are stocked to provide angling opportunities for all ages to catch and harvest.” The stocking of trout will begin the week of Sept. 26 and continue weekly through October. “Hatchery crews work tirelessly throughout the year …

State park areas are wonderful places to celebrate Halloween in Nebraska with many hosting family-friendly activities on weekends in October. Plan your opportunity for fun at these nine park locations. Remember: A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. Get yours at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at the park entry booth. Jack O Lantern World at Mahoney through October Mahoney State Park near Ashland introduces its newest fall attraction: Jack O’ Lantern World. From Sept. 30-Oct. …

Drought conditions have limited public boating access on some reservoirs across Nebraska, but the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is working to improve boating access where possible. Conditions at many boat ramps, piers and access points are not expected to improve as long as precipitation lags far behind normal levels. For much of the state, water levels have not been this low since the drought of 2012. While some boat ramps have been closed, and others have restrictions, for locations …

A variety of fun, educational events are scheduled throughout October in Nebraska’s Venture Parks. These events cover an array of interests for all age groups. Venture Parks, Nebraska’s four state parks and recreation areas along the Platte River – Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park, Schramm Park State Recreation Area and Louisville State Recreation Area – are where unique experiences and enhanced camping opportunities have been created in response to demand. Park entry permits are required on …

Spend some time this fall in Nebraska’s state parks. While history is a major theme during October park events, other types of events are scheduled, too. Don’t forget a vehicle park entry permit is required at Nebraska state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances. Enjoy River Valley Artisans and Craft Market Oct. 15-16 at Mahoney SP Start your holiday shopping early at the River Valley Artisans and Craft Market on Oct. 15-16 at Eugene T. Mahoney …

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in October. Here are some opportunities: Little Saplings early childhood program presents Nature Sounds Adults looking to explore the outdoors with their young children are invited to Little Saplings, a monthly early childhood nature discovery program at Schramm Education Center near Gretna. The series, which continues Oct. 5 with the theme Nature Sounds, is at 9 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month, through December. …

Extremely low water levels and underwater hazards have limited access to the lake and challenged boaters at Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area near Burwell. Several ramps have closed or have restrictions due to low water and underwater sand movement. The reservoir currently is at 41% capacity, which is the second lowest level on record. These conditions, in addition to wave action and power loading of boats onto trailers, have led to a large sand ridge forming in front of the …

The Marina Bay boat ramp at Sherman Reservoir near Loup City will be closed starting at 7 a.m. Sept. 19 until further notice so immediate repairs can be made. Low water levels in the reservoir have exposed a significant settlement of the east lane, which has caused a nearly 5-inch lip to occur on the ramp. On the west lane, the ramp has cracked and needs immediate repair during this low water period. Work is expected to take one week, …