NGPC News

LINCOLN – Enjoy the wonders of the spring bird migration from scenic Ponca State Park (SP) during Marsh Madness. Marsh Madness is a migratory celebration held each weekend in March at Ponca. The park’s location adjacent to the Missouri River presents a significant flyway that serves as the feeding, breeding and staging ground for migratory birds. Ponca SP is listed as an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society, with nearly 300 bird species sighted and more than 70 …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reviewed a draft of a comprehensive pheasant management plan at its meeting Feb. 25 at Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club and Kennel north of Tekamah. The Commission approved the concept of the proposed plan and will refine it. The objective of the draft Nebraska Mega Plan is to produce the best pheasant hunting experiences for the most people over the next five years. The plan’s goals are to increase pheasant abundance, increase the …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will certify youth fishing instructors March 12 at Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, 21502 W. Neb. Hwy. 31, Gretna, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youth fishing instructors will receive training and tools to conduct fishing clinics. These volunteers will have access to Nebraska Game and Parks’ loaner fishing equipment and educational materials for events, as well as receive program incentives. They also are encouraged to volunteer for such Nebraska Game and Parks programs as …

LINCOLN – Learn all aspects of spring turkey hunting at a workshop hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The free workshop will be held in five locations across the state and is designed for individuals with limited experience who want to expand their knowledge of turkey hunting. Topics will include strategies, equipment, turkey biology and ways to increase a hunter’s confidence and success. With lots of birds, a long season and plentiful and affordable permits – including $5 …

LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in March: March 1 – Women’s Firearm Series: Introduction to Handguns, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6:30-9 p.m., 402-471-6141 March 1, 3, 5 – Women’s Combo Hunter Education, Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex, Platte River State Park (SP), Louisville, HuntSafeNebraska.org March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Outdoor Skills Discovery Program, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, …

LINCOLN – Applications for archery paddlefish permits will be received by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission March 1-14. The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on March 1. Mail applications must be received in the Commission’s Lincoln office by 5 p.m. and online applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 14. Permits will be issued through a random drawing based on preference points earned, with the persons having earned the most preference points receiving the …

LINCOLN – Sandhill crane enthusiasts are invited to visit Fort Kearny State Historical Park and State Recreation Area to enjoy the spring migration. The visitor center will open daily March 5 – April 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Staff will answer questions and direct visitors to viewing areas. One popular viewing location is the hike-bike bridge over the Platte River at the recreation area. The bridge is one-third mile from the parking area. The best viewing times are a half …

LINCOLN – Lynn Berggren, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commissioner from Broken Bow, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16. He had represented District 6 (21 counties) on the commission since 2007. “During his tenure as commissioner, Lynn was an ardent supporter and advocate for wildlife conservation, habitat management, and improving opportunities to enjoy the outdoors,” said Nebraska Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. “Lynn served with passion, dedication and was always looking for innovative ways to better serve the public. He …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider a new management plan to improve pheasant hunting in Nebraska when it meets Feb. 25 at Pheasant Bonanza Hunt Club and Kennel north of Tekamah. The public is invited to attend the 1 p.m. meeting. Staff will present for Commission consideration a draft of the comprehensive management plan called the Nebraska Mega Plan. The mission of the plan is to produce the best pheasant hunting experiences for the most people …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska Department of Roads are finalizing plans for repairs to the asphalt roads within Niobrara State Park (SP). An asphalt overlay of the entire park road system – approximately 7¾ miles – is proposed. Road conditions within the park have deteriorated, and park officials have identified a road rehabilitation project as a top priority. The Department of Roads coordinates program design and construction. Design work has been completed and the …