NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Help Nebraska state parks wrap up their summerlong centennial celebration by attending a final signature event Oct. 1-2 at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City. Guests may compete in Baskets and Blankets: An Evening Harvest Picnic contest on Oct. 1 for a chance to win a custom picnic set-up for two courtesy of Pic’d on Purpose of Omaha or a two-night cabin stay at a Nebraska state park. Judges will look for tablescapes incorporating natural …

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Nebraska Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas was honored Wednesday for his contributions to the Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Nebraska. Douglas was presented the Golden Pillar Award, a tradition started by the research unit’s scientists in 2010. The award honors and recognizes outstanding individuals who are “pillars of support” or essential to the success of the unit. As a token of their appreciation, Douglas also was presented with a detailed carving of a …

LINCOLN, Nebraska — A new set of resources available to teachers in eastern Nebraska highlights the recovery of the peregrine falcon, a bird of prey pushed to the brink of extinction. A new partnership between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Omaha Public Power District aims to bring this conservation success story to students through new education resources, including: A detailed poster highlighting the family tree of 93T, a well-known and long-lived peregrine falcon who was integral to the …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska’s fall wild turkey season begins Sept. 15, giving hunters a chance to harvest two turkeys on a single permit. Turkey hunting can be combined with big game, upland game, waterfowl or fishing for a true Nebraska mixed bag adventure. Fall turkey permits are valid statewide, cost just $8 for youth age 15 and younger, and allow hunters the option of harvesting with either a bow or shotgun. Fall hunters can buy up to two turkey permits, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A fish die-off occurred this week at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area in southwest Nebraska. White bass made up the majority of the approximately 1,500 dead fish documented Sept. 2 along the west shoreline. Other species observed in lower numbers were wiper, gizzard shard, yellow perch and common carp. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission collected a live white bass for testing to help determine stressors potentially related to the die-off. Game and Parks staff will continue …

VALENTINE, Neb. — A new breakwater planned at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area will protect a nearby boat launch and shoreline. The construction project is scheduled to begin this month as workers capitalize on the low water levels at the Sandhills irrigation reservoir. The new breakwater of rock and soil will extend northwesterly from the Willow Cove area at the northeast part of the lake. Also, at the adjacent Main Area boat launch, the contractors will install a new dock …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking public input on its draft elk management plan. The purpose of the plan, which is a working document, is to provide background and historical information about elk in Nebraska, while providing guidance in the decision-making process. Game and Parks will host two virtual public informational meetings on the plan: 7 p.m. Central time Sept. 20 and 2 p.m. Sept. 22. To view the plan or register for the virtual …

LINCOLN, Neb. – A fish die-off has occurred this week at Liberty Cove Reservoir near Lawrence in south-central Nebraska. Thousands of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and golden shiners, were observed dead at this Little Blue Natural Resources District recreation area. Low levels of oxygen in the water are believed to have caused the die-off. Low dissolved oxygen levels and additional stressed fish were observed. Cloudy, calm weather can cause low oxygen levels in small water bodies …

LINCOLN, Neb. — After a one-year hiatus, the Missouri River Outdoor Expo is back Sept. 18-19 at Ponca State Park, with a diverse array of family-friendly, hands-on activities that showcase outdoor education, sports and recreation. Be inspired by Matt Stutzman, the silver medalist in the 2021 Paralympic Games archery competition, pro angler Aaron Petersen, Gould Brothers, Axe Women Loggers of Maine and the conservation efforts of Wild Encounters. Then try your hand at a variety of outdoor activities: monarch tagging, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Family Aquatic Center at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park will be closed on Labor Day, Sept. 6, because of a lifeguard shortage. Additionally, guests visiting state park areas for the holiday weekend should be mindful that continued staffing shortages may result in additional wait times for services, including cabin check-ins and park permit sales. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to check the status of activities and to buy park entry permits in advance. Within the …