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Archery paddlefish applications to be accepted March 1-14

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept archery paddlefish permit applications March 1-14. The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on March 1. Postal mail applications must be received in Game and Parks’ Lincoln office by 5 p.m. CST and online applications by 11:59 p.m. March 14. A nonrefundable $7 application fee is due at the time of application. Applicants supplying valid email addresses will be notified when the draw is complete. Those not providing valid email …

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Catch these Game and Parks education events in March

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission educators have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in March. Here are some opportunities: Little Saplings program presents Spring Migration 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 2023 series continues March 1 with the theme Spring Migration at 9 a.m. It is designed for children ages 2-5 and their adult caregiver. …

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Low oxygen causing problems for Sandhills lakes

Ice-fishing at Smith Lake

Winter Storm Diaz, the massive blizzard that moved across Nebraska in December 2022, now has claimed less visible victims — countless fish in at least 20 Sandhills and Panhandle lakes. Low oxygen levels have been recorded in many of the regions’ shallow, highly vegetated lakes, said Al Hanson, fisheries supervisor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s northwestern district. As anglers are reporting dead plants and fish on their underwater cameras, people making long trips to Sandhills lakes for fishing …

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Campground electricity among Chadron State Park improvements

Chadron SP campground

Campers at Chadron State Park soon will have more power — more electrical power, that is. Later this year, workers are scheduled to upgrade 44 campsites to 50-amp electricity. With the 25 other campsites that have received the upgrade in recent years, all of the park’s paved camper sites will now have 50 amps. The improvements complement many other campground upgrades in recent years, including six sites upgraded to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a new showerhouse. …

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Game and Parks to host fly-tying workshops in March

Anglers can learn the basics of fly tying that will prepare them to catch trout and panfish this spring. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host fly-tying workshops March 8 and 12 at the Nebraska Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln. Members of the Cornhusker Fly Fishers Club will teach these sessions, which will be from 6-9 p.m. March 8 and 2-5 p.m. March 12. The workshop, which is open to new and experienced fly tiers, will include all materials …

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Expanded equestrian amenities coming to Fort Robinson

Equestrian campground

Horseback riders are among those sure to appreciate upcoming improvements to Fort Robinson State Park. Plans include a $1.2 million addition of campsites and facilities for visitors traveling with horses, said Jim Miller, park superintendent. Late this summer, construction will begin on an expansion to the equestrian campground at the northwest corner of the main park complex, doubling its size. Included will be 24 additional sites with hook-ups to 50-amp electricity, water and sewer. Also new will be an adjacent …

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Reserve Game and Parks viewing blind for sharp-tailed grouse mating season

Two sharp-tailed grouse spread their wings and but their heads down to display against each other on a lek.

Come experience the natural wonder of the sharp-tailed grouse mating dance from a new viewing blind at Niobrara State Park near Niobrara. Reserve the viewing blind between March 15 and April 15 for the best opportunity to see this sunrise ritual, an ancient and glorious display from one of Nebraska’s most famous grassland birds. The blind holds up to 12 guests. Reserve a spot by calling the park office at 402-857-3373. Improve your chances of early arrival by staying at …

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Tax season provides opportunity to support Nebraska wildlife conservation

NGPC news release logo

Nebraskans receiving an income tax refund this year have an opportunity to support wildlife and habitat conservation. On Line 46 of the Nebraska state income tax form, 1040N, individuals may donate $1 or more of their tax refund to the Nebraska Wildlife Conservation Fund, which is used to help several hundred species in Nebraska that are rare, endangered or threatened. Tax refund donations have benefited native wildlife, fish, and plants over the years, including the Blanding’s turtle, swift fox, peregrine …

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Celebrate World Wetlands Day with new Nebraska wetland resources

Nebraska Game and Parks, in collaboration with the Platte Basin Timelapse project, released expanded wetlands educational content on World Wetlands Day, Feb. 2. These new resources offer the opportunity to learn about Nebraska’s five diverse wetland types, as well as grow one’s understanding of their importance to the state, its people and its wildlife. Expanded content includes: Five documentary films about Nebraska’s wetlands and the wildlife and people who depend on them. These films, created by Platte Basin Timelapse at …

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Mormon Island SRA sewer project could affect ice-fishing

Mormon Island State Recreation Area in Hall County is undergoing a sewer improvement project that could affect ice-fishing. With the area’s typically high groundwater level, contractors must pump groundwater away from the construction site. So, water will be pumped into Lake No. 1 north of the accessible fishing pier and east along the north shoreline beginning this week. This will melt the ice on the surface of the lake where the water is displaced. Ice anglers should take extra caution …

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