NGPC News

LINCOLN, Neb. – Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 for Nebraska’s Trout in the Classroom program for the 2021-2022 school year. This program, sponsored by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and a Nebraska Trout Unlimited chapter, is for teachers interested in raising live fish in their classroom and using the tank in countless lesson plans and everyday activities. Teachers will receive training to get the program up and running. Scholarships are available. In this program, students learn about aquatic habitat, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is seeking input on a draft master plan being developed to improve Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park and State Recreation Area in North Platte. The master plan covers potential new development, programming and recreational activities that enhance the experience for future visitors. The plan incorporates new interpretation and programming goals centered around the life of William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his home – Scout’s Rest Ranch. The public is invited …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Enjoy a day of historical reenactments Aug. 14 during Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park’s Fall Muster. The day, themed War and Remembrance: An Event Following Little Bighorn, will include reenactors portraying roles of the fort in the 1870s. There will be a skirmish, military drills, cannon firing, mock surgeries, flag raising, blacksmithing and a vintage baseball game. Activities begin at 9 a.m. There will be activities for children, food vendors and Dutch oven cooking demonstrations. Admission is …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters may begin donating deer to the Hunters Helping the Hungry program Sept. 1, the start of the archery deer season. Nine processors will be available around the state. Two additional processors will accept deer for the program starting Nov. 13. Hunters pay no processing costs for deer accepted by processors for this donation-driven program. The participating meat processors are: Amherst – Belschner Custom Meats; Diller – Diller Locker; Franklin – Franklin Locker; Grand Island – Nielsen’s …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters may enter a lottery to gain deer hunting access to Platte River Recreation Access lands in the central Platte River Valley, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Forty-seven hunters will be chosen from a random drawing in early September and allowed to hunt deer on designated PRRA lands Nov. 16-21, 2021. Applications, limited to one per person, will be accepted by mail or drop box at the Game and Parks service center in Kearney …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Summit Lake is being drawn down this week for a sediment basin reclamation project at the Burt County reservoir. Reclamation of the sediment basins on the south and west arms of the lake will begin during the fall. The south boat ramp will be modified to allow boat access during construction, which should be completed by Jan. 1, 2022. The project to remove sediments will require the reservoir be drawn down approximately 6-8 feet below normal pool …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Access to Memphis State Recreation Area in Saunders County is closed until further notice while extensive tree damage from last weekend’s storm is cleared. No injuries were reported from the Saturday night storm that also damaged structures in the park. Campers in that area can find sites at Fremont Lakes SRA in Dodge County, Two Rivers SRA in Douglas County, and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park and Louisville SRA in Cass County. Read …

LINCOLN, Neb. — The rifle sight-in range at Killdeer Wildlife Management Area in Lancaster County will briefly close sometime between Aug. 16 and Sept. 1 for a fence project. A new fence will be installed along the perimeter of the WMA during that timeframe, weather depending. The sight-in range will only be closed when the fencing project is near the 100-yard range; signs will be posted on the days it is closed for patron and worker safety. The range is …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Two fishing cleaning stations are out of commission at the Sutherland and Johnson state recreation areas as they get upgraded with a more efficient and safer design. The Barracuda Fish Grinder is being installed at the north inlet campground at Johnson Lake and at Sutherland’s Reservoir. The fish cleaning stations in those locations will be closed about two weeks as new electrical, plumbing and waste discharge are installed for the upgraded table. The fish cleaning station located …

LINCOLN, Neb. — In some photos, a single person fills the hand-built blue photo frame, the backdrop a memorable location within one of Nebraska’s state park treasures. In others, extended families spill over, 20 or 30 of them gathered behind the selfie station frame, nearly blocking the entire view of the park, but capturing a treasured moment to share in the future. Each is participating in Your Parks Adventure, a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission challenge to outdoor enthusiasts to …