Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. — Youth over the age of 11 who have successfully completed hunter education are invited to take part in Nebraska’s state Youth Hunter Education Challenge. The Youth Hunter Education Challenge, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 15, will allow youth to compete for prizes in a simulated hunting experience. The event, which is sponsored by the National Rifle Association, will help youth build their skills, get real-world hunting experience and learn about hunter safety and …

Our recent 80 and 90 degree days might lead you to think otherwise but September 22nd was the first official day of the fall season! Summer, you will be missed but I am more than ready for the cooler weather and festivities that accompany this time of year. For me fall is about spending as much time outside before hunkering down for winter. The crisp air and changing foliage make for perfect camping and hiking trips. Saturdays are spent with …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in October. Get more event details at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov. Visit OutdoorNebraska.org for a list of hunter education classes and boating safety classes. Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Statehood: A New Beginning, Rock Creek Station State Historical Park (SHP), Fairbury Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Wheels of Transportation, Arbor Lodge SHP, Nebraska City Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Youth waterfowl hunting season in Zones 2 and 4 …

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host an open house at Ponca State Park (SP) on Oct. 11 to take public input on the design charrette for the park. The open house will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center. A design charrette is a planning session where citizens and stakeholders collaborate on the vision of a development project. The design team will host the open house following …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Organizers of the River Valley Artisans and Craft Market, set for Nov. 11-12 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, are seeking vendors to display and sell handmade arts and craft items. This popular event, to be held at Peter Kiewit Lodge, offers vendors a unique opportunity to present their work to the public. Art from a wide variety of mediums is welcome. Past vendors have showcased jewelry, pottery, homemade jams and jellies, yard art, small furniture, digital …

LINCOLN, Neb. — Lone Eagle Campground at Lake McConaughy State Recreation area will be closed to the public starting Sept. 19 for camping site upgrades. The closure will allow construction crews to complete installation of a wastewater and drinking water system, which will bring RV dump and fill locations to each of the 84 sites. In 2013, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission received a $740,000 appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature to upgrade all 84 camping sites at Lone Eagle …

CRAWFORD, Neb. – Fort Robinson State Park will soon enjoy the benefits of a forest and woodland management project. To encourage forest health and improve wildlife habitat, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has contracted the thinning of ponderosa pine trees in a 97-acre portion of the 22,000-acre park. Most of the thinning area is on property that surrounds Saddle Rock, the prominent landform at the eastern end of the Red Cloud Buttes. About 20 acres of the thinning area …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Tickets go on sale Sept. 15 for the Haunted Trail, a family Halloween event Oct. 21 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area. The Haunted Trail is a spooky 1,000-foot walk along a trail through hilly terrain and a wooded area. This will take place from 7-10 p.m. on the east end of Area 1. Tickets are $5 (children under age 3 are free) and available only at the park office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Conservation officers with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conducted special enforcement patrols during the summer on state recreation areas in Lancaster County. These efforts were designed to help ensure users have a safe and enjoyable experience on Commission-managed areas. Enforcement efforts aimed to reduce serious and fatal vehicle and boat accidents resulted in two arrests for driving under the influence, three for boating under the influence, 23 citations for drug possession, four for driving during suspension, …

LINCOLN, Neb. – Stagecoach Reservoir will be drawn down this fall for the construction of a new boat launch facility. In addition, the fishery will be renovated and a public salvage will be allowed. A 10-foot drawn-down will allow for the construction of a new, lighted boat ramp, gravel kayak launch, and a new breakwater to protect the ramp and increase access for shoreline anglers. Stagecoach’s fishery has been degraded by the presence of common carp and gizzard shad. The …