Conservation

I have several water level-related updates to call attention to today.  The first one comes from one of our power and irrigation districts: Fall fishing at Keystone Diversion will not be available; NPPD plans maintenance work for the dam’s gates Columbus, Neb. – Fishing activities near the Keystone Diversion at Lake Ogallala will not be available this fall as maintenance work on the gates of the Keystone Diversion Dam will be undertaken by Nebraska Public PowerDistrict (NPPD).  Prep work for …

We still have some warm days, even hot afternoons, but there have some been some cool ones too, and the evenings have been gorgeous. You know what that means? Fall is here! The fall bite is on, and this is the perfect time to combine a hunting and fishing trip, “cast and blast”, “fins and feathers (or fur)”. As a matter of fact, tomorrow is National Hunting and Fishing Day.  Our governor even proclaimed it!  So, you must go hunting …

I have been outta the office for the past several days, most of the past couple of weeks.  I have a bunch of news item updates to get to in the coming blogs.  Let me start with some renovations that are happening: East Sutherland I80 Lake’s fishery chemically renovated NORTH PLATTE, Neb. – East Sutherland Interstate 80 Lake was chemically renovated Sept. 15, 2021. The rotenone treatment used at the lake was aimed to eliminate common carp and other undesirable …

I would tell you that I have never been in trouble with the law, but . . . . There was that time I was pulled over for knocking off a convenience store.  Had three nephews and my son in the pickup at the time.  None of them were even old enough to drive. . . . That story begins as a fish story.  We had spent the day cherry-picking, hopping from spot to spot, picking off active fish, trout …

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 …

Let me give you a little update on a recent renovation that was completed.  Again, let me start with the news release: Two Rivers Trout Lake fish renovation completed LINCOLN, Neb. – Lake 5 at Two Rivers State Recreation Area has been renovated to remove unwanted species that invaded the lake during the 2019 spring flooding, which connected the lake to the Platte River. The 9-acre lake, commonly known as the Trout Lake, was treated Aug. 17 with rotenone, a …

I am one of you. I am among the thousands of you who hunt deer and turkey with archery equipment. I want you to join me once again in voluntarily participating Nebraska’s  Bowhunter Survey. Bowhunter survey? Hmmm … Another survey? Yes! So why should you, an archery deer hunter, consider maintaining a diary and counting free-ranging, wild deer and turkeys for us at Game and Parks? The answer: Because, like me, I know you passionately care about wildlife. Think about …

Human dimensions studies are a part of fisheries science.  Man, or the human component is an important part of any fishery.  To manage a fishery, you have to understand something about the human component as well as the fish, other aquatic creatures, and the habitat. A big part of human dimensions studies are understanding motivations.  Why do you fish? The answers to that question are as varied as humans themselves.  I say that anglers come in an infinite variety of …

Short, simple blog post today.  Once again, just spreading the word on some news items: Watercraft access limited, swimming beach closed at Summit Lake LINCOLN, Neb. – A planned water-level drawdown of Summit Lake is underway, prompting the closure of the swimming beach and creating limited access for watercraft launching. A sediment basin maintenance project prompted the need to lower water levels at the Burt County reservoir. Water levels will be kept 6-8 feet below normal pool levels during construction, …

With September just a one more quick flip my on NEBRASKAland magazine calendar, it is time once again to reflect on the age old question of why hunting is so important. Yeah, I know hunting is important. But, why do you think hunting is important? Give it some more thought. Really think about the question: Why is hunting important? Why is hunting important to you, if you hunt? If you don’t hunt, why do you think hunting is important? Sure, hunting offers a multitude of benefits. Hunting is quiet …