Parks statewide plan Memorial Day events
Memorial Day Weekend is almost here, signaling the start of the busiest time of year at Nebraska’s state parks and recreation areas. Parks across the state have planned special activities for the holiday weekend including cookouts, family fun days, bird watching events, a vintage baseball game, historical programs and much more. To find an event at a park near you, visit our online calendar. |
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Practice boating safety this Memorial Day weekend
The busiest boating season of the year kicks off this weekend, and Game and Parks urges those who venture onto the water to say safe.
Following are some tips to remember while boating this summer and any time:
Wear a Life Jacket – Children under age 13 and anybody on a personal watercraft are required by law to wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. People being towed by a boat on skis, a tube, or other similar device also must wear a life jacket.
Avoid Alcohol – Boat operators can become impaired with less alcohol than motor vehicle drivers due to heat and dehydration. Boating Under the Influence is a criminal violation and is enforced actively in Nebraska.
Have All Required Safety Equipment – This will help boaters be prepared if an emergency occurs. Life jackets, throw cushions, fire extinguishers and bailing devices are required on most boats. For a list of what is required on a boat, check out the 2015 Boating Guide at BoatSafeNebraska.org.
Be Wary of Surroundings – The best boat operators constantly are looking around for other boats, personal watercraft, swimmers, stumps and other hazards. Speeds in excess of 5 mph are prohibited if within 30 yards of any other vessel, swimming area or dock.
Take a Boating Safety Course – Anyone born after Dec. 31, 1985, who operates a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska must have successfully completed the Nebraska boating safety course. Visit our website for a list of classes.
Moose causes boating ban at Bridgeport SRA
 A boating ban implemented by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission remains in effect on Center Lake at Bridgeport State Recreation Area. The ban is due to moose activity in the area.
Officials say there has been a regular occurrence of at least one moose in and around Center Lake, the largest body of water in the park that is most often used by boaters. A moose has been known to visit an island at the lake in recent weeks.
“It’s unfortunate that we have to take this measure, but we believe it’s the best course of action for public safety,” said Todd Nordeen of Alliance, a Commission big game program manager.
The ban was put in place before free park entry and free fishing day on May 16. It will continue through Memorial Day Weekend and continue until officials deem it safe to lift the ban.
Officials stress that people should not approach or feed moose as they have been known to become aggressive toward people and pets. Park visitors are reminded that all pets are required to be on a leash, a provision that is especially important with moose in an area.
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Remembering Conservation Officer Darin Gress
Nebraska Game and Parks Conservation Officer Darin Gress passed away earlier this month at the age of 43. Gress served 16 years with the Commission and was a respected colleague and friend to many. He is deeply missed by his Game and Parks family.
Gress graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, working for the DeBruce Grain Company and NPPD before moving to Hebron in 1999 to become a game warden. Many attended his funeral on Tuesday to pay tribute and share memories. To read more, follow the link.
Women can learn new skills with BOW programs
 Women looking for new adventures, or a fun-filled weekend with friends and family can find what they’re looking for in Becoming an Oudoors-Woman activities in Nebraska.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, or BOW for short, teaches outdoor skills to women of all ages and experiences in a fun and welcoming environment. BOW activities are a great way for women to develop new outdoor skills while surrounded by like-minded in the beautiful setting of a Nebraska state park or recreation areas. Expert instructors provide one-on-one instruction to students of all levels.
Workshops and camps teaching skills including kayaking, canoeing, outdoor cooking, shooting sports and more will take place across the state throughout the summer. A complete schedule and registration information is available online.
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Platte River shooting complex plans open house, free events
 The Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex at Platte River State Park will have an open house May 22 with free activities.
From 4-8 p.m., visitors may try pellet gun, archery, atlatl throwing and sling shot for free. This family-friendly facility also has a small-bore rifle range, a shotgun trap and five-stand sporting clays range.
The complex’s summer hours begin May 23 and run through Aug. 9. It will be open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon-6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A park entry permit is required.
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The beauty of Cottonwood SRA
 Memorial Day Weekend is an extremely busy one at many large state parks and recreation areas, both in Nebraska and beyond -- and for good reason! Nebraska’s largest parks offer a host of activities like boating, horseback riding, well-groomed walking paths, archery, paddle boating, naturalist activities and much more. For a recent NEBRASKAland article, Justin Haag and his family visited a smaller state recreation area and had a wonderful time, even without the amenities and dozens of activities offered at a larger park. Visit our website to learn why sometimes, a smaller area is the perfect destination for a quick getaway.
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Grilling tips from someone who knows a good sausage
Just as Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff of state park season in Nebraska, it is also unofficial kick off of America’s summer grilling season. The fire grates at Nebraska’s many state park lands will be in use. Nebraska Game and Parks Public Information Officer Greg Wagner talked to Ken Stoysich, of Stoysich House of Sausage in Omaha, about the art of grilling. Visit Greg’s blog to learn a sausage master’s secrets to getting the best results on the grill.
Grab a team and take part in the 2015 Great Parks Pursuit
 Ready, set, go! Teams may begin competing in this year’s Great park Pursuit! This annual event encourages teams to visit parks across Nebraska to win prizes. Since 2008 more than 16,000 Nebraskans have enjoyed the adventure the Great Park Pursuit offers. This program is a great way to learn about the diverse, beautiful and often surprising state parks and recreation areas throughout Nebraska, as well as to register to win great prizes including iPads, Scheel’s gift cards, a stay in a cabin at a Nebraska state park, and more! Learn more about this unique program and register your team online.
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Featured photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine:
A man on a water ski is towed by a jet ski on Lake McConaughy SRA in Keith County.
Eric Fowler/NEBRASKAland Magazine
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