Kick off the summer at our free archery event
 Saturday’s the day! Visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln on Saturday, June, 13 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for our Take Aim at Summer free archery event. The indoor and outdoor archery ranges and indoor firearm range will both be open for shooting, and we’ll have a host of other activities, too, including tomahawk throwing, outdoor cooking, kids’ activities and more. All activities are free, and food will be provided.
The Outdoor Education Center is at 44th and Superior streets in Lincoln. Visit our website to learn more about this event.
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High water expected to impact some activities at Lake Mac
Lake McConaughy is expected to reach 100 percent capacity by late June, and the high water levels are expected to affect some lake activities.
Great boating, fishing and camping will still be available at the lake, but visitors to Lake McConaughy should take high water levels into account and plan accordingly to get the most out of their trip. Visit our website to learn more about areas and activities that will be affected.
Cowboy Trail receives $10,000 grant
 The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will use $10,000 from a grant program for continued development and management planning for the Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail.
Game and Parks received the award under the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s (RTC) newly launched Doppelt Family Trail Development Fund. The fund supports organizations and local governments that are implementing projects to build and improve rail-trails. Three different projects across the United States were funded.
Game and Parks will hold public meetings along the trail later this year to discuss the future of the trail and ways to increase visitation and improve the overall appearance and natural setting of the trail. This summer, Game and Parks will assess the current condition of the trail and make recommendations in the Management Plan for future maintenance and development of western sections of the trail. More information is available online.
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Boating ban lifted at Bridgeport SRA
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will lift the temporary boating ban at Bridgeport State Recreation Area (SRA) effective Friday, June 12. The ban was enacted on May 15, when the presence of a moose was confirmed in the Panhandle park.
Game and Parks officials have actively monitored the park and determined that when there were no observations of the animal on the park area for a period of one week, the ban would be lifted. The last confirmed sighting occurred on Thursday, June 4. If the moose returns to the park, officials will assess the situation at that time to determine necessary actions.
Officials encourage people to remain watchful at the park and surrounding region and report any moose sightings to the local police department, conservation officer or nearest Game and Parks office. Signage will remain in the park to educate park visitors in case a moose again enters the area. Moose should not be approached, as they have been known to become aggressive toward people and pets. Visit our website for more information.
Intertribal Gathering to celebrate American Indian culture
 Fort Robinson State Park will again celebrate Native American culture during one of the High Plains’ premier powwows.
The 16th annual Intertribal Gathering will be Friday through Sunday, June 12-14, featuring traditional dancing, drumming and singing in a family-friendly environment. The event annually attracts hundreds of dancers and spectators.
Grand entries are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon Sunday under the direction of master of ceremonies Billy Good Voice Elk Jr. A wide array of activities will complement the dancing, including a 5k run, storytelling and the crowning of a princess. One of the special features this year will be the smoke dance.
Vendors selling Native American crafts, food and other items, also will be on-site.
The events are open to the public free of charge, but vehicles are required to have a Nebraska park entry permit. More information and a complete schedule events is available on our website.
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Carp-O-Rama coming to Branched Oak Lake on June 20
Carp-O-Rama is back in 2015 but in a new location. This popular, family-friendly event will be held June 20 at Branched Oak State Recreation Area. In the past, Carp-O-Rama has been held at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area, but fishery renovation work reduced the carp population so the event was moved.
Anglers of all ages interested in learning all aspects of carp fishing are invited to attend this free event from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lieber’s Point. Carp caught by anglers will be used in demonstrations on cleaning, preparing and cooking the fish. The cooked fish then will be served as a free lunch.
Other activities include fish printing, Dutch oven cooking demonstrations and prize drawings for children age 15 and younger. Loaner fishing poles will be available. More information is available online.
Red Willow State Recreation Area planning family fun nights
The public is invited to Red Willow State Recreation Area on June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, and July 22 for a series of family fun nights.
Each night will feature a variety of activities including a cookout, fishing, archery, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, biking, sand volleyball, and a special amazing race adventure. All equipment is provided except bicycles. A park entry permit is required. More information is available on our calendar.
The best fishing in Burchard
 Nebraska Game and Parks Fisheries Outreach Manager Daryl Bauer believes that Burchard Reservoir is one of the best fisheries in southeast Nebraska. The reservoir has a watershed comprised almost entirely of grass and because of that, even though it is a relatively old reservoir, it maintains excellent water quality, great habitat including an abundance of aquatic vegetation, and quality fishing for largemouth bass, panfish and channel catfish. Over the years, the outlet structure on the Burchard dam had deteriorated to the point that it needed replaced. That project was completed a couple of years ago, and now, fishing at Burchard Reservoir is even better. Read Daryl’s blog to find out why.
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The best of both worlds
Are you headed to Omaha for the College World Series? Nebraska Game and Parks Public Information Officer Greg Wagner suggests a stay at a nearby state park for a vacation that offers both the bustle of the city and the tranquility of a state park or recreation area. Visit his blog for a list of camping spots within a short drive of downtown Omaha.
Voting is open in name the chick contest
 Many fans of this year’s Nebraska State Capitol peregrine falcon chick submitted names in our annual name the chick contest. After much deliberation, five finalists have been chosen.
Visit our website to see if your name made the final cut, or to vote for your favorite. Voting will be open through next Friday, June 18, and a winner will be announced the following week.
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Grab a team and take part in the 2015 Great Park 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:
Clouds over a pond near Ainsworth.
Jenny Nguyen/NEBRASKAland Magazine
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