Chadron State Park pond nears completion
 Water has begun flowing into the Chadron State Park pond, signifying that the renovation of the two-acre lagoon is nearing completion.
Workers from Fuller Construction and park employees began diverting water from nearby Chadron Creek earlier this month. The pond is expected to fill within 15-20 days, making it ready for fishing and paddle-boating during the summer tourism season.
The pond has been empty for the construction project since it was drained in fall 2013. While empty, workers repaired its dilapidated outlet structure, removed eroded sediment and lined it with impermeable clay. With the removal of about 12,000 cubic yards of sediment, the pond will now hold 10 acre-feet of water instead of the previous four acre-feet. It will be about 13 feet deep when full.
|
Surveys provide opportunity for hunters to voice preferences
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is in the midst of surveying hunters about their harvest success and hunting preferences. All hunters who received surveys are urged to complete and return them to Game and Parks.
The survey process allows Game and Parks biologists to collect data about the number and location of animals harvested in Nebraska, as well as hunter satisfaction. This information, combined with data from species surveys and other research, allows Game and Parks staff to make science-based recommendations about hunting regulations, as well as wildlife and habitat management decisions. Additionally, Game and Parks is also seeking input from waterfowl hunters on duck and goose zones. More information on the zone changes is available on our website.
Boat operators reminded to take boating safety class
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds Nebraska boaters that any operator of a motorboat or personal watercraft born after Dec. 31, 1985 is required to be certified in boater safety.
In addition to successfully completing a boating safety course, the operator must be in possession of a valid certificate. Nonresidents may present a certificate from their state.
Anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft in Nebraska must be at least 14 years of age, and anyone age 14 or older may take the boater safety course.
Boaters who need to fulfill their safety course requirement can either attend a six-hour course with a proctored exam or complete a home study course and attend a three-hour course review with proctored exam.
Visit our website for more information, to download home study materials or to find a list of boater safety classes across the state.
Nebraska’s largest outdoor classroom coming to Fort Kearny
 Parents and grandparents, mark your calendars: The Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo is coming to Fort Kearny State Recreation Area on May 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This annual free event gives families the chance to try all sorts of outdoor pursuits for free. Try your hand at archery, kayaking, fishing, bow fishing, camping, outdoor cooking, rock climbing and more under the guidance of trained outdoor educators. All equipment is provided. Additionally, there will be historical programs, opportunities for kids to see and interact with fish, reptiles and other critters up close, a giant mobile aquarium featuring Nebraska fish, cattle dog demonstrations, games, food vendors and other activities.
More information on the many fun, educational and free activities planned for this event are available on our website.
|
Families can learn archery together during Sunday workshop
Families are invited to learn the basics of archery together during a Families on Target workshop Sunday, April 19, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, 4703 N 44th St., in Lincoln
Nebraska Game and Parks experts will guide families through stance, bow care, range safety and more. Families will also have the opportunity to shoot fun targets together in a safe and fun atmosphere.
The cost is $5.50 per participant. All equipment will be provided. No registration is required. For more information, call the Outdoor Education Center at 407-471-6141.
Breaking news: It’s morel season!
 We are in the midst of that glorious, narrow window of time that is morel mushroom season. Nebraska Game and Parks public information officer Greg Wagner writes that friends, co-workers, and acquaintances of his are starting to find the prized mushrooms in moist, grassy areas near dead and decaying hardwood trees in Southeast Nebraska. Wagner has a few tips for those seeking morels on his blog.
|
A tip that will help any angler catch more fish
Nebraska Game and Parks fisheries outreach manager Daryl Bauer spends a lot of time on the water and he observes a lot of anglers while he’s at it. He believes we have anglers in Nebraska that are among some of the best in the country. But he also observes anglers who are struggling, who just cannot quite connect the dots. He has a tip for those anglers that he thinks will also help any angler of any level. Visit his blog to find out one of Bauer’s secrets for success on the water.
Spend time outdoors as a seasonal state parks employee
 Seasonal jobs are available at two of Nebraska’s most popular tourist attractions – Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks. Located in the Platte River Valley between Omaha and Lincoln, the parks offer positions in a fun, friendly, outdoor environment.
Positions available are customer service, lifeguard, housekeeping, wrangler, summer concessions, and grounds. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
Apply as a Temporary Park Worker I online. Call 402-944-2523 ext. 7122 for more information.
|
Featured photo from NEBRASKAland Magazine:
An adult bison stands along Smiley Canyon Drive at Fort Robinson State Park.
Justin Haag/NEBRASKAland Magazine
| 
