In conjunction with the statewide ban on fires through April 30, Nebraska Game and Parks is implementing a temporary ban on campfires, effective immediately, at all Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas.

Camp stoves using liquid or gas fuel are permitted as they reduce the likelihood of ash or hot charcoal being discarded before they are extinguished. These types of stoves also do not produce blowing embers, further reducing wildfire potential.

Prohibited sources of open fires include:

  • All campfires
  • Transportable wood-fueled firepits with grills or mesh metal covers
  • Wood-burning stoves
  • Charcoal grills
  • Fire pans

Permitted sources are devices solely fueled by liquid gas that can be turned off; these may include:

  • Propane or butane camp stoves
  • Canister camp stoves
  • Propane grills
  • Propane fireboxes and firepits
  • Other burners fueled by liquid gas, such as gasoline or kerosene

Those wishing to use their Dutch ovens to cook should do so over propane or electric heat sources.

Those using permitted camp stoves, grills or firepits should never leave them unattended and always use them on a level area clear of flammable materials.

Out of the abundance of caution, campers and hunters should carry a shovel, bucket and fire extinguisher in their vehicle or camper to put out unintended flames.

State park area and WMA guests also are encouraged to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of wildfire:

  • Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately.
  • Avoid activities that could create sparks.
  • Restrict driving to established roads and trails.
  • Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation.
  • Make sure no chains or metal parts or objects are hanging or dragging from your vehicle or towed trailer.
  • In the morning, before driving and while the exhaust/catalytic converter system is cool, inspect it to see no debris is clinging to it.

Game and Parks part of efforts to stem Plum Creek Fire

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is among more than 60 local, state and federal partners responding to the Plum Creek Fire, which escaped containment during a prescribed burn April 21 west of Johnstown in Brown County.

Game and Parks was assisting with the prescribed burn along with partners and local volunteer fire departments on private land when the incident occurred.

A state of emergency was declared by Gov. Jim Pillen on April 23 and an executive order established a statewide open burning ban in all areas of the state through April 30.

“Nebraska Game and Parks is grateful for the efforts of emergency responders, volunteers, communities, and everyone who is working to battle wildfires, said Director Tim McCoy. Nebraska Game and Parks will continue to assist until the end.”

Game and Parks will enforce a temporary campfire ban, effective immediately, across its properties, including its state park system and wildlife management areas.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency is providing updates on the fire’s containment at nema.nebraska.gov.

Free Fishing and Park Entry Day is May 17

Free Fishing and Park Entry Day in Nebraska is May 17. Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the need to purchase a fishing or park entry permit for the day.

Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park.

Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Entrance fees for museums at state historical parks and the entrance fee at the Schramm Education Center remain in effect.

Several family-friendly activities are scheduled in state park areas across the state to celebrate Free Fishing and Park Entry Day. Some of them include:

Schramm Park State Recreation Area

Come for the grand opening of the Treehouse Classroom. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., learn about nature and enjoy a view of the Canyon Ponds in this unique educational facility. Park naturalists will have activities set out for guests to enjoy. See how layers of rock can tell a story about geological events of the past. Discover and learn about the outcrop fossils that date to 350 million years. Meet at the Geological Outcrop across from the canoe launch between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Platte River and Eugene T. Mahoney state parks

Bait a hook, cast a line and catch a fish from 9 to noon at beginner fishing programs at Platte River State Park’s Owen Landing and Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s CenturyLink Lake.

Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park

Fort Hartsuff was named in honor of the Civil War hero Maj. Gen. George L. Hartsuff. At this living history event, volunteers plan to take over the fort with 1860s impressions and demonstrations from the time of the War Between the States. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up, $1 for ages 3-12 and free for 2 and under.

Ash Hollow State Historical Park

Children under age 18 are invited to fish Ash Hollow’s pond and keep everything they catch. A free hot dog lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. Mountain time.

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

Enjoy some free fishing at the park. Look for the Family Fishing Trailer, where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available for free to participants.

Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area

Come join in at the Bob Bruner Memorial Fishing Derby for fun, food and fishing. Local radio stations, volunteers and civic groups will be on hand to provide food, prizes, as well as loaner fishing tackle, bait and instruction.

Visit Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more information on events.

 

 

Morel mushroom season has begun in Nebraska

There is good news for foragers: The morel mushroom picking season is starting in Nebraska.

Some morels now are being found along eastern river bottoms. In a few weeks, they will emerge in hilly wooded areas above rivers.

“Look for morels near dead and decaying trees like cottonwoods,” said longtime morel hunter Greg Wagner, public information officer with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “Walk slowly and scan the ground carefully. Where you find one, you should find more.”

Wagner stressed it is important for morel mushroom hunters in Nebraska to know they must get permission from the landowner to go onto private property, whether the land is posted or not.

State parks, state recreation areas and wildlife management areas owned and controlled by Game and Parks are open to the public for non-commercial mushroom hunting. Vehicle park permits are required on state parks and recreation areas. Open Fields and Waters program sites are not open to mushroom harvesting.

Morel mushroom hunters are reminded it is illegal to park at bridges along public roadways. Those kayaking or air boating are reminded that river sandbars and woodlands are nearly all privately-owned and permission must be obtained to go on to those areas to look for morels.

Wagner has the following tips for hunting morels:

  • Use insect repellent.
  • Carry a mesh bag to keep the morels fresh while picking.
  • Avoid contacting poison ivy or stinging nettles.
  • Do not disturb bird nests or animal dens.
  • Take along a pocketknife to cut morels or pinch them with your fingers.
  • The morel mushroom gathering period happens amid Nebraska’s spring wild turkey hunting seasons, so wear blaze orange clothing and steer clear of hunters and their blinds.
  • Watch out for false morels; you don’t want to eat them. False morels are red, have a brain-like lobe, and are solid on the inside.
  • Pack out your trash and recyclables. 

When finished picking, Wagner likes to cut the morels in half lengthwise and wash them thoroughly in cold water with a kitchen spray nozzle. Then a quick salt-water soak may be in order if the morels are dry. He prefers to sauté them in a skillet with butter and a little garlic.

For more information and recipes on morel mushrooms, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search “Morel hunting.”

Fort Robinson State Park upgrades lodging facilities

The improvements might not be obvious to those driving through Fort Robinson State Park, but visitors who stay in the historical lodging offerings of the northwestern Nebraska attraction will surely take note.

Mike Morava, regional park supervisor for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said this winter’s many upgrades to Fort Robinson’s buildings will be popular among those who use them, and help solidify the park’s standing as one of the nation’s best places to have a family reunion.

“I have never been part of a busier off-season than this one, but everything was needed, and it is a substantial upgrade,” he said.

Depending on the building, the improvements include rehabilitation and refinishing of hardwood floors, new kitchen cabinets, electrical service and panel upgrades, and gutters. All rental units also received new furniture, including bunk beds.

The buildings that received substantial upgrades include Comanche Hall, the 1909 Officers Quarters known as “the Bricks,” the 1887 Officers Quarters known as “the Adobes,” the 1874 Officers Quarters on the east side of Highway 20, the Bandmaster Quarters, two lodge rooms, the Nurses Quarters and Sutler’s Store activities center. Also, one lodge room was upgraded to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The total cost of the improvements is estimated at more than $815,000. The upgrades, and others in the state parks, have largely have been funded by Capital Maintenance Funds, which were established by the Nebraska Legislature to help preserve Nebraska’s public outdoor recreation facilities and parklands; other state and federal funding sources; and Nebraska Game and Parks’ funds generated from user fees of the state park system.

Enjoy events in state parks this May

Spend some time this spring in Nebraska’s state parks. During May, a variety of events are planned for those of all ages and interests.

Don’t forget to purchase a vehicle park entry permit to enter the state parks. Get one at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at state park entrances.

May 17, however, is the one day this year when a park entry permit is not required. Free Fishing and Park Entry Day, held annually in Nebraska on the Saturday preceding Memorial Day weekend, means anyone can explore outdoor opportunities at any Nebraska state park, state recreation area or state historical park. Anglers must observe all fishing regulations. Camping, lodging and all other user fees still apply at state park areas. Entrance fees for museums at state historical parks and the entrance fee at the Schramm Education Center remain in effect. Activities are planned at several parks for May 17.

Other park events in May:

Fort Atkinson SHP to host living history

Travel 200 years back in time and experience history on the Great Plains at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park. Living history events will occur from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3 and 4, then again May 31.

Ongoing demonstrations featuring military and civilian life of the 1820s will occur throughout the park. Reenactors portray fur traders, coopers, blacksmiths, carpenters, tinsmiths, weavers and other period trades. There will also be potato planting demonstrations. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the reenactors.

Admission to the visitor center is $5 for ages 13 and up, $1 for ages 3-12 and free for ages 2 and under.

For more information, contact the park at [email protected] or 402-468-5611.

Sip Nebraska returning to Mahoney SP

The 12th Annual Sip Nebraska Festival is returning to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park on May 9 and 10.

Sip Nebraska is an opportunity to explore and enjoy wineries, breweries and distilleries from across Nebraska.

Enjoy unlimited tastings, live music, shop artisan vendors, take a tour through food truck alley, play lawn games, and ride the trolley to enjoy the park.

Visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov to purchase tickets or get more information.

To reserve cabins, lodge rooms, and campsites at Mahoney, call 402-882-2448.

Ponca SP to host Mother’s Day Buffet

Ponca State Park will host a Mother's Day Buffet from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 11.

Dine indoors or on the back patio of the Resource and Education Center. The menu includes broasted chicken, glazed ham, cheesy potatoes, dinner roll, salad and dessert.

Call the park at 402-755-2284 to make required reservations. The cost is $21.95 for adults, $12 for ages 5 to 12, and free for ages 4 and under.

 

Celebrate Bird Month in Nebraska

Each year, May is Bird Month in Nebraska. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and partner organizations celebrate with a variety of activities across the state throughout the month.

This year’s theme is Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities. More than half of the world’s population lives in cities, a figure projected to double in the next 25 years. As communities expand, migratory birds face growing challenges.

Find more information about the month and several events planned at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search for “Nebraska Bird Month.”

The following are a few ways to participate hosted by Game and Parks:

Flock to Birds of a Feather on May 6

Get ready to go birding by participating in the Birds of a Feather program at 9:30 a.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

A different birding topic is introduced each session to begin the program, followed by a trip outdoors to the birding area, which may include a hike. On May 6, the topic will be Water: Sustaining Bird Life. Learn about key environments for migratory birds, such as stop-overs and breeding areas..

Beginner Birding Hike at Platte River SP

Meet at Platte River State Park’s Nature Center below Mallet Lodge at 8:30 a.m. May 10 for a beginner birding hike.

Discover what it takes to be a birder and practice bird identification skills while hiking with a naturalist on a wooded trail with hills and rugged terrain.

Wise and Wild is May 13 at James Family Conservatory

Wise and Wild is a free program for those age 55 and up who love the outdoors. It will be at 2:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center.

On May 13, the topic will be World Migratory Bird Day: Water Sustaining Bird Life. Learn about key environments for migratory birds, such as stop-overs and breeding areas.

Two Rivers SRA is All About Turkeys

Celebrate Nebraska’s spring turkey hunting season by learning All About Turkeys on May 17 at Two Rivers State Recreation Area.

Strut on up to the educational table to make a turkey caller, look for turkeys and their tracks and more. Meet at the pavilion east of the Caboose Park between 8 a.m. and noon.

Celebrate Migratory Bird Day at Indian Cave SP

Come to Indian Cave State Park for the 11th Annual Migratory Bird Day on May 24 when the theme will be turkey vultures.

The day will include a guided bird outing, “Birding for everybody and every body!” at 3 p.m.; activities, bird-related crafts and games from 4-6 p.m.; fish fry from 6-7:30 p.m.; and glow-in-the-dark egg hunt for up to age 11 at 9 p.m. (baskets not provided).

Enjoy Migratory Bird Weekend at Lewis and Clark SRA

A weekend of fun, free activities for the family are scheduled May 24-25 for Migratory Bird Weekend at Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area.

The schedule includes a birding hike, guided nature kayaking, birding games, crafts, outdoor movie (bring chairs and blankets), and glow-in-the-dark egg hunt.

For a complete schedule visit the calendar event entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.govor contact the park office at 402-388-4169 or [email protected].