Published by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Spring/Summer 2009 OutdoorNebraska.org The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has introduced a new logotype. The design will make agency communications more consistent while promoting Nebraska as an outdoor destination. The Commission’s well- known circular logo – depicting a fish, a pheasant, and a pine tree – has been in consistent use for almost 40 years. However, there never has been a standard type treatment for the agency’s name. The new design emphasizes the word “Nebraska,” with “game” and “parks” in a secondary role. The objective is to promote the state, rather than simply identifying the agency. The new design especially will be effective at a distance, such as on billboards, sports show displays, and signage on cars and trucks. Instead of simply seeing the circular symbol and a line of uniformly small type, viewers will be able to read “Nebraska” plainly, associating our state directly with images of the outdoors. Great Park Pursuit set for 2nd year Another big turkey hunt is expected By Bob Grier Thanks to a record turkey population, 2009 spring and fall turkey hunters will enjoy longer seasons and fall turkey hunters will be able to hunt during Nebraska’s November firearm deer season, according to Kit Hams, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s big game program manager. “Wild turkey numbers continue to set records across Nebraska,” Hams said. “In the six years between 2002 and 2008, the rural mail carriers’ roadside surveys for wild turkeys increased about 400 percent – from 2,200 birds in 2002 to 10,850 wild turkeys in 2008. This year’s extended seasons will give turkey hunters additional time in the field to enjoy the record turkey populations.” Additionally, turkey numbers are up in all parts of Nebraska, with the following population increases: Panhandle, 100 percent; Sandhills, 400 percent; southwest, 500 Roasting marshmallows on the campfire under a starry sky was the way this family chose to end a fun-filled summer day at Ponca State Park. See pages 4-5 for ideas on how your family may enjoy the state parklands. These zebra mussels are destructive freshwater clams that originated in Europe and Asia. By Tim Montgomery After a successful inaugural year in 2008, The Great Park Pursuit will return with more sites and outdoor adventures in May 2009. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission joined the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association to develop the program. The goal was to encourage a healthier lifestyle for participants while increasing awareness of Nebraska’s nature rich outdoor recreation opportunities. This year’s program will be sponsored, in part, by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The program runs May 1 through Sept. 8. A kick-off event will be held May 16 at the Nebraska Outdoor Expo in Kearney. Other special events will be held June 20 at Pioneers Park in Lincoln, July 25 at Walnut Creek Lake in Papillion and Aug. 8 at Calamus Reservoir. The program, adopted from a similar outdoor initiative started by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, involves a challenge to visit Nebraska parks. Participants follow clues to collect nature-based impressions from posts hidden in each of the selected parks. Prizes and entry into drawings are based on the number of tracings collected. While participants become registered for a free two-night cabin stay at a Nebraska state park of their choice with just one visit, the more Spring Harvest Recent harvests for Nebraska spring turkey hunting: 2008 19,896 2007 18,001 2006 17,531 2005 14,782 2004 12,858 Summer fun in the parks Inside • Expos, Page 2 • Open Fields and Waters Program, Page 3 • Dog conditioning, Page 3 • Ten Things to Do in the Parks, Page 4 • Parks events schedule, Page 5 • Hunter/angler recruitment, Page 6 • Aquatic rehab projects, Page 6 • Fly-fishing, Page 8 See Pursuit, Page 2 See Mussels, Page 7 See Turkey, Page 7 By Eric Fowler With the recent discoveries of invasive zebra and quagga mussels in Colorado and Kansas reservoirs, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologists are asking boaters to help keep these species from finding their way into Nebraska waters. Zebra and quagga mussels are freshwater clams that are native to Europe and Asia. Scientists believe they hitched a ride to the United States in the ballast water of ships serving the Great Lakes region in the 1980s. Unchecked by natural predators, they spread throughout the eastern U.S. and, in recent years, southwestern states. The eggs and microscopic larvae of the species easily spread downstream, but in many cases, adult mussels and their larvae are spreading in the same way their ancestors got to the U.S.: hitching rides on boats or in bait buckets, live wells or bilge pumps from infected waters. The species are very similar, with slight differences in coloration, but both cause the same problems. They attach to Commission introduces its new logotype Seasons expanded for 2009 Mussels pose major threat to Nebraska COPYRIGHT, DAVE BRENNER, MICHIGAN SEA GRANT ERIC FOWLER
Transcript
Published by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Spring/Summer 2009
OutdoorNebraska.org
The Nebraska Game and ParksCommission has introduced a new logotype. The design will make agencycommunications more consistent whilepromoting Nebraska as anoutdoor destination.
The Commission’s well-known circular logo –depicting a fish, a pheasant,and a pine tree – has been inconsistent use for almost 40 years.However, there never has been a standardtype treatment for the agency’s name. Thenew design emphasizes the word
“Nebraska,” with “game” and “parks” in asecondary role. The objective is topromote the state, rather than simplyidentifying the agency.
The new designespecially will be effective ata distance, such as on billboards, sports showdisplays, and signage on carsand trucks. Instead of simply
seeing the circular symbol and a line ofuniformly small type, viewers will be ableto read “Nebraska” plainly, associating ourstate directly with images of the outdoors.
Great Park Pursuit set for 2nd year
Another bigturkey huntis expected
By Bob GrierThanks to a record turkey population, 2009
spring and fall turkey hunters will enjoylonger seasons and fall turkey hunters will beable to hunt during Nebraska’s Novemberfirearm deer season, according to Kit Hams,the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’sbig game program manager.
“Wild turkeynumbers continue to setrecords acrossNebraska,” Hams said.“In the six yearsbetween 2002 and2008, the rural mailcarriers’ roadside surveys for wildturkeys increased about400 percent – from2,200 birds in 2002 to10,850 wild turkeys in 2008. This year’sextended seasons will give turkey huntersadditional time in the field to enjoy the recordturkey populations.”
Additionally, turkey numbers are up in allparts of Nebraska, with the following population increases: Panhandle, 100 percent;Sandhills, 400 percent; southwest, 500
Roasting marshmallows on the campfire under a starry skywas the way this family chose to end a fun-filled summer dayat Ponca State Park. See pages 4-5 for ideas on how yourfamily may enjoy the state parklands.
These zebra mussels aredestructive freshwaterclams that originated inEurope and Asia.
By Tim MontgomeryAfter a successful inaugural year in
2008, The Great Park Pursuit willreturn with more sites and outdooradventures in May 2009.
The Nebraska Game and ParksCommission joined the NebraskaRecreation and Park Association todevelop the program. The goal was toencourage a healthier lifestyle for participants while increasing
awareness ofNebraska’s naturerich outdoor recreationopportunities. Thisyear’s programwill be sponsored,in part, by the
Nebraska Department of Health andHuman Services. The program runsMay 1 through Sept. 8. A kick-off
event will be held May 16 at theNebraska Outdoor Expo in Kearney.Other special events will be held June20 at Pioneers Park in Lincoln, July 25at Walnut Creek Lake in Papillion andAug. 8 at Calamus Reservoir.
The program, adopted from a similaroutdoor initiative started by theConnecticut Department ofEnvironmental Protection, involves achallenge to visit Nebraska parks.
Participants follow clues to collectnature-based impressions from postshidden in each of the selected parks.Prizes and entry into drawings arebased on the number of tracings collected. While participants becomeregistered for a free two-night cabinstay at a Nebraska state park of theirchoice with just one visit, the more
Spring HarvestRecent harvests forNebraska springturkey hunting:
Inside• Expos, Page 2• Open Fields and WatersProgram, Page 3• Dog conditioning, Page 3• Ten Things to Do in theParks, Page 4• Parks events schedule,Page 5• Hunter/angler recruitment,Page 6• Aquatic rehab projects,Page 6• Fly-fishing, Page 8
See Pursuit, Page 2
See Mussels, Page 7See Turkey, Page 7
By Eric FowlerWith the recent discoveries of
invasive zebra and quagga mussels in Colorado and Kansasreservoirs, Nebraska Game andParks Commission biologists areasking boaters to help keepthese species from finding theirway into Nebraska waters.
Zebra and quagga mussels arefreshwater clams that are nativeto Europe and Asia. Scientistsbelieve they hitched a ride to theUnited States in the ballastwater of ships serving the GreatLakes region in the 1980s.Unchecked by natural predators,they spread throughout the eastern U.S. and, in recentyears, southwestern states.
The eggs and microscopiclarvae of the species easily spreaddownstream, but in many cases,adult mussels and their larvae arespreading in the same way theirancestors got to the U.S.: hitchingrides on boats or in bait buckets,live wells or bilge pumps frominfected waters.
The species are very similar,with slight differences in coloration, but both cause thesame problems. They attach to
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By Julia PluggeGrab a favorite lawn chair, paper and a
pen, step outside, and beginbrainstorming ideas for all the things youcould do in the outdoors. Stumped yet?Now, write in bold letters and circle thewords, “Nebraska Outdoor Expo.” This isyour next step in acquiring the vastnumber of activities existing in theoutdoors.
The third annual Nebraska OutdoorExpo, set for May 14-16 at Fort KearnyState Recreation Area (SRA), will have avariety of hands-on activities, many ofwhich could be added to your list. Thefirst two days will be an OutdoorClassroom, specifically for students ingrades 4 through 6. The Expo will beopen to the public only on May 16.
The Expo is designed to meet the needsof anyone interested in an outdoorlifestyle, regardless of age or experience,including anglers, campers, bird watchers, and hunters, among others.
This year the Expo is moving to its new,outdoor location at Fort Kearny SRA,offering more activities to scientificallyenhance the family-oriented event. Thesite’s eight lakes will offer additional on-the-water experiences for anyone interestedin kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Otheractivities will include hunting, camping,shooting sports, outdoor cooking, wildlifeobservations, Nebraska historyreenactments. Demonstrations and seminars by outdoor specialists will
enhance the schedule. Local and statewideprofessionals will be on-site to share theirexperiences in the outdoors.
The Expo is free and, because May 16is the Nebraska Game and ParksCommission’s Free Fishing and ParkEntry Day, no vehicle permit is requiredto enter Fort Kearny SRA. Bring the family for a day of fun activities for allages. Also, a special kick-off event forthe 2009 Great Park Pursuit outdooradventure program will be held at theExpo. In addition, a variety of exhibitorswill display fishing tackle, hunting
equipment, and camping and boatinggear.
At the Outdoor Classroom portion ofthe Expo on May 14-15, students willparticipate in fun, interactive programs toenhance their knowledge of wildlife andthe outdoors.
Due to the exciting response to thespring Expo – 3,000 students have participated annually in the NebraskaOutdoor Expo at Kearney – an OutdoorClassroom has been added for each end ofthe state.
(Julia Plugge is the event coordinatorin the Information and EducationDivision.)
Nebraska’s 2009 ExposApril 22-23 – Platte River State Park,Louisville(students only)
May 6 – Trails West YMCA Camp,Scottsbluff(students only)
May 14-16 – Nebraska Outdoor ExpoFort Kearny SRA, Kearney(students only, May 14-15)
Sept. 18-20 – Missouri River OutdoorExpoPonca State Park, Ponca(students only, Sept. 18)
For more information:nebraskaoutdoorexpo.org
Expos are great places for childrento learn about all sorts of wildlife.
Expo has new Kearney location
2009 Participating Parks1 – Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford2 – Central Park, Alliance3 – Ash Hollow State Historic Park, Lewellen4 – Kelley Park, McCook5 – Bessey Ranger District of the Nebraska NationalForest, Halsey6 – Calamus State Recreation Area, Burwell 7 – Cowboy Trail, Norfolk8 – Scenic Park, South Sioux City 9 – Lewis and Clark Landing, Omaha 10 – Walnut Creek Lake and Recreation Area,Papillion11 – Platte River State Park, Louisville12 – Indian Cave State Park, Shubert13 – Pioneers Park, Lincoln14 – Pawnee Park, Columbus15 – Stolley Park, Grand Island
sites participants visit, the moreopportunities they have to win.
In 2008, the Tesarek family ofPlattsmouth was one of 34 teamsto visit all 10 selected parks. ThePursuit was a highlight of thefamily’s vacation.
Said Karen Tesarek: “Whenwe got back to the van, our 13-year-old, Andrea, said ‘Findingthe places was the most fun partof the whole vacation.’ I thoughtthat was really somethingbecause, in addition to doing TheGreat Park Pursuit, we also hadtaken them to the Black Hills,Wind Cave and MountRushmore, but she liked thePursuit the best.”
Engaging youth in the naturalworld outside their door is animportant component of theprogram. Of the 1,854 participants from 2008, 900 were
children. Since today’s recreationtime is often spent in front of ascreen, The Pursuit provides anopportunity which allows partici-pants to feel comfortable in natu-ral environments.
To build on the success of the464 teams registered last year,which represented 122 Nebraskacommunities and eight states,The Great Park Pursuit will offermore opportunities to participatethis year. Expanding to 15 parksacross Nebraska for this year’sprogram provides more close-to-home opportunities. In addition,this year’s sites include a mix oflocal, state and federalparklands. The variety of sitesselected highlights the greatnatural resources of Nebraskawhile raising awareness of locations that offer educational,historical and entertainmentopportunities.
(Tim Montgomery is the federal aid administrator in theParks Division.)
PursuitContinued from Page 1
Recognition certificate availableThe Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission has started a new programin which anyone wishing tocommemorate a special fishingexperience can do so with a Web-generated recognition certificate.
A digital photo of the special occasionis all that is needed to get started. Go toOutdoorNebraska.org, click on Fishing,then Recognition Certificates. Follow theinstructions and create a memento thatwill last a lifetime.
Family Fishing Nights scheduledNebraska’s Youth Fishing Program is
sponsoring Family Fishing Nights atLincoln- and Omaha-area lakes. Rods
and reels, bait and fishing instruction willbe available to participants.
Family Fishing Nights are a perfectopportunity for people, who have neverfished or have not in years, to enjoy thesport. A 2009 Nebraska fishing license isrequired for anglers ages 16 or older.
The 2009 schedule:May 20 – Wehrspann Lake, Omaha, 6
p.m.; May 27 – Pawnee Lake, Emerald, 6p.m.; June 2 – Prairie View Lake,Bennington, 6 p.m.; June 9 – HolmesLake, Lincoln, 6 p.m.; June 17 – HalleckPark Lake, Papillion, 6 p.m.; June 24 –Bowling Lake, Lincoln, 6 p.m.; June 27 –Pawnee Lake, Carp-O-Rama, 8 a.m.; July
7 – Zorinsky Lake, Omaha, 6 p.m.; July14 – Holmes Lake, 6 p.m.; July 22 –Standing Bear Lake, Omaha, 6 p.m.; July29 – Wildwood Lake, Agnew, 6 p.m.;Aug. 4 – Walnut Creek Lake, Papillion, 6p.m.; Aug. 11 – Holmes Lake, 6 p.m.;Aug. 19 – Wehrspann Lake, 6 p.m.; Aug.26 – Bowling Lake, 6 p.m.; Sept. 1 –Standing Bear Lake, 5 p.m.; Sept. 8 –Holmes Lake, 5 p.m.; Sept. 16 – HalleckPark Lake, 5 p.m.; Sept. 23 – BowlingLake, 5 p.m.
Record number of deer harvestedA record 80,467 deer and 105 elk were
harvested in Nebraska in 2008.Completing the big game harvest totalswere 512 antelope and one bighornsheep.
new opportunity to earnpayments for allowing publicwalk-in hunting and fishingon their lands, lakes, ponds,rivers and streams through theOpen Fields and WatersProgram.
The Open Fields and WatersProgram allows enrollment ofland types not currentlyallowed in the ConservationReserve Program-Management Access Program(CRP- MAP). The statewide,two-year pilot program allowslandowners to enroll qualifying lands and watersfor one or two years. Huntersand anglers will be allowedaccess to enrolled lands and
waters beginning inSeptember 2009.
For the lands portion, thenew program is focused onsites that must have a core ofmature woodland or qualitywetland hunting habitat, whichwill complement the grassland/upland game focusof the existing CRP-MAP.However, land may not beenrolled in both CRP-MAPand the Open Fields andWaters Program at the sametime.
The program divides thestate into two zones. Theprogram’s primary target area,which includes lands nearlarge population centers andalong the Platte River, willoffer higher rates for public
access and will receive morestaff emphasis for enrollment.Lands enrolled elsewhere willbe offered a reduced rate.
Landowners may be paid asmuch as $12 per acre forenrolling high qualitywoodlands or wetlands in theprogram’s target area andallowing hunter access to theirland during all huntingseasons. Payments for huntingaccess range from $1 to $12per acre. The payment tolandowners who enroll lakesor ponds in the program forfishing access will be $250for bodies of water up to oneacre and an additional $40 peracre for larger waters. Accessto streams and rivers borderedby private land will be paid at
the rate $750 per mile for coldwater trout streams and rivers,and $500 per mile for warmwater. Other rates will be paiddepending on the quality andtype of habitat enrolled in theprogram and the types ofhunting permitted on the land.
The Open Fields and WatersProgram was developed underthe auspices of the NebraskaGame and Parks Commission’sRecruitment, Development andRetention (RDR) plan, whichseeks to develop future, currentand past hunters and anglers inNebraska.
“Overall, the number ofhunters and anglers has beendeclining, with a lack ofaccess frequently identified asa contributing reason,” said
Tim McCoy, theCommission’s agricultureprogram manager. “The OpenFields and Waters Program isa great first step towardexpanding opportunities tohunt and fish in Nebraska.”
More information about theOpen Fields and WatersProgram can be found atOutdoorNebraska.org.Program information also isavailable on request atCommission district offices inLincoln, North Platte,Kearney, Norfolk, Bassett andAlliance.
(Scott Bonertz is the publicinformation manager in theInformation and EducationDivision.)
Open Fields expands access to sportsmen
Hunter’s ChecklistThere are a number of
things hunters can do before
and at the start of hunting
season to be well prepared.
Here are some suggestions
from the Nebraska Game
and Parks Commission:
✔ Hunter Education – 1)
Don’t delay in taking a
course; 2) If you already
have taken the course, make
sure you have a certification
card; 3) If you’ve misplaced
or lost the card, request a
duplicate as soon as
possible. Go to
OutdoorNebraska.org to find
a hunter education class or
request a duplicate card.
✔ Other Hunter
Requirements – Check the
Nebraska Hunter
Requirements table at
OutdoorNebraska.org for
items such as age
requirements, permit types,
accompaniment, habitat
stamps, Harvest Information
Program numbers, Nebraska
waterfowl stamps, and
federal duck stamps.
✔ Buy Your Permit –
Before purchasing a permit,
know what may be taken
with it and where you may
hunt with it.
✔ Know the Regulations
– Visit OutdoorNebraska.org
for current regulations.
✔ Get Permission – Line
up a place to hunt private
land in advance.
✔ Field Care – Know the
proper field care for the
game you plan on taking. Be
prepared to transport game.
✔ Equipment and Gear
Check – Make sure
everything is clean, safe and
not needing repair and sight
in your firearm.
✔ Train Your Dog – Use
the summer to get your dog
in shape for the hunting
season.
✔ Accommodations –
Make plans for places to stay
during a hunt.
By Scott BonertzIt doesn’t matter if you have a field
trial dog, gun dog, hunting dog, uplanddog, waterfowl dog or a bird dog, all dogowners will tell you they want a well-conditioned dog. Those owners know thefirst steps toward a well-conditioned doghappen in the offseason.
The goal of any hunter’s offseasonconditioning program is to maximize adog’s hunting potential and enhance thewell-being of his or her dog. It’s important to take a hunting dog to a veterinarian for a full physical exambefore beginning any conditioningprogram. Be sure to tell the vet how youintend to hunt the dog and seek hisadvice on a proper and safe exerciseplan. Ask specific questions to helpdetermine whether your dog is physically fit and has the ability tobegin an exercise program.
Dog owners should plan on six toeight weeks of preseason conditioningto regain hunt-ready status for any dogthat has spent much of the winterrelaxing. Dogs that enter the huntingseason in unfit condition are prone toinjury and may not reach the desiredfitness level until late in the season,which can sour time spent afield.
The conditioning sessions can be shortand fun, not lasting more than 10 or 15minutes and should take place three tofour times a week. Hunters may conductthese sessions on Nebraska Game andParks Commission-managed propertiesfrom May 1 through July 31, except onareas designated and specifically postedwith authorized dog training area signs,
which can be used year round for dogtraining.
Five state wildlife management areas
(WMA) are designated and posted asauthorized dog training areas. These areasare Yankee Hill WMA and Wagon TrainLake State Recreation Area (SRA) dogtraining areas in Lancaster County, RakesCreek WMA in Cass County, Red WillowReservoir WMA in Frontier County andSherman Reservoir in Sherman County.All other WMAs are closed to dogtraining in May, June and July.
Another important aspect to having awell-conditioned dog is nutrition.
“Many breeds of hunting dogs arevery oral and when they have nothing tocarry around in their mouths they eatinstead and have a tendency to gainweight,” said Dr. Kent Forney, aNebraska Game and ParksCommissioner and Lincoln veterinarian.
According to Forney, hard-workingsporting dogs will require morecalorically-dense food to make up forthe calories they burn when afield, butthose extra calories are not needed during the offseason.
“You hear a lot of talk about highprotein when feeding dogs, but what itreally comes down to is the quality ofprotein being more important than thequantity,” Forney said.
So, if you get out early to conditionyour dog, have it checked by a vet, andgive it the proper nutrition, you could berewarded on your next outing with ahappy and healthy dog. You just mightfill your bag with more birds, too.
(Scott Bonertz is the publicinformation manager in the Informationand Education Division.)
Born to RunA common method used to conditionsporting dogs is running. Runningexercise can be accomplished byvarious means, such as running freewhile hunting, running and pullingweights such as cables or chains,running beside a bicycle, running ona merry-go-round-type dog walker,and running on a treadmill. CheckOutdoorNebraska.org for areas opento dog training.
Reap rewards of well-conditioned dog
A well-conditioned dog may resultin a very fruitful hunt in the fall.
By Mike GroenewoldSince its arrival into the
United States near Detroit in2002, the emerald ash borerhas killed an estimated 20million ash trees in 10 stateseast of Nebraska.
The larval stage of thisdestructive, invasive specieskills all species of ash byfeeding in the cambium layerbeneath the bark, disruptingthe flow of nutrients andwater from the roots to theupper branches and leaves ofthe ash tree. Infested trees generally die in one to three
years.Although the emerald ash
borer was discovered insoutheast Missouri during thesummer of 2008, the insecthas not been detected inNebraska yet. However,community leaders, foresters,land managers and regulatoryofficials are concerned aboutthe future of the state’s nativeand introduced ash trees. Itwill be difficult to control theemerald ash borer once itarrives in Nebraska.Chemical control may be aviable option for high value
landscape trees but likely willbe too costly for windbreaksand native woodlands. Sowhat can we do?
It’s in the best interest ofthe state to keep the bug outof Nebraska for as long aspossible. Entomologists areconvinced that most newareas of emerald ash borerinfestation are createdthrough human transfer of theinsect’s larval form in ashfirewood.
Therefore, this year, and inthe future, purchase or gatherfirewood locally for
campfires at your favoritepark or wildlife area ratherthan bring it from home.
Anyone suspecting anemerald ash borer infestationin Nebraska is encouraged tocontact the NebraskaDepartment of Agriculture at(402) 471-2394.
To learn more about theemerald ash borer and itsidentification go to emeraldashborer.info.
(Mike Groenewold is a horticulturist in the ParksDivision.)
8. CanoeingNebraska has excellent canoeing rivers, many of themflowing past state parks. Camping at one of the parks is arewarding way to end a day’s float down one of the prairierivers. If a relaxing tour around a small lake is desired,plenty of state parklands have lakes for such use. Bring a fishing pole and combine two activities.
All You NeedA Nebraska Park Entry Permitis required for all vehiclesentering state parklands.Purchase one at
OutdoorNebraska.org andenjoy Nebraska’s parks.
9. LearningMuch of Nebraska’s history can be discovered by visiting any
of the state’s 10 historical parks or eight state parks. Learnabout Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill and Crazy Horse. See
wagon wheel ruts along the California-Oregon Trail. Manyparks have living-history demonstrations and don’t forgetNebraska’s four forts, which have rich, colorful histories.
4. SwimmingFrom the Family Aquatic Center at Eugene T. Mahoney
State Park to the beach at Lake McConaughy StateRecreation Area, there are plenty of places to take a
cool dip in the state’s parks. Fort Robinson, Ponca,Niobrara, Platte River and Chadron state parks all
have swimming pools. Several state recreation areashave large reservoirs with beaches.
5. PicnickingPack a lunch and spend aday relaxing at a state park.It could be a short drive to anearby park, where wildlifeviewing and scenery couldbe taken in during a picnic inthe shade of a tree.Interstate 80 travelers canpack a lunch and enjoy it atone of the state recreationareas along the highway.
7. Horseback RidingA different way to enjoy the vistas of state parks is on horseback. Trail rides are available at Indian Cave(photo above), Eugene T. Mahoney, Ponca, Chadron, Niobrara, Platte River and Fort Robinson state parks.Riders may bring their own horses and travel the trails at Two Rivers, Branched Oak, Pawnee, Rock CreekStation, and Willow Creek state recreation areas, as well as Fort Robinson.
3. FishingWhether you’re making an early-morning trip to a park for somecatch-and-release action, orenhancing your camping trip withsome afternoon angling forsupper, fishing opportunitiesabound in the state parks. Takethe children out and introducethem to fishing. Target a numberof species using a variety ofmethods.
2. BoatingThe state’s many reservoirsoffer great opportunities forspending a relaxing day in theboat. You may pull a skier atLake Maloney StateRecreation Area (SRA), fishfor rod-bending flathead catfish at Branched Oak SRA,or take a leisurely cruisearound Lewis and Clark LakeSRA and soak up some sun.
1. CampingFew things are more relaxing than a weekend
camping trip at a state park. Fish in themorning, go swimming in the afternoon, thenenjoy a campfire-cooked meal in the evening.
Variety is key as the parks have a range ofcampsites for tents or recreation vehicles.
Whether you want a primitive, secluded campsite or one loaded with amenities for the
family, Nebraska’s parks have a lot to offer.
6. HikingEnjoy the outdoors
at your own pace ona hike on one of theparks’ many scenic
trails. Take in thePine Ridge on trailsat Fort Robinson or
Chadron state parksor overlook the
Platte River on trailsat Eugene T.
Mahoney or PlatteRiver state parks.Ponca and Indian
Cave (photo atright) state park
trails lead tobeautiful views of
the Missouri River.
10. BikingFort Robinson State Park (SP) has 67 milesof trails, with bike rentals available. Anexcellent biking destination in easternNebraska is Indian Cave SP, with its 36 milesof trails. Niobrara SP, Fort Kearny StateRecreation Area (SRA) and Branched OakSRA also are good options. Don’t forget theCowboy Trail, which stretches across north-central Nebraska.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Nebraska’s state parklandsthis summer. Here are 10 of the most common ones:
Alexandria, (402) 729-5777Scenic area includes excellent fishingand modern campground. May 16:kids’ fishing clinic.
Arbor Lodge SHPNebraska City, (402) 873-7222
Home of J. Sterling Morton, founder ofArbor Day, features a 52-room mansion with period furnishings,carriage house and arboretum. Sept.19-20: Applejack Festival, fine artsshow.
Arthur BowringSandhills Ranch SHP
Merriman, (308) 684-3428Working Sandhills ranch interpretsearly ranching. Includes interpretivecenter, historical displays and demonstrations. Ranch home toursand visitor center open May 23-Sept.7, Monday-Saturday (closedWednesdays), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. andSundays, noon-4 p.m. June 28: SodHouse Sunday.
Ashfall Fossil Beds SHPRoyal, (402) 893-2000
Huge bone bed of animals fossilized involcanic ash. Park includes interpretivecenter and ongoing excavation of fossils. Open daily Memorial Dayweekend through Labor Day weekend.Call for additional open days.
Ash Hollow SHPLewellen, (308) 778-5651
Rest stop for wagon trains on theOregon Trail. Park includes interpretivecenter, archaeological site and wagonruts. Visitor center open May 23-Sept.7, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.June 12-13: Ash Hollow Pageant.
Buffalo Bill Ranch SHPNorth Platte, (308) 535-8035
Home and barn built by frontier showman and scout William F. “BuffaloBill” Cody. Cody memorabilia, historicaldisplays. House and barn open March23-May 22, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4p.m., open seven days a week, May23-Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; open Sept.8-Oct. 23, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4p.m.
Calamus SRABurwell, (308) 346-5666
Nebraska’s newest large reservoir hasa fish hatchery nearby. June 6:Calamus Carp Tournament; Aug. 1:Calamus Carp Tournament; Aug. 23-24: Windsurfing Rodeo.
Chadron SPChadron, (308) 432-6167
Nebraska’s first state park. Located inthe scenic Pine Ridge. Housekeepingcabins available from mid-April to mid-November, plus a groupcamp/conference facility. Moderncampground with showers available.April 25: Chadron Adventure Race;June 20: Chadron State ParkAnniversary Day; July 10-12: Fur TradeDays.
Eugene T. Mahoney SPAshland, (402) 944-2523
Ultra-modern park located in bluffsabove Platte River. Year-round lodging
and recreation. Restaurant open year-round. Holiday buffets: Easter, Mother’sDay and Father’s Day; May 15, July 10,Aug. 14 and Sept. 11: star gazing;Sept. 12: Moonshell StorytellingFestival.
Fort Atkinson SHPFort Calhoun, (402) 468-5611
First military post west of the MissouriRiver. Interpretive center, reconstructed stockade, outbuildings.Visitor center open weekends only, 10a.m.-5 p.m., May 2-17 and Sept. 12-Oct. 18; open daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.,May 23-Sept. 7; living historydemonstrations, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: May 2-3, June 6-7, July 4-5, Aug. 1-2, andSept. 5-6.
Fort Hartsuff SHPBurwell, (308) 346-4715
Restored plains infantry post,interpretive center. See living historydemonstrations. April 25-May 15:buildings open, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, closed on weekends; May 16-Sept. 7: office open, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.,Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. onSunday; Sept. 9-27: buildings open, 8a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week andoffice and buildings open, 9 a.m.-5p.m., Monday-Friday.
Fort Kearny SHP and SRAKearney, (308) 865-5305
Oregon Trail military post. Interpretivecenter, reconstructed stockade andbuildings, living history. March 30-May15: park open by appointment only orat superintendent's discretion; May 16-Sept. 7: park open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.March 7: Polar Bear Plunge, 2 p.m., atSRA; May 14-16: Nebraska OutdoorExpo; May 23-25 and Sept. 5-7: 1860ssoldier and civilian encampment, livinghistory demonstrations; June 11: PonyExpress reride, midnight; June 20:Pawnee storytelling, at SHP, 6-10 p.m.;July 4-5: Fourth of July StampedeDays.
Fort Robinson SPCrawford, (308) 665-2900
Historical outpost served from IndianWars through World War II. Museums,
restored buildings, modern and primitive camping, cabin and lodgingfacilities available from mid-April tomid-November. Restaurant open dailyfrom Memorial Day Weekend throughLabor Day Weekend. March 21-24: FireSchool; April 3-4: Boy Scout TreePlant; April 23-26: historical conference; May 22: Park opens at 4p.m.; May 23: official opening of parkactivities; June 12-14: IntertribalGathering; June 11-15: 4-H HorseCamp; July 2-4: art show; July 4: FortRobinson Fourth of July Celebration;Aug. 8-9: Performance by Trotters;Sept. 7-11: APHA Trail Ride; Sept. 16-20: AHA Trail Ride; Sept. 20-26:Cavalry Association.
Fremont Lakes SRAFremont, (402) 727-3290
This eastern Nebraska favoriteincludes 270 water acres in 20 sandpitlakes. May 16: Kids’ Fishing Day.
Indian Cave SPShubert, (402) 883-2575
Restored schoolhouse and generalstore from the old Missouri River townof St. Deroin. Located in scenicMissouri River bluffs on the Lewis andClark Trail. Modern and primitive camping available. Living historydemonstrations. June 6: Trails Day (trailrestoration); May 23-25, June 6-7, July4-5, Aug. 1-2, and Sept. 5-7: black powder demonstrations; Sept. 5:fireworks.
Lake McConaughy SRAOgallala, (308) 284-8800
Nebraska’s largest reservoir, with 100miles of shoreline, white-sand beaches, modern and primitive camping. May 2: catfish tournament;May 16: walleye tournament; May 30-31: Big Mac Shut Up and Fish WalleyeTournament; June 5-6: Easter SealsMulti-Species Fishing Tournament;June 6: Nebraska Walleye AssociationKids’ Fishing Clinic and Water Expo;June 6 -7: Colorado WalleyeAssociation Tournament; June 21-22:Nebraska Walleye AssociationTournament; July 25: Kites andCastles.
Merritt Reservoir SRAValentine, (402) 376-3320
This Sandhills lake is one of the state’sfinest bodies of water for fishing. June13-14: catfish tournament; June 27-28:Nebraska Walleye Trail; July 11-12:Nebraska Walleye Association tournament; July 19-24: Nebraska StarParty; Aug. 21-22: catfish tournament.
Niobrara SPNiobrara (402) 857-3373
Located at confluence of the Niobraraand Missouri rivers on the Lewis andClark Trail. Modern and primitivecamping available. Modernhousekeeping, cabins overlooking theriver with year-round availability. May23-Sept. 6: horse trail rides; June 6-Aug. 9: swimming pool open daily; Aug.10-Sept. 6: swimming pool open onweekends; May 23-Sept. 5: buffalocookout and entertainment everySaturday; May 23, July 4, July 11, July25, Sept. 5: Nebraska HumanitiesProgram; May 30, June 13, June 27,July 18, Aug. 15, Aug. 22: NationalPark Service Interpretive Program; July3, July 31: National Park Service Kids’Program; Aug. 1: Ponca Culture Night;Aug. 8: mountain man storytelling.
Pawnee SRAEmerald, (402) 796-2362
This Salt Valley lake just west ofLincoln offers camping and fishing,along with miles of trails. June 27:Carp-O-Rama, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Platte River SPLouisville, (402) 234-2217
Located in wooded hills above thePlatte River. Modern housekeepingcabins available for year-round lodging.Tepees and camper cabins alsoavailable. May 16: fishing clinic, 9-11:30 a.m.; May 17: mountain bikerace, time TBD; May 23-25: holidaybuffet; May 23-Sept. 7: horseback trailrides, swimming pool, craft center,paddle boat rentals available; June 21:Father's Day Buffet; July 4: holidaybuffet; Sept. 7: Labor Day Buffet.
Ponca SPPonca (402) 755-2284
Located in scenic bluffs above MissouriRiver on the Lewis and Clark Trail.Modern and primitive camping available.Housekeeping cabins available May-October. Outdoor Education programsare available Memorial Day-Labor Day.May 9: International Bird Migration Day;May 10: Mother’s Day Buffet; May 29-31:Becoming an Outdoors-WomanWorkshop; June 20-21: Father’s DayFossil Hunt; June 21: Father’s Day FishFry; Aug. 7-9: Becoming an Outdoors-Family Workshop; Aug. 22-23: HeritageFarm Weekend; Sept. 8-9: Archery Sight-In; Sept. 19-20: Missouri River OutdoorExpo (students only on Sept. 18).
Rock Creek Station SHPFairbury, (402) 729-5777
See wagon ruts along the old Oregon-California Trail in this history-rich park.June 6-7: Rock Creek Trail Days.
Two Rivers SRAWaterloo, (402) 359-5165
Fishing and swimming at severalsandpit lakes, Platte River. Caboosecabins available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Victoria Springs SRAAnselmo, (308) 749-2235
A secluded, scenic getaway in theSandhills. Two cabins near the park’spond and modern camping available.May 16: Kids’ Fishing Day; June 6:Very Important Kids’ Day.
Wildcat Hills SRAGering, (308) 436-3777
This Panhandle jewel is situated amongrugged buttes and pine-coveredcanyons. June 16-20: High PlainsScience Adventures; July-August:summer day camps at nature center.
Willow Creek SRAPierce, (402) 329-4053
Camping, boating, fishing and bikingare among the activities to enjoy. June6-7: Fish and Chips Fishing/Golf Tournament.
Entrants circle the arena duringthe dance contest at theIntertribal Gathering at FortRobinson State Park in 2007.This year, the event, which isopen to the public, is June 11-15.
Parks KeySP: State ParkSRA: State Recreation AreaSHP: State Historical Park
Permit RequiredA park entry permit is required forall vehicles entering state parks,state recreaton areas and statehistorical parks. Permits, includingfishing permits, may be purchasedat OutdoorNebraska.org.
Free Fishing and Park Entry DayFree Fishing and Park Entry Day inNebraska is May 16, when anyonemay fish in Nebraska or enter astate park without a permit.
Recruitment, Development and Retention(RDR) Plan efforts will rely on theNebraska Game and Parks Commission’seducation team. The team will work todevelop more opportunities for familiesand youth to become engaged in theoutdoors, especially hunting, fishing andshooting sports.
The 20-year RDR Plan was adopted bythe Commission to reverse the trend ofwaning numbers of hunters and anglersin Nebraska. It aims to recruit newhunters and anglers, further developexisting hunters and anglers, and retainthose that already exist.
Here are some new programs:Outdoor U. – This will provide
outdoor skills education through easilyaccessed programs, events and Web-
based learning opportunities. It willincorporate an incentive program thatencourages a lifelong learning and teaching culture.
Outdoor U. recognizes many ways tolead participants to involvement inhunting, shooting, fishing, camping andgreater environmental stewardship. Itawards participants with “degrees” asthey proceed through with “Pathfinder”and ending with “Legacy Outdoorsman.”Each degree will allow participants aflexible path with requirements tosucceed, while engaging participants inoutdoor activities, Web programs,workshops, etc.
The program focuses on research thatsuggests participation in any activity relieson social support available and continuedinvolvement in similar activities with goalsachievable through effort.
Hunting and Fishing Family Camps– Camps and extended workshops arekey tools in helping families, adults andyouth develop outdoor traditions.Capitalizing on some of the successfulcamps the Commission has offered, this
program will enhance Becoming anOutdoors-Woman events, add a newBecoming and Outdoors-Family,offer species-specific hunting/fishing development workshops, and includeYouth Outdoor Skills Camps to greatlyexpand these programs’ reach.
This effort will build off of existingprograms, including the popular OutdoorExpos, to further funnel participants intomore focused educational programming,where fun and safety are the goals.
Urban Fishing Club – The programpartners with communities to develop asix- to eight-week offering that will targetbeginning anglers and cover elementsfrom equipment set-up, knots, casting, baitand lure selection to how to catch fish.
Many other new plans also will beimplemented in 2009. This will requirethat the Commission staff be focused onthe outcome: a society that values andparticipates in outdoor traditions.
(Jeff Rawlinson is an assistant administrator in the Information andEducation Division.)
By Jerry KaneRecent aquatic rehabilitation
projects will ensure betterfishing, increased waterquality and improved accessfor anglers around the statefor years to come.
The projects, part of theNebraska Aquatic HabitatProgram, are funded in partby proceeds from theNebraska Aquatic HabitatStamp, which is included inthe price of a fishing permit.
Here is an update on recentprojects of the NebraskaGame and Parks Commission,as well as its parnters:
Glenn Cunningham LakeThis Omaha-area project is
being done in two phases. Thefirst phase has been completedand includes improvements tothe reservoir. Improvementsinclude jetties, offshore breakwaters, submerged andexposed islands, excavation,and outlet modifications.
The second phase, whichremains in progress, includesstructures designed to reducethe amount of muddy waterentering the reservoir. Onepart of this includes construction of sedimentbasins along Little PapillionCreek upstream from thereservoir. During high flows,the basins will collect muchof the silt before it reaches thelake. A weir, a structure thatregulates the flow of water, isbeing built along NebraskaHighway 36 at the inlet to thereservoir to further reduce theinflow of muddy water.
The lake has been stockedwith bluegill, channel catfish,largemouth bass and walleye,but most will not be of catchable size until at least thefall of 2010.
Bowling LakeThis fishable Lincoln lake is
near completion. It has beendeepened from its previous 4-6feet to the new 10-18 feet.Some of the excavated lakebottom material was used tobuild an access peninsula to theisland and several hard points.
The lake’s pumping systemwas damaged after a heavyrain and runoff last June, andrepairs were made and thelake was filled to capacity inMarch 2009.
Sherman ReservoirWork on this lake in central
Nebraska was finished in Mayof 2008. The project includedthe construction of seven jetties and eight offshorebreakwaters to protectshorelines from wave erosion.Also, sediment was removedfrom four bays so that crappiefry, fingerlings and adults
would not be stranded inbackwaters during summerirrigation drawdowns.
Jetties and breakwaters weremarked, but the topsintentionally were built to alower elevation than high poolto keep protected zones frombecoming isolated andstagnant. This created a potential boating hazard whenthe reservoir was maintainedat or above full pool. Toreduce risk, rock piles extending above the water linewere placed at 100-footintervals along the tops ofthose structures. The exposedrocks, along with hazardbuoys, alert boaters to thepresence of jetties and breakwaters.
Crescent LakeThis Garden County lake,
and its watershed, were renovated to remove carp andother rough fish; Rotenonewas applied in 2007 and 2008to several lakes and their connecting waterways toremove rough fish.
(Jerry Kane is a publicinformation officer in theInformation and EducationDivision.)
Offshore Breakwater
Offshore Breakwater
Island
Fish Attractors (cedar trees)
Vegetation Barrier
Spawning Bed
Jetty
Jetty
Plan aims to get people outside
Aquatic rehab projects ensure better fishing
NGPC On the AirRadio Schedule
• “Nebraska Outdoor
Report” – Wednesday, 7:35
a.m., WNAX 570 AM,
Yankton, S.D., with NGPC’s
Greg Wagner
• “Nebraska Outdoor
Update” – Wednesday, 8:35
a.m., KHUB 1340 AM,
Fremont, with NGPC’s Greg
Wagner
• “Outdoor Headline Update”
– Friday, 7:10 a.m., KZEN
100.3 FM, Columbus, with
NGPC’s Greg Wagner
• “Nebraska Outdoor
Report” – Friday, 8:48 a.m.,
KFAB AM 1110, Omaha,
with NGPC’s Greg Wagner
• “Lincoln Live – Nebraska
Outdoors” – final Friday of
each month, 11 a.m., KFOR
1240 AM, Lincoln, with
NGPC’s Jeff Rawlinson,
Aaron Hershberger and
Ralph Wall, and KFOR’s
Dale Johnson
• “Nebraska Outdoors” –
Saturday, 7 a.m., call-in pro-
gram, ESPN 1480 AM,
Lincoln, with NGPC’s Jeff
Rawlinson, Aaron
Hershberger and Ralph
Wall, and ESPN 1480’s Tim
Barrett
• “The Great Outdoor Radio
Show” – Saturday, 9 a.m.,
call-in program, KOZN 1620
AM, Omaha, with NGPC’s
Greg Wagner
Television Schedule
• “Turpin Time” – Tuesday,
noon (frequently during 5:30
p.m. and 10 p.m. news-
casts), KDUH-TV, Ch. 4,
Scottsbluff, with Dick Turpin
• “Nebraska Outdoors with
Rocky Hoffmann” –
Wednesday, 6:25 p.m.,
KNOP-TV, Ch. 2, North
Platte, with NGPC’s Rocky
Hoffmann
• “Morning Outdoor Files” –
Wednesday, 6:54 a.m., NTV
Network (KHGI-TV, Ch. 13,
Kearney, KWNB, Ch. 6,
Hayes Center), with NGPC’s
Ralph Wall
• “Turpin Time” –
Wednesday, 6 p.m., KMEG-
TV, Ch. 14, Dakota Dunes,
S.D., with Dick Turpin
• “Outdoor Report” –
Thursday, 6:50-7 a.m.,
KOLN/KGIN-TV, Ch. 10-11,
Lincoln and Grand Island,
with NGPC’s Ralph Wall
• “Turpin Time” – Thursday,
6:50-7 a.m., KOLN/KGIN-
TV, Ch. 10-11, Lincoln and
Grand Island, with Dick
Turpin
• “Turpin Time” – Thursday,
11:30 a.m. newscast, Friday,
6:55 a.m., KNOP-TV, Ch. 2,
North Platte, with Dick
Turpin
• “Weekly Outdoors Report”
– Thursday, 6 p.m. sports-
cast, WOW-TV, Ch. 6,
Omaha, with NGPC’s Greg
Wagner
• “Weekly Outdoors Report”
– Saturday, during 8 a.m.
newscast, WOW-TV, Ch. 6,
Omaha, with NGPC’s Greg
Wagner
New features at Glenn Cunningham Lake are labeled above in this June 2008 photo.
ER
IC F
OW
LER
RDR efforts will focuson building outdoorskills for families, youth
By Jerry KaneProperly disposing of litter is a way
everyone may gain a sense of stewardship of Nebraska’s outdoors.And by doing so, Nebraskans canensure future generations will haveclean parks and waters to enjoy.
Litter is unsightly in parks and alongroadsides, pollutes water andlandscape, and can be fatal to fish andwildlife.
Bait containers, fishing line, sodacans, cigarettes, and plastic bags arecommon items found on the banks ofNebraska waters. Trash floating or submerged in the water can beingested by or entangle fish or wildlife,possibly leading to injury or starvation.
Trails, campgrounds and wildlifemanagement areas also are placeswhere users leave trash behind for others to pick up. That wastes parkresources. Would you rather haveparks personnel spending their time
picking up trash or teaching a childhow to fish?
Here are some suggestions for keeping land and water clean from theNebraska Game and ParksCommission:
• Leave only your footprints –Properly discard trash when camping,fishing, hunting or hiking. Parks havetrash containers, but the lack of a container in a more remote spot is noreason to litter – pack it out with you.Don’t leave trash in a fire ring.
• Recycle trash – Take the aluminumcans, plastic bottles and paper homewith you to recycle.
• Recycle fishing line – Bins specifically designated for these purposes are located at many easternNebraska lakes and sporting goodsstores. Fishing line wasted on theground or in the water poses a seriousthreat to fish and wildlife.
• Reuse – Don’t leave spent shotgun
shells behind. Consider reloadingthem.
• Volunteer for Take Pride inAmerica Day – This takes place eachspring and is an opportunity for people to take stewardship in theirstate by volunteering for parks projects that include clean-up. Thisyear, Take Pride in America Day isset for May 2.
• Pick it up – If you see trash, pick itup and properly dispose of it. Take aplastic garbage bag with you when youvisit a park or lake and clean up whatyou can.
• Set an example – Doing any of theabove items will set a good examplefor others. Maybe someone will noticeand help out. Teach children why theyshouldn’t litter.
(Jerry Kane is a public informationofficer in the Information andEducation Division.)
How Long Does It Take?A list of waste materials and how
long it takes them to decompose,
according to the Nebraska
Department of Environmental
Quality:
Banana peel 3-4 weeks
Paper bag 1 month
Cardboard 2 months
Cotton rag 5 months
Wool sock 1 year
Cigarette butt 2-5 years
Leather boot 40-50 years
Rubber sole 50-80 years
Tin can 80-100 years
Plastic 6-pack ring 450 years
Aluminum can 200-500 years
Disposable diaper 550 years
Plastic bag 20-1,000 years
Plastic jug 1 million years
Glass 1-2 million years
Styrofoam 1 million years
Litter prevention crucial to stewardship
hard surfaces and form clusters that can clog watersystems in power andmunicipal water plants,requiring costly regulartreatment. Microscopicyoung sucked into thecooling systems of boatmotors can grow and clogthose systems, causingengine damage. They also arevoracious feeders, filteringmicroscopic organisms fromthe water, and have disruptedthe aquatic food chain inmany inland lakes.
Zebra mussels have beenfound in the Missouri Riveralong Nebraska twice — anadult in 1999 and larvae in2003 – but intensivemonitoring hasn’t detectedany since. In 2006, zebramussels were found in a lakeat Offutt Air Force Base inBellevue. The lake’s outlet,
which drains into theMissouri River, was pluggedand last September the lakewas chemically treated to killthe zebra mussels. While itappears that effort wassuccessful, officials hope totreat the lake a second timethis spring and will continuemonitoring efforts to ensureall zebra mussels are killed.
Zebra mussels have beenfound in seven Kansasreservoirs since 2003,including three in 2008. InColorado, the discovery ofadult zebra mussels in PuebloReservoir in 2007 led to astate initiative that found larval zebra and quaggamussels in eight otherreservoirs in 2008, includingJulesburg Reservoir, anirrigation reservoir in thenortheastern corner of thestate. Water diverted from theSouth Platte River feeds thelake, also known as JumboReservoir, and is returned tothe river near the Nebraskaborder.
“We thought the threat wasgoing to come from the east,”said Darrol Eichner, theNebraska Game and ParksCommission district fisheriessupervisor who overseesLake McConaughy and otherlarge reservoirs insouthwestern Nebraska.
Jumbo Reservoir is lessthan an hour’s drive fromMcConaughy, which drawsmany of its visitors fromColorado. Other reservoirs inthe area attract visitors fromboth Colorado and Kansas.
Eichner said zebra andquagga mussels can depletephytoplankton, microscopicplants and algae at the baseof the aquatic food web. Thiscan leave little, if anything,to eat for zooplankton, thesmall invertebrates that arethe primary food source forrecently hatched walleye,white bass and other reservoir game fish, as wellas alewives and small gizzardshad, the primary forage foradult game fish in
McConaughy. “Thesemussels could very easilyaffect game fish recruitment,”Eichner said.
Biologists will begin takingwater samples to look formussel larvae this summer atMcConaughy. “We mightalready have them, we don’tknow,” Eichner said.
More than fishing is atstake. Several hydro-electricand coal-fired power plantsare served by water from thePlatte River system, andmussel infestations couldlead to higher electric rates.
Officials from state andfederal agencies, powercompanies and other stakeholders in Nebraskabegan working together thisyear to develop an AquaticNuisance Species management plan that willguide monitoring and, ifnecessary, control efforts.
(Eric Fowler is a regionaleditor for NEBRASKAlandmagazine.
Ways to Prevent Spreadof Invasive Musselsin Nebraska Waters
If you boat in waters infestedwith zebra or quaggamussels, follow these stepsto ensure you won’t spreadthem to other waters:
Clean: Remove all plants,animals and mud from yourboat and trailer beforeleaving the boat ramp andthen thoroughly wash yourboat and equipment, preferably with high-pressurescalding water, ensuring thateven crevices are cleaned.
Drain: Remove all waterfrom your boat, motor, bilge,live wells and bait containersbefore leaving boat ramp.
Dry: Allow time for your equipment to dry beforelaunching into other waters.Adult and larval mussels cansurvive for up to five days inthe heat of summer andmuch longer in cool, humidweather.
MusselsContinued from Page 1
percent; central, 500 percent;northeast, 200 percent; and southeast,300 percent.
The 2009 statewide spring turkeyseasons begin with a youth archeryseason, March 25-May 31; archeryseason, March 25-May 31, youth shotgun season, April 11-May 31,and shotgun season, April 18-May31. Each hunter is allowed up to threepermits and the bag limit is one maleor bearded female turkey per permit.
The 2009 statewide fall archery andshotgun season is Sept. 15-Dec. 31,with permit limits of two permits perhunter and bag limits of two turkeysper permit. Turkey hunters arerequired to display a minimum of 400square inches of hunter orange ontheir head, chest and back whenhunting during the November firearmdeer season.
“Survey cards returned by springwild turkey hunters continue to show
high satisfaction with the season andthe numbers of birds seen, and springhunters report very little issue withincreased numbers of hunters, bothon private and public ground,” Hamssaid.
“Statewide harvest for the springwild turkey seasons have increasedwith the record population of birds,”Hams added. “Between 2002 and2008, the statewide harvest of turkey inthe spring went from 9,000 in 2002 to19,000 by 2008. To those who remember back to Nebraska’s earlywild turkey hunts, the increase is henomenal. The year of my first springhunt in Nebraska, 1967, the spring har-vest was only 243 birds.”
Spring turkey permits are availablefrom Commission offices and onlineat OutdoorNebraska.org. Additionalinformation is available in the 2009Nebraska Spring and Fall TurkeyHunting Seasons brochure and on theWeb site’s information pages.
(Bob Grier is the district information officer in theCommission’s Alliance office.)
who doesn’t have the time orresources to travel to fish troutevery weekend, here’s somegreat news. There’s no reasonto put your gear in the garageand take up golf – just changeyour focus from fishing fortrout and concentrate onspecies such as largemouth orsmallmouth bass, bluegill,crappie, northern pike or carp.
When targeting trout,anglers usually use small fliesthat accurately imitate variousforms and species of aquaticinsects, crustaceans andminnows that trout feed on atcertain times.
In warmwater fishing,anglers after larger fish suchas largemouth and smallmouthbass or northern pike,generally use larger flies –one half to 3 inches long forbass and up to 8 or 10 inchesfor northern pike – thatimitate beetles, grasshoppers,wasps, spiders, moths,caddisflies, stoneflies, damselflies, dragon flies, and dobsonflies.
Floating and diving deerhairbass bugs or pike flies in largesizes, from 6 to 3/0,swimming flies that imitatesmall fish or leeches, nymphsof aquatic insects, shrimp,crabs, eels, salamanders, andsmall snakes. Bottom fliesoften imitate crawdads,sculpin minnows,hellgrammites, and minnows.Bluegill and crappie aregenerally taken on trout-sizedry and wet flies, nymphs,streamers and bucktails.
Here are some suggestionsto help you be successfulwhen fly-fishing for somewarmwater species:
Largemouth bassFish lakes and ponds. Look
for structure and cover inrelatively shallow water. Thiscould include the edge of a
creek channel, drop-off intodeeper water, weedbeds,partially submerged brushpiles, timber, and shorelinevegetation. Take a variety offly patterns so you will beable to fish the surface, themid-depths and near or on thebottom. Try a variety ofretrieves at various depths to
locate the fish and then duplicate that retrieve as longas you are getting strikes.Shortly after dawn and in theevening are the best times tofish, but bass are active bothday and night.
Smallmouth bassFish the Missouri River,
Merritt Reservoir, LakeMcConaughy, or Interstate 80lakes. Smallmouths preferbrush piles, weedbeds,flooded timber, and rockyareas. Flies that imitatecrawdads, small fish andinsects are best. Shortly afterdawn and in the evening arethe best times to fish, but bass
are active both day and night.
Northern pikeFish Merritt, Oliver and Box
Butte reservoirs, MormonIsland, Sandhills lakes, andsome reservoirs. Fish largefloating, diving flies thatcause a commotion on thesurface and less-noisyminnow-imitating flies inshallow water near weedbedsand rushes during daylighthours. Use nylon-coated steelleaders to avoid cuts or breaksmade by the pike’s teeth.
BluegillFish farm ponds, NRD
lakes, Sandhills lakes,sandpits, and reservoirs. Castnymphs, wet and dry flies toshallow, weedy areas alongthe shoreline, under tree limbsthat hang over and into thewater, and in areas ofpartially-submerged timberduring daylight hours. Slow orstop-and-go retrieves usuallyprovoke strikes.
CrappieFish farm ponds, NRD
lakes, sandpits, and reservoirs.Use dry and wet flies andminnow-imitating flies(red/yellow-colored flies arevery productive) over and nearrocky areas, in shallow coveswith brush piles, in areas offlooded timber, and nearweedbeds in the eveningthrough morning. There usually is little activity duringmidday.
CarpMost lakes and reservoirs
have fishable numbers. Carpare an exciting challenge on afly rod. Some carp fliesresemble mulberries and thefluffy seeds of cottonwoodtrees, terrestrial insects, pupaland larval stages of aquaticinsects, leeches, worms,scuds, and small baitfish. Carpflies should be fished veryslowly and with little distur-bance in the water.
(Tom Keith is a publicinformation officer in the
Informationa and EducationDivision.)
Page 8 Outdoor Nebraska
Use this guide to select the correct equipment for adesired use. Fiberglass rods will be less expensivethan graphite, but they will generally be heavier anda little more difficult to cast.
Multipurpose
If you can have onlyone fly rod, these arethe recommendations:
✔ 7½-foot medium-actionrod rated for 7- or 8-weightline✔ weight-forward floating fly line matched to rodweight ✔ inexpensive single-action fly reel with capacity tohold fly line and 50 yards of backing (or enough to fillthe spool)
✔ three or four 7½-foot knotless tapered leaders inappropriate tippet sizes. (Start with 4x for panfish and2x for bass)
Specific Purpose
Panfish
✔ 7-foot, 4- or 5-weight, medium-action rod✔ single-action fly reel of appropriate size and
weight to complement the short, light rod✔ weight-forward floating 5-weight fly line and properamount of backing✔ selection of knotless tapered
leaders with tippet sizes from 3x to 6x
Bass✔ 8- to 9½-foot, 7- or 8-weight rod (depending on
size of fish) medium-slow or slow-action rod✔ weight-forward line and bass bug taper line, bothrated to match the rod✔ single-action reel with capacity to hold abovelines and 50-plus yards of backing✔ selection of 7½-foot knotless tapered leaders withtippets ranging from 3x to 0x
Northern pike✔ 9½-foot, 8-, 9- or 10-weight rod with heavy butt✔ weight-forward floating line and musky-pike taperrated to match the rod✔ 6-8 feet of 10- to 20-pound monofilament leaderwith 8- to 12-inch nylon-coated steel leader✔ single-action reel with capacity to hold abovelines and 50-plus yards of 20-pound test backing
-- Tom Keith
The number of tools fly anglers cram into their fishing vests is limited only by theneeds and choices of the individual. However, there are some essential items.They are (clockwise from upper left): rod, reel and line; box with fly assortment;tool for weighing and measuring fish; nail clipper; fillet knife; leaders; and forceps.
Getting Started: Selecting a Rod, Reel, Line, and Leader
Warming Up on Fly RodPursue a varietyof warm-waterfish with a fly rod
Which Flies to Try Photos by Maggie Keith
These fly patterns would be good options to consider when targeting specific fish species:
