State Parks
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2019 Annual Report 27
P R O V I D I N G B E T T E R V I S I T O R E X P E R I E N C E S
A T L A K E M C C O N A U G H Y
Miles of sandy beaches, great fishing and unique camping draw more than one million
visitors annually to Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala state recreation areas. Game and
Parks places a high priority on quality recreation and fishing, guest safety, and the protection
of the natural resources at the lakes, which includes threatened and endangered species. A
master plan was implemented in 2017 to protect resources and create a safer environment for
visitors. The plan has made a positive impact in the first two years, but visitation continues to
grow. In 2019, a combination of reduced beach area due to high water level, and record holiday
crowds overburdened infrastructure and guest services, and placed natural resources at risk.
Additionally, agency and local law enforcement and emergency responders are not staffed to
address the problems associated with overcrowding and increased emergency call volume.
In partnership with the local community, Keith County and state leaders, and with support
of the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, Game and Parks has begun to
take make recommended changes that, if enacted, would help to reduce overcrowding. A Lake
McConaughy Visitor Management Draft Plan was developed to address the changes to be made.
After holding a public information open house at Lake McConaughy in January 2020 and taking
public input online, the Commission delayed consideration of the proposed recommendations
in the plan. The Commission plans to work with partners to create a local advisory committee
which will address diverse inputs to continue to develop recommendations that will be effective
in creating a safe, family-friendly and manageable environment.
Labor Day weekend at Lake McConaughy SRA saw record crowds in 2019.
