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2019 Annual Report • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 7 presented by the Mead Fire and Rescue Team for their efforts while rescuing flood victims. Officer Levi Krause was also awarded a Certificate of Achievement for his efforts rescuing numerous individuals night and day from the raging floodwaters. PARKS AND TRAILS ̐ Flooding caused damage at 28 of the agency's 76 park areas, as well as numerous segments of the Cowboy Trail. Cost estimates for damage to buildings, campgrounds, trails and park service roads and bridges exceed $10 million and compound the already heavy burden upon limited park cash funds previously designated for investment towards existing and critical capital maintenance projects. Access and interior roads, fishing piers, day use areas and campgrounds at several parks were compromised for extended periods, resulting in a loss of revenue from park entry permit sales and overnight campsite and cabin rentals during the spring and early summer seasons; an additional loss estimated to be over $1.2 million. Access to Niobrara State Park was restricted until mid-August, the popular Cottonwood campground at Two Rivers State Recreation Area (SRA) was closed for the year, and the Riverview Marina SRA remained closed for all of 2019. Much work remains and the agency will rely heavily upon funding assistance from the Legislature and federal FEMA reimbursement to gain full recovery. Staff collaborated with over 300 private sector volunteers and various partner organizations, who responded to our call for assistance to begin the daunting task of debris cleanup and repainting of park infrastructure so that we were able to reopen the majority of impacted parks in time for Memorial Day weekend. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS ̐ In total, 67 wildlife management areas (WMA) were impacted, with repair costs estimated at over $1.7 million. Damage included shops and storage buildings at Oak Valley, George Syas and Randall Schilling WMAs; Pressey campground; washed out roads; debris removal; boundary fences destroyed; and the Louisville Boat Ramp WMA. Flood damage at Two Rivers State Recreation Area, located west of Omaha.