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SCORP_2021-25_web_1-14

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64 2 0 2 1 – 2 0 2 5 S TAT E W I D E C O M P R E H E N S I V E O U T D O O R R E C R E AT I O N P L A N As with the amenities discussed previously in the "What Nebraskans do in Local vs. State Parks" table, amenities were broken out by region to analyze the differences among the top five amenities people found important to have and want to see added within each region. Of the 18 activities respondents had to choose from to indicate how important particular outdoor recreation amenities were to them, walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds were among the top five in every region. However, Region 1 valued wildlife viewing areas as important to have, along with "other" amenities, which included a lumped array of outdoor recreation facilities. This could be a result of limited green space in Region 1, subsequently increasing the presence of urban sprawl and less wildlife habitat. When considering the level of value placed on wildlife habitat as an amenity offered in this region, it's important to examine the potential demographic, societal and cultural differences in perspectives of those located in the region, which may influence their desire or need for amenities such as wildlife habitat and viewing opportunities. Regions 2 and 3 were the only regions that valued outdoor swimming and beach access as one of their top five amenities, which are also part of the top five amenities in the state as a whole. Campsites were found to be among the top five amenities in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Although not listed in Table 4.4, campsites were the sixth statewide amenity of importance. Fishing access was considered important in Regions 4, 6 and 7. Respondents in Region 7 considered hunting access as one of their top five amenities, which suggests the providers in this area should focus on offering this recreation opportunity. This information can be incredibly useful for local providers of outdoor recreation. If camping and access to waterbodies is available in an area, providing access to fishing and swimming opportunities should be a priority. Similarly, picnicking facilities, which were also a top amenity in many regions, are an inexpensive amenity that providers should consider to enhance recreation offerings. The survey offered 28 options of facilities and services to add or expand. The top five in each region are illustrated in Table 4.4. Every region has infrastructure as one of the outdoor recreation amenities they would like to see added. This could mean that respondents see a need for additional facilities or that perhaps the current facilities aren't in the right place and need to be relocated or revamped. Every region except Regions 5 and 7 would like to see additional hiking trails. This indicates there is a need for additional hiking trails to meet the needs of Nebraskans. Regions 1, 3 and 4 would like to see more adventure activities. Regions 5, 6 and 7 believe a variety of fishing opportunities should be added, including lake fishing, bank fishing, and river/stream fishing. Local providers should consider expanding these opportunities to meet the needs of the users in these regions. Playgrounds and picnic shelters are still considered an important amenity in many of the regions, which indicates the high importance placed on them. Walking and fishing at Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area. (Saunders County)

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