56 2020 Annual Report
•
Economic Resources
A C L O S E R L O O K A T P E R M I T S
In review of the net change of permit sales from 2019 to 2020, the data indicates a
significant increase in the sales of most permits. Many are the highest in decades if
not all-time highs. While permit sales often fluctuate from year to year due to many
factors, such as weather, 2020's major contributor is likely the pandemic and the desire
of individuals to be outside and safely distance themselves. This phenomena has been
documented throughout the nation as permit sales increased in most states.
For the first time in the history of the parks system, which turns 100 in 2021, Game
and Parks closed overnight camping to the public. This was done to examine activities
and operations and plan for a phased-in approach to services that would benefit
Nebraskans and keep them as safe as possible.
While some services were temporarily put on hold beginning in the spring, to include
nonresident spring turkey hunting, park grounds remained open, and Nebraskans —
taking health measures to heart — saw the outdoors as a safe space. Pursuit of outdoor
recreation soared.
As the calendar year progressed, we saw a surge in permit sales for parks, fishing and
most hunting, and by the end of the year, sales were at all-time highs for most permits.
Our hope is that people found this time outdoors to be quality time getting in touch
with nature with family, and we will work to keep the enthusiasm going into 2021 and
beyond.
Game and
Parks helps
inform, educate
and engage
Nebraskans
in the natural
world.
