Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
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F i n d i n g o p p o r t u n i t y a m o n g
l o w - w a t e r c h a l l e n g e s
Access to water bodies is necessary for many anglers and
recreational boaters. Nebraska Game and Parks maintains 185
boat launch facilities and park and wildlife management areas.
Ramps must be maintained, replaced, repaired or expanded
because of increased use, environmental factors and age.
Funding for new projects and repairs is made possible
through the Aquatic Habitat Program, Capital Maintenance
Funds and Sportfish Restoration Motorboat Access Funds.
Because of the drought and lowering water levels, staff
worked to extend boat ramps where possible in 2022. In some
cases, they used the low water level to reveal damage to
ramps that needed repair.
M e m o r i a l r u n h a s $ 4 0 K i m p a c t
f o r N e b r a s k a s t a t e p a r k t r a i l
The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run, an annual race aimed at raising awareness and
understanding of mental health, raised more than $8,000 for Nebraska Game and Parks
state park trails in 2022. That donation triggered access of up to $32,000 in matching federal
Recreation Trails Program funds. The funds are being used to support the construction and
upgrade of the Platte River State Park trail that leads to Stone Creek Falls. The $1 million in
improvements are aimed at making the trail Americans with Disabilities Act accessible.
Runners from every state in the nation — and one person in London and another in Puerto
Rico — participated either virtually or in-person in the May 14 race. Participants used the
hashtags #PreventSuicide and #Run4TJV when they shared their race stories, memories of
Tyler and their connection to the outdoors.
Proceeds from the annual race will continue to be donated to the Nebraska Game and
Parks Foundation for the creation, maintenance or upgrade of trails at the 76 state park
areas.
Shannon and Tim
Vanderheiden,
Platte River SP
