6 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
•
2022 Annual Report
N e b r a s k a A q u a t i c H a b i t a t
P r o g r a m t u r n s 2 5 , c o n t i n u e s
i m p r o v i n g f i s h i n g
Two great feats were celebrated by Nebraska Game and Parks in
June at Conestoga State Recreation Area – the 25
th
anniversary
of the Aquatic Habitat Program and the largest project ever
completed in the program.
Since its inception in 1997, the Nebraska Aquatic Habitat
Program has generated more than $90 million for improvements
to 137 water bodies. The program works to enhance aquatic
ecosystems by implementing restoration techniques in-lake and in
the watersheds that feed them. In addition to improving aquatic
habitat and water quality, the program also works vigorously to
improve boat and bank angler access at Nebraska water bodies.
Funding for this program is provided by anglers when they
purchase the Aquatic Habitat Stamp, which is included in the
price of a fishing license. Nebraska was the first state in the
nation to require such a stamp, without which these projects
bringing new life to aging waters wouldn't be possible.
To celebrate our success, on June 18 a special event, "Day at the
Lake," brought families to the recently renovated Conestoga Lake
for fun, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and food. Guests could
talk with biologists and consultants who designed the renovation
and learn about new features and fish species in Conestoga Lake,
the site of the largest Aquatic Habitat Program project in the
program's history.
Fishing,
Conestoga SRA
