Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1532519
2024 Annual Report • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 3 Sincerely, Timothy McCoy Director From the director In 2024, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission continued to lead the charge in conservation and outdoor recreation, achieving signifi cant milestones that underscore our commitment to stewardship of Nebraska's amazing natural resources for our residents and visitors. Our strategic focus remains on caring for our resources and increasing public access and opportunities, developing our team, and engaging with the public. We took many steps toward achieving this in 2024: • We upgraded and expanded campgrounds and campsites, completed cabin updates and added new family-friendly cabins, and completed a new learning treehouse and interactive stream at our state parks and recreation areas. We updated boat ramps and docks and improved angler access, while also improving our fi sh hatcheries to increase productivity and reduce water use. We enrolled over 435,000 in our walk-in access program, and we completed the Venture Park projects at our four Platte River Valley parks. We also provided 2,300 nature education programs across the state. • We prioritized workforce recruitment to help conserve our states natural and recreational resources and serve the public by promoting Nebraska as a prime location to work and live. We also invested in the professional development of our team and developed a retention and recognition program. • We informed the public on outdoor recreation opportunities and our conservation work across a wide range of channels. We also continued our Beneath Nebraska Skies marketing campaign to reach new audiences and build awareness of outdoor recreation opportunities; this was ranked as the best communication campaign by our conservation peers. We also provided excellent customer service in person, over the phone, and online, and developed new online features to improve our customer purchase experience. This year, Game and Parks also celebrated 50 years of the Hunter Education program and the over- 5,000 volunteer instructors that have reached more than 200,000 students. Their work has reduced hunting accidents more than 80% since 1974. These and other volunteers are an integral part of Nebraska's conservation community. Volunteers share their passion and knowledge about hunting, fi shing, boating and kayaking, nature, wildlife, and history, and assist with hands-on conservation project in our state parks, waters, and habitats. You help us achieve our mission, and we invite you to join our eff orts: There are numerous ways to get involved. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant environment that future generations will cherish all while supporting Nebraska's outdoor economy. It has an annual economic impact of over $4 billion, with $1.95 billion in retail sales while supporting over 24,800 jobs across our great state. Your involvement makes a diff erence, and we look forward to embarking on this journey with you as stewards of Nebraska's fi sh, wildlife, park, and outdoor recreation resources.