Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1532519
48 2024 Annual Report • Service • Community fi shing events: Nebraska Game and Parks hosted 75 community fi shing events across the state designed to engage people in learning to fi sh or returning to fi shing. All equipment was supplied, and volunteer instructors were on-hand to assist. We also hosted a special fi shing weekend at Fort Robinson State Park that highlighted the recently renovated ponds and included fl y-fi shing lessons. • Park events: Parks host events for the public year round. From holiday-themed festivities to nature-based programming, parks work hard to attract visitors. Two of the larger eff orts include the annual First Day Hikes and the inaugural trails-themed challenge Your Parks Adventure: Trail Trek, a collaboration among Game and Parks and participating city, county, federal and Natural Resource District areas. • More than 20 park areas hosted First Day Hikes, the 10th year for guided hikes in Nebraska. More than 1,007 hikers — along with 97 dogs, 24 horses, and one goat — tallied more than 1,867 miles on state park trails. • Your Parks Adventure: Trail Trek challenged people to fi nd one or all 48 selfi e stations posted along trails across Nebraska. More than 850 individuals and families participated, making more than 5,100 visits to trails. Sponsors provided prizes for participants, including outdoor adventures and gear. Recognizing excellence within our team In 2024, several teammates received accolades for their contributions and service to the public. Some of them include: • C.J. Zajicek, who earned the Outstanding Frontline Employee Award from the Nebraska Tourism Commission for her outstanding customer service skills. C.J. manages the reservation call center for Nebraska's state parks and helps thousands of park guests secure camping and lodging spots each year. • Greg Wagner, who was awarded the Spirit of the Shack Award by the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This award is given to one individual who embodies the captivating spirit of Albert Leopold and his mission to engage people in conservation education. • Larry Pape, who earned the Outstanding Education Program of the Year award from the Aquatic Resources Education Association for his program dedicated to introducing thousands of Nebraskans of all ages to fi shing each year. Larry has curated a statewide, dedicated volunteer base who helps make the program possible and successful. • Ted LaGrange, wetlands program manager, who was awarded the Nebraska Natural Legacy Conservation Award for his outstanding achievements and instrumental role in wetland conservation in Nebraska. • Jamie Bachmann, who won the Nebraska Natural Legacy Education Award for her dedication and leadership as the program coordinator for the Nebraska Master Naturalists program. C.J. Zajicek receives the Outstanding Frontline Employee Award. Greg Wagner receives the Spirit of the Shack Award from Director Tim McCoy.