The mission of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is stewardship of the state's fish,
wildlife, park, and outdoor recreation resources in the best long-term interest of the people and
those resources. As such, the Aquatic Habitat Program was developed to enhance the fisheries
and aquatic environment that the public and our anglers utilize.
INTRODUCTION
AND HISTORY
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Nebraska's first Aquatic Habitat Plan was approved by the Nebraska Legislature
in 1997 and included 53 projects.
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Nebraska's Second Aquatic Habitat Plan was presented to the Nebraska
Game and Parks for review and then shared with the public through a series of
advertised meetings. The final plan was approved in March 2008 and included
72 projects.
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A drawback to these first two plans was that the improvements made to
the aquatic habitat were difficult for anglers to utilize. In 2009, the Nebraska
Unicameral passed legislation increasing the price of an Aquatic Habitat Stamp
and expanded the program by obligating up to 30% of program funds for
improving public access.
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From 1997 through 2024, the Aquatic Habitat Program has improved angler
access and aquatic habitat at 135 locations at a cost of $112,500,000 with the
assistance of 91 funding partners.
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In January 2010, the Angler Access Program was developed with a list of 199
project sites.
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The Aquatic Habitat Program initially was developed with Legislative Bill 584,
which was passed on Feb. 23, 1996.
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