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N E E D F O R A N E W P L A N
• Prior plans were developed in 2008 (aquatic habitat) and 2010 (angler access) and needed to
be updated due to the dynamic nature of aquatic habitat systems.
• Both access and aquatic habitat projects needed to be in one planning document to
streamline efforts.
• A section addressing funding the purchase of chemicals for fish renovations and aquatic
vegetation treatments needed to be included in the plan.
• The plan needs flexibility by allowing additional projects that align with the goals of the
Aquatic Habitat Program pending approval by the Game and Parks director or Fisheries
Division administrator.
P L A N D E V E L O P M E N T
A few guiding principles steered the development of the plan. They were:
• Conduct projects throughout the state regardless of water body ownership.
• Select project sites based on input from fisheries field staff who understand the aquatic
habitat needs of water bodies and details to make projects successful.
• Develop a project list that addresses the diversity of Nebraska anglers categorized by the
fish species they prefer to catch, how they fish (boat/shore) and the type of water body they
prefer to fish.
• Align the project list with the four goals of the Aquatic Habitat Program:
GOAL 1 – Habitat: Improve the aquatic habitat environment.
GOAL 2 – Prevention: Prevent expansion of harmful organisms.
GOAL 3 – Access: Improve angler access.
GOAL 4 – Evaluation: Evaluate to improve design or efficiency.
The reservoir at Conestoga State Recreation Area was upgraded through Aquatic Habitat and Angler
Access program projects that removed sediment, stabilized shorelines, built sediment traps, and added
fish habitat structures and angler access features.
PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER
