A Q U A T I C I N V A D E R S
Awareness of the destructive Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is increasing
in Nebraska. In 2014, 1,912 surveys were conducted on 19 water bodies
to determine boater awareness of AIS. Ninety-five percent of the boaters
surveyed said they inspected their boats for AIS, compared to 48 percent in
a 2012 survey. Of those surveyed
in 2014, 90 percent indicated they
would support an increase in boat
registration to fund a comprehensive
AIS program. From May through
August, water samples were
collected several times from 46 water
bodies across Nebraska to determine
if zebra or quagga mussel veligers
were present. Only the Offutt Air
Force Base Lake tested positive.
M A R K E T I N G
Outdoor recreation is an
economic force in Nebraska,
one that generates $2.4
billion annually. In order to
encourage more Nebraskans
and visitors alike to take
advantage of our state's
natural places, Game and
Parks launched a "Time
Well Spent" campaign
promoting outdoor recreation
in Nebraska. Positioning
outdoor recreation as an
activity of choice introduces
people to Nebraska's beautiful outdoors and facilitates lifelong memories.
The campaign included cinema, digital, outdoor, remarketing and social media
and radio advertising. Game and Parks also launched a campaign marketing
recreational opportunities of western Nebraska, particularly Lake McConaughy,
to potential visitors in Colorado's Front Range. The campaign included digital radio
ads, a website, Google marketing, remarketing and social media efforts. Results
showed a record year for visitation to Lake McConaughy in summer 2014.
24 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2014 Annual Report
