Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/653523
The mission of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission – stewardship of the state's fish, wildlife, park, and outdoor recreation resources – involved us in a spectrum of projects in every corner of the state in 2015. Through innovative partnerships, ingenuity and old-fashioned hard work, we completed many projects and made progress on many others. Looking back on the year, we have much to be proud of. Among the most important issues we addressed in 2015 was the future of Niobrara River. In September, the Commission, the Nebraska Public Power District, and five Natural Resource Districts signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement will protect flows needed for conservation of plant and animal species in the Niobrara River, while also allowing for recreation, irrigation and other uses. I am proud we found an innovative and historically unprecedented approach to ensuring the biological and economic vitality of an extremely important river. The Commission's mission extends beyond resource conservation. Nebraska Game and Parks also manages Nebraska's great state park system and other public lands for all to enjoy. We made great strides in addressing deferred maintenance needs at Nebraska's parks this year, adding new restrooms and showers, replacing roofs and roads. At the same time, we also worked with private donors to add new and much-needed features at several parks. We reconstructed historic officer's quarters at Fort Robinson State Park that have offered vacationing families a beautiful, modern lodging option since last May. We also began construction on a new family friendly shooting range at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area that will give both youth and adults a place to practice their archery and firearm skills in a safe, fun environment. As thrilled that I am to see these needed facilities take shape, I'm even more grateful for the relationships we cultivated and the private donations we received that made these projects possible. Continuing to develop strong relationships with individuals who love Nebraska's state park system will help keep our parks strong and vibrant for years to come. FROM THE DIRECTOR 2 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2015 Annual Report