Our activities in 2016 showcased the breadth of the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's mission. We
improved trails and park facilities, worked with partners
to help reverse the trend of declining monarch butterfly
populations and unveiled an innovative and ambitious five-
year pheasant management plan. Also, we opened a new family-friendly
shooting sports complex, significantly increased the number of events we
offer at our state parks and developed new ways of using technology to
better serve our customers. That's in addition to the wildlife management
activities, educational programs, environmental reviews, aquatic habitat
projects and countless other projects and activities we undertake
throughout the Commission, day after day, year after year.
While I'm proud of all the Commission accomplished in 2016, I'd like
to highlight a couple of achievements that stand out. This spring, we
unveiled the Berggren Plan for Pheasants. Named for late Commissioner
Lynn Berggren, who passed away in early 2016, this plan aims to improve
habitat, grow pheasant populations and increase pheasant hunting
opportunities across the state. Our staff is working hard to improve habitat
on both public and private land and enhance key partnerships – including
those with landowners, hunters, Pheasants Forever, and tourism groups,
among others – which will help facilitate the successful implementation of
this plan. Increasingly, partnerships, both public and private, are crucial to
the success of our programs, and we're grateful for the organizations and
individuals that have supported us in achieving our mission.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
