OutdoorNebraska

Floating The Good Life • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 23 Lakes Nebraska has numerous lakes that serve multiple functions, including flood control, irrigation supply, and recreation. While most of these are relatively calm or still water, the larger they are the more wave action due to wind currents, can make them as difficult to navigate as a river. Depth of water is also much greater than streams and rivers and influences how the surface water behaves. Water levels in lakes and reservoirs can fluctuate due to seasonal changes or drawdowns for irrigation or other public purposes. As with streams and rivers, selection of launch site locations should take into consideration impacts to fish and wildlife habitats, accessibility, and relationship to other public amenities. Examples of a few of Nebraska's lakes are: Branched Oak Lake, Lake Maloney, Lake McConaughy, Fremont Lakes, Calamus Reservoir, Harlan County Reservoir, and Swanson Reservoir. Launch Site Placement in Regards to River Behavior Once you have identified the type of river system you are working with, your launch site selection must consider many factors: • Each river is unique, so launch site selection should take into consideration the river's individual characteristics, as well as topographic, ecologic and climatic factors. • Launch sites can serve multiple functions, including stabilizing riverbanks, mitigating erosion, or restoring riparian and wetland vegetation. • Consider impacts to fish and wildlife habitat. Do not install launches in areas with sensitive habitats, protected species, wetlands, steep slopes, or wave prone areas subject to erosion. • Meanders in rivers with large floodplains may be temporary, so design should consider channel migration over time. This change can be evaluated with current and historic aerial photographs. • Natural shoreline areas for launch sites, such as level beaches, flat rock outcrops, and sturdy riverbanks, are an inexpensive way to provide access that can be reinforced easily and inexpensively, if necessary. • Select locations where water currents are relatively slow, such as runs or eddies (areas with a circular movement of water counter to a swift main current), and where water depths are sufficient to allow stable launching without damaging boats. • Launch site ramps in areas of flowing water should enter the river at an angle that points downstream. • Riverbank sites next to bridges may provide stable and consistent access as the armoring used to protect the bridge may also protect the launch. • Avoid modifying channels and preserve aquatic habitats. • Preserve historic and cultural landscapes. • Do not obstruct river flows. FLOATING ON THE ELKHORN RIVER

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