28 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • Floating The Good Life
Loading and Staging
It is important to design an area clearly identified for loading/unloading watercraft and
staging for users to prepare gear ahead of setting out on the water. This location is congested
on busy days, making circulation and placement a priority. Designate a drop-off lane directly
adjacent to the staging area that does not obstruct other vehicles from circulating past. If
possible, provide a separate pull-off away from the staging area towards the exit of the site to
allow users to secure their watercraft and gear that does not hold up those arriving to unload
and begin their float.
The area dedicated for staging will be dictated, in part, by what the site can accommodate.
This area should be large enough to receive multiple paddle craft and individuals of different
parties. There is not a specific standard for what size a staging area should be. Determine
in the planning and design process what the projected use of the site may be and what the
site can provide without impact to the rim of the embankment or environmentally sensitive
features present. Users will take advantage of what is provided to them.
Staging area surfaces should include a rigid pavement area for persons with disabilities,
otherwise can be aggregate or turfgrass vegetation. Slopes across the staging area should be
minimal to the greatest extent possible. Locate the staging area adjacent to the water access
approach to reduce the distance required to carry watercraft and loaded gear.
KAYAKING
AT
LAKE
WANAHOO
STATE
RECREATION
AREA
WATER
TRAIL
ACCESS
AT
IRON
HORSE
TRAIL
LAKE
RECREATION
AREA
