OutdoorNebraska

20 2017 Annual Report D E M A N D G R O W S F O R C A M P G R O U N D S A N D C A M P S I T E S Research reveals a growing interest in state parks as desired destinations for outdoor vacations. This is creates an increased demand on a limited number of campgrounds and campsites in our state park areas. Parks administrators estimate that existing campsites in our parks can only serve approximately 25 percent of the recreational vehicles presently registered in Nebraska. To address growing demand, parks administration in 2017 enhanced campground infrastructure to meet changing electrical requirements and campsite size, and upgraded support facilities such as showers. The development of additional, new campgrounds and campsites also is programmed into future biennium budget requests in order to expand inventory; campsites are considered good investments with low maintenance costs. Also, and with public input, regulations that govern campsite occupancy and 14-day length-of-stay limits were amended to facilitate a greater turnover rate and provide a more consistent process for the public to obtain a campsite. The resulting changes create increased opportunity for a larger customer base wishing to use state park campgrounds. P A R K P E R M I T F E E I N C R E A S E A N D N O N R E S I D E N T V E H I C L E P E R M I T Growing demand for state park facilities and services creates proportional expenses related to daily park operations and maintenance. The agency is challenged also to address a continued backlog of deferred maintenance associated with aging infrastructure. While the agency streamlines operations, it also has taken actions to increase revenue. To accomplish that objective, the fee structure for the state park vehicle entry permit, a primary source of revenue, was adjusted. As allowed by state statute, annual and daily entry permit fees for vehicles registered in Nebraska were increased, and the provision in statue that provides for the creation of a fee structure for vehicles registered outside of Nebraska – a model practiced in 10 other states – was implemented. This action injects an estimated additional $1.5 million in revenue that can be used to maintain and preserve park facilities, programs and services. Comparatively, when reviewing the entry permit fees of the 35 states that utilize this funding mechanism, Nebraska's rate remains low, with 28 other states charging a higher rate. AN RV RESTS UNDER THE COLORFUL LEAVES AT THE CAMPGROUND AT LAKE MINATARE'S LAKE VIEW POINT.

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