Last week I wanted to spread the word on projects that will impact access to a couple of our waterbodies this summer (Some Access Notes). I am going to mention a more again today.
I know you may have seen these releases already. However, I answer lots of questions, and if I have learned anything it is that there is always someone out there who did not get the word. So, I will always try to spread news and information even more:
Project will improve access for boaters, anglers at Grove Lake WMA
Access for boaters and shore anglers will improve thanks to a project beginning July 16 at Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area in Antelope County.
This project includes building a new fishing pier to provide more bank fishing opportunities at the 50-acre lake and repairing two boat ramps.
A 60-foot gangway will provide anglers access to a 10-foot by 20-foot floating platform on the west shoreline.
The north boat ramp will be replaced as it had begun to heave and separate at the joints. The new concrete ramp will include an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking stall and access. A small part of the south ramp is being removed and replaced. Riprap protection will be added to the adjacent shorelines of both ramps and minor drainage and shoreline grading will be done.
The new fishing pier will be a welcome addition to the camping area on the west side of the lake. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the contractor will work to keep camping open during the project. At least one ramp will remain open for the majority of the project; for a period of up to 10 days in the middle, both ramps will be closed. Notification will be posted at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
This project, which is expected to last 8-10 weeks, weather dependent, is made possible through a Sportfish Restoration grant. Questions can be directed to ngpc.boataccess@nebraska.gov.
To view a map of other boat ramps in the state, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps/maps/ and scroll to Public Boating Areas.
Walgren Lake experiencing low water levels
Park officials say the low water level at Walgren Lake State Recreation Area has become problematic to boaters.
Josh May, a park superintendent for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said the 50-acre lake 5 miles southeast of Hay Springs is just 5 feet deep in its deepest areas and that boaters are having difficulty launching in the shallow water at the ramp. Rain and water from Hay Springs Creek have not been enough to counter losses from evaporation this year.
Officials say visitors to the Panhandle’s irrigation reservoirs — Box Butte SRA, Lake Minatare SRA and Whitney Lake Wildlife Management Area — also can expect declining levels as water is supplied to irrigators in coming weeks.
To view a map of other boat ramps in the state, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps/maps/ and scroll to Public Boating Areas
Just saw a blurb about this today. This is another note that might not affect a lot, but if you fish Johnson Lake, you should know:
Central to Continue Cleanup and Improvement Projects at Johnson Lake Outlet
(HOLDREGE, Neb.) – The Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District has announced that work will start on July 29 to begin improvements in the area located near the outlet canal at Johnson Lake.
Starting on the 29th, the old docking structures will be removed from both sides of the canal. The District asks that boats located in the outlet canal be relocated before the project begins. For everyone’s safety, Central reminds the public to avoid the area during the project.
The boat ramp that is located at the outlet canal will remain available for use through the end of the season.
Earlier this summer, crews completed work on the canal banks east of the outlet bridge to the Johnson No. 1 Hydroplant to improve those areas as well in the ongoing effort to ensure continued safe and reliable operations for years to come.
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