OutdoorNebraska

Management 23 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 2025 Annual Report Grant boosts prairie and woodland restoration Nebraska's prairies and oak woodlands are getting a $5 million boost. Thanks to a new grant through the America's Ecosystem Restoration Initiative, Nebraska Game and Parks, along with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, is partnering with private landowners, tribal nations and local conservation groups to restore native grasses, manage invasive species, and use controlled burns and sustainable grazing. These efforts strengthen wildlife habitats, protect our landscapes, and give communities a chance to connect with Nebraska's natural beauty — ensuring these iconic lands stay healthy for generations to come. Partners include the Northern Prairies Land Trust, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. The Old Wolf Oak tree at Ponca State Park. ERIC FOWLER Team reimagines park spaces after tree losses Stewarding Nebraska's natural areas means responding thoughtfully to change. The Old Wolf Oak at Ponca State Park, one of Nebraska's oldest trees at over 380 years, has died. While drought, pests, and disease have stressed or killed many mature oak and ash trees along the state's eastern parks, Nebraska Game and Parks is using this as an opportunity to rethink and renew these landscapes. Infected trees are carefully being removed to prevent the spread of pests and fungi, while newly open areas are allowing native vegetation to flourish. Managers are exploring techniques, such as prescribed burns, invasive species control, and other restoration strategies to build resilient, sustainable forests for the future. This natural reset gives us a chance to reimagine our woodlands, strengthen ecosystems, and engage visitors in witnessing how Nebraska's forests adapt, recover and thrive over time. Fees adjusted first time since 2017 The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved certain permit, hunting and fishing application fees, and nonresident aquatic invasive species stamp fees beginning in 2026. Permits and camping and lodging fees are the primary funding sources for the agency. This marks the first resident fee increase since 2017. The Commission has minimized fee changes whenever possible through efficiencies and cost reductions. The adjustments are expected to generate approximately $2.1 million annually, which will be reinvested directly in: • Statewide fish and wildlife management and conservation; • Habitat improvement and restoration; and • Maintenance of public access areas, hatcheries and infrastructure. Rising operational costs, including energy, equipment, fuel and materials, as well as reduced permit sales, contributed to the need for these updates. Even with the increases, Nebraska's fees remain competitive with surrounding states. In 2025, Nebraska Game and Parks was 96% funded by permits and fees paid by users.

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