Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

This Education Strategy outlines a three-year plan to guide the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's efforts in connecting the public with the outdoors and fostering stewardship. The plan focuses on three key directions: understanding, appreciating, and engaging with Nebraska's communities by educating about natural, cultural and historical, and outdoor recreation resources; building a cohesive team for education efforts; and growing strategic partnerships to foster greater impact across the state. The overall vision is to utilize educational and interpretive principles to foster public understanding, participation, and stewardship of natural, cultural, and outdoor recreation resources in collaboration with partners.

This Lands Strategy document provides guidance for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on the acquisition and disposition of properties it owns or manages. It outlines various acquisition types, including fee-title, long-term lease, and short-term agreements, along with detailed guidelines and priorities for acquiring new lands or additions to existing ones. The strategy also establishes guidelines and priorities for the disposition of properties that no longer align with the Commission's mission and goals, considering both fish and wildlife and park properties. The overarching aim is to ensure the responsible stewardship of Nebraska's fish, wildlife, park, and outdoor recreation resources into the future.

The agenda focuses on several key topics, including a Director's report and a review of financial vouchers. Staff recommendations were presented to schedule public hearings for August regarding amendments to administrative and state park regulations, fees for licenses and permits, and wildlife commission orders concerning mountain sheep. Additionally, public hearings were scheduled to consider amendments to wildlife regulations regarding mountain lions, state game refuge boundaries, spring turkey season, antelope, deer, and elk season parameters, and squirrel season dates. The commission also planned to address an interlocal agreement with the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council for video conferencing software and consider a utility easement for the Norfolk District Office.

The Commission addressed several items including financial voucher reviews and the Director's Report, which featured an archery tournament update and upcoming spring events. Staff recommendations were approved to hold public hearings at the next meeting regarding Wildlife Commission Orders for wild turkeys, game birds, furbearers, and mountain lions. A public hearing was conducted concerning amendments to Big Game regulations for antelope, deer, and elk, with various public testimonies heard and debated. Furthermore, the Commission discussed and approved amendments to the Sherman County Reservoir Operating Agreement and Conservation Easement. The meeting also included reports on a restoration project and trout fishing opportunities, and concluded with an executive session regarding personnel matters.

The meeting featured a director's report including acknowledgments of fire response efforts, recognition of foundation support, and reports on various spring events and conservation efforts. A public hearing was held regarding amendments to wildlife commission orders for coot, duck, geese, and crow hunting, resulting in approved adjustments to zone split dates and season start dates. Additional business included approving amendments to commission orders for antelope, deer, and elk, and the authorization of a property addition to the Redhead Wildlife Management Area. The commission also received departmental updates on anniversary event planning, educational programming, trout stocking, magazine centennial celebrations, oak blight control efforts, and internship programs. A legal matter was addressed during an executive session.