Public advised to check conditions when planning a park visit

LINCOLN, Neb. – Warmer temperatures have arrived in parts of Nebraska, but those considering a trip to a state park or recreation area should call ahead before planning a visit.

The arrival of warmer weather after record or near-record snow accumulation and ice buildup in parts of the state has increased the likelihood of lowland flooding, which may affect parks and recreation areas adjacent to Nebraska’s streams and rivers.

Additionally, heavy snowfall and poor travel conditions elsewhere in the state could also lead to park closures.

The parks team is monitoring the situation and will implement precautionary measures to isolate or temporarily close park areas, or access to portions of park areas, in areas that are prone to flooding or that experience heavy snowfall. These actions will be determined by park managers and administrators. Additional measures may be implemented as directed by other governing agencies or civil defense authorities.

Staff will also implement preventive actions to remove or isolate facilities within potential flood zones.

For information on conditions at a specific park, contact the park directly. Park contact information is available at OutdoorNebraska.org. The public may also call the Nebraska Game and Parks headquarters at 402-471-0641.

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Public meeting March 20 to discuss plan for Goat Island

LINCOLN, Neb. – A public meeting regarding future uses of Goat Island, located within the boundary of the Missouri National Recreational River near Vermillion, S.D., will be hosted by the National Park Service on March 20.

The open house meeting will be held at the W. H. Over Museum, 1110 N. University St., Vermillion, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The meeting is an opportunity for the public to learn about and provide comments on a proposed Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Goat Island (also known as Jake’s Island). The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has been involved in development of that draft plan.

People who cannot attend the meeting can review the documents and provide comments through April 10, 2019, at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/goatislandplan.

Outdoor recreational activities evaluated and considered as alternatives in the plan include, but are not limited to, hunting, fishing, trapping, kayaking and primitive camping.

See past releases

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

2200 North 33rd Street
Lincoln, NE 68503
402.471.0641
www.OutdoorNebraska.org