Nebraska Sandhills Parks

We're now accepting applications for Camp Hosts for the 2024 season!
𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗸𝘀:
🌟 Enjoy FREE camping during your service!
🌟 Build lasting relationships and make new friends.
🌟 Be an environmental steward and enjoy the beauty of Nebraska State Parks.

𝗗𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
🏡 Represent the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
👋 Greet and assist park visitors.
❓ Answer questions and explain regulations and policies.
🧹 Perform light maintenance work to the campground clean and beautiful.

𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀:
🤝 Ability to get along well with people.
😊 Staying calm and friendly when addressing guest concerns.
🌍 Knowledge of the park and the surrounding area is a plus!

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
📆 A minimum of 20 hours per week for at least two weeks.
🌟 Includes most weekends and holidays.

𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
✅ Successful background check completion.
🎂 Must be 19 years or older.

🏞️✨ 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://brnw.ch/21wEenu

📷: Jeff Kurrus

It's a beautiful foggy morning at Keller State Recreation Area!

Look what's new! Park visitors can now show off their big fish and pose with their day's catch on the newly installed fish trophy board at Calamus Reservoir SRA. Boy Scout Troop 158 out of Kearney, Nebraska completed a service project for the park where they painted and installed this trophy board located at the Homestead Knolls campground fish cleaning station.

Highway 97 is closed 14 miles south of Merritt Reservoir at Highway 97 and the Brownlee Road turn.

🚨🚨🚨🚨
Starting Thursday, August 31, at approximately 7 a.m. the bridge over the North Loup River on Highway 97 will be removed. The road will be closed to all traffic at that time, and will remain closed until the bridge can be reinstalled (possibly Friday). Please plan accordingly.

Highway 97 north of Mullen, or 24 miles south of Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, is closed to through traffic, effective immediately. The wooden bridge across the North Loup River is compromised.

Park visitors traveling from the south should use Highway 83 from Thedford to Valentine and then south 26 miles on Highway 97 to Merritt Reservoir SRA.

Read our news release to learn more:

Highway 97 closed to through traffic south of Merritt Reservoir SRA | Nebraska Game & Parks Commission Highway 97, 24 miles south of Merritt Reservoir, is closed to through traffic, effective immediately, according to the Ho**er County Sheriff’s Office.

If this hot weather got you wishing it was fall. Then think about joining us October 21st at Calamus Reservoir SRA for the 36th annual Pumpkin Carvers event.

Even during the dog days of summer, ticks are still active. Here are some tick prevention tips to keep you safe this season:

✔️ Wear light-colored clothing and long pants tucked into white socks for quick detection and removal. This is especially true if you are spending time walking through areas with tall vegetation.

✔️ Do tick checks regularly after spending time outdoors. If possible, try to shower within two hours of spending time outside. Ticks are most often found around

the ears, the head and under armpits, around waist, behind the knee and in the groin area.

✔️ Put outdoor clothes in dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to kill any ticks that might still be on them.

✔️ Don’t forget to protect your pets! Use a tick prevention program that your veterinarian would recommend.

✔️ If you do find a tick, please help track sightings by uploading to the iNaturalist project, “Tick, Tag, Go”. Simply submit a photo and date on iNaturalist for identification to help Nebraska identify baseline data on tick distributions in Nebraska. For more information or to submit photos and information check out: https://ticktaggo.unl.edu/

📷: Justin Haag
📝: Nebraska Wildlife Education

Happy World Conservation Day!🌎 Maintaining the diversity and abundance of Nebraska’s plants, fish, wildlife and their habitats is achieved through a variety of conservation efforts by Nebraska Game and Parks and its partners.

Here are a few ways you can help:

🐾 By donating to the Wildlife Conservation Fund, you can help protect Nebraska's endangered species.

🚘 By purchasing a specialty license plate, you can help support Nebraska’s at-risk & endangered species, help fund trail maintenance in Nebraska’s state parks or support youth education & wildlife programs.

Learn more: https://fal.cn/3AheH

Nebraska Game and Parks is seeking information on the unlawful killing and needless waste of six elk Boyd County near Gross, Nebraska.

The carcasses of one bull, three cows and two calves were reported July 22. There was no attempt to salvage any part of the animals. Anyone who intentionally abandons an edible portion of game or fails to dispose of game in a reasonable and sanitary manner commits wanton waste.

A $2,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. Reports can be made anonymously.

Submit information online at https://fal.cn/3AdMD.
Or call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-742-7627.

If you are staying and playing at Calamus and Merritt Reservoir tonight and tomorrow pay attention to the weather. For the latest weather updates visit our friends at the National Weather Service in North Platte, they got you covered!

Weekend crowds isn't your thing, weekdays are perfect to enjoy Smith Falls and all its beauty.

Happy Pollinator Week!🐝 Pollinators are critical to Nebraska's ecosystems and economies. Not only do bees, butterflies, wasps and even ants pollinate many of our foods, but they also ensure our native ecosystems remain healthy and productive.

📷: Justin Haag

💦 The History of Smith Falls State Park in Nebraska Superintendent Amy Kucera tells all about Smith Falls State Park featuring the highest waterfall in Nebraska. Watch the full episode → https://youtu.be/aAqEd...

"It doesn't matter how slowly you go, as long as you don't stop"- Confucius

Nebraska runners - Represent your county and help us turn this map green!

The annual Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run raises awareness that walking and running are effective tools for addressing mental health and su***de prevention.

Sign up to run virtually or attend the event on May 20 at Cody Park in North Platte, NE.

Learn more & sign up: https://outdoornebraska.gov/about/press-events/events/tyler-vanderheiden-memorial-run/

Park staff from North and South Central Regions took part in a two day professional development training. Thank you to our Lincoln Parks team for providing this opportunity so field staff can better serve our park visitors on the landscape.

⭐ On Saturday, April 29, a National Park Service ranger will lead “Journey Through the Night Sky” — the first of four dark sky programs planned at Merritt Reservoir SRA between now and fall.

Learn more: https://fal.cn/3xHN8

📷: Eric Fowler

One of our own has decided to call it a career. Enjoy your retirement Park Superintendent Jim Domeier wishing you nothing but the best!

On April 27, 2023 Superintendent Jim Domeier will retire after 38 years and 9 months at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park. Jim has been a passionate supporter of park development, interpretation, and education for many years. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service. Please feel free to call or stop by the park during the next week and wish him well.

📷: Mary Hughes

Water is on it's way to the Sherman and should reach the Lake sometime tomorrow (4-12-2023).

Docks at Calamus Reservoir and Sherman Reservoir have been installed just in time for Easter weekend. Thanks to our dedicated park staff from Calamus and Sherman Reservoirs. Enjoy the weekend, be safe on the water and wear your life jacket!

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept archery paddlefish permit applications March 1-14.

The application period begins at 1 p.m. Central Time on March 1. Postal mail applications must be received in Game and Parks’ Lincoln office by 5 p.m. CST and online applications by 11:59 p.m. March 14.

A nonrefundable $7 application fee is due at the time of application. Applicants supplying valid email addresses will be notified when the draw is complete. Those not providing valid email addresses will be responsible for monitoring their status online.

Results of the draw will be made available by March 20. Payment for awarded permits is due by at 11:59 p.m. April 5.

Read more: https://fal.cn/3w9W6

📷: Eric Fowler

Help us track eastern spotted skunks in Nebraska! 🐾
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and University of Nebraska at Omaha are working together to find confirmed sightings of the Eastern Spotted Skunk in Nebraska. And they need your help!

✔️ 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀! If you see or find a spotted skunk in Nebraska, please report the location and (preferably) pictures to [email protected]

✔️ 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗽. NGPC and UNO currently have a network of camera traps (trail cameras) set up to try and capture confirmed sightings of spotted skunks. If you are a landowner, consider hosting a camera trap to collect more data.Learn how to get involved at outdoornebraska.gov/spotted…

✔️ 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵! Photos from the camera trap network mentioned above are uploaded to the project “Nebraska Wildlife Watch”. Then community scientists (everyday people, like you, who help with scientific research) help to label what animals are found in each picture. Visit: https://fal.cn/3vgx0

Follow Nebraska Spotted Skunks on Facebook for more.

Searching for Spotted Skunks • Nebraskaland Magazine The Nebraska Game and Parks and the University of Nebraska Omaha are working to learn more about the spotted skunk. Here's how you can help.

You can apply to become a 2023 campground host!

Campground host opportunities are now available for 2023! Spend your summer with us and enjoy complimentary camping, outstanding training and friendly staff. ⛺

Learn more & apply: https://fal.cn/3v2jX

The view out of our Regional Superintendent's office today. We promise Virginia Smith Dam @ Calamus Reservoir is behind those trees!

Park staff in the North Central Region will be out plowing park roadways once this storm passes. Several attempts have been made to clear park roads but they just can't keep up. Emergency Management advises not to travel today, so please stay safe!

Several changes await Nebraska wild turkey hunters in 2023.

Hunters can begin purchasing their spring season permits beginning Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. CST and should become familiar with the changes before the season opens.

𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀:

🦃 Hunters now may purchase up to two spring permits instead of three.

🦃 A hunter may harvest no more than one turkey per calendar day during the spring season.

🦃 This year, 10,000 spring permits are available for sale to nonresident hunters, instead of an unlimited quantity, as in the past.

🦃 Starting with the spring season, all turkey harvests must be reported via Telecheck.

𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀:

🦃 The season is shortened to Oct. 1-Nov. 30.

🦃 All hunters are limited to one permit.

🦃 The bag limit for all hunters is lowered to one turkey.

More info: https://fal.cn/3uPLq

📷: Justin Haag

Get outside to celebrate the New Year and go on a First Day Hike at a state park! Many of our southwest parks are hosting a hike and other activities on Jan. 1, 2023.

Calamus SRA - Meet at 1 p.m. at the fish cleaning station in the Knolls Campground Area parking lot or enjoy a self-guided hike on your own time. The trail has beautiful views of Burwell to the east and the Calamus Reservoir to the west along this moderate 1-mile hike. Keep an eye out for deer, rabbits, birds and other wildlife!

Sherman Reservoir SRA - Explore the Redwood Trail at 10am meeting at the Trail Head parking area at Redwood Area for a moderate 1.95-mile hike. Explore the park trail for bird and wildlife viewing along with an opportunity for sledding if snow is present. Hot cider and donuts will be provided.

Remember to bring warm clothing, appropriate footwear and water bottles! Dogs are welcome on a 6-foot leash.

A Valid 2023 Park Entry Permit is required.

Click the picture and link to find a First Day Hike near you!

First Day Hikes –Outdoor Nebraska Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Calendar Kick off the New Year in the great outdoors by participating in First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2023, at Nebraska’s state parks!

Congratulations to our four new Conservation Officers who graduated from the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Academy last Wednesday! 👏

Left to right: Justin Gress (Alliance), Klint Gill (Fullerton), Mark McDonald (Fremont), and Brandon Wallace (Ogallala)

They will begin our field training and evaluation Program in January. Welcome aboard!

Sherman Reservoir, near Loup City, Nebraska, had suffered from extreme shoreline erosion, varying water elevations and sediment accumulation before Nebraska Game and Parks teamed up with The Flatwater Group to improve public access, prevent fish loss and ensure prime angling opportunities for the future.

From 2005-2008, renovations included adding breakwater structures, improving boat launches near ramps and creating jetties to improve shoreline access.

The project resulted in a lake that was both more aquatically hospitable and accessible to motorboat and shoreline anglers. Popular species at Sherman Reservoir include walleye, crappie, catfish, white bass, and northern pike.

Learn more about the Sherman Reservoir Aquatic Habitat Project: https://fal.cn/3uhU4

📷: Eric Fowler

Entries are rolling in for the Lower Loup NRD 2023 Photo Contest. This image, taken at Calamus Reservoir by Ord resident Jennifer Lewis, was the first image received. Got beautiful scenic images of your own? Please submit them to [email protected].

The Saint Paul Deer Check Station had over 875 deer checked in over the November firearm season. Congratulations to these hunters on their first deer!

Happy Veterans Day, Nebraska! We are so very grateful to those who have served.

📸: Nebraskaland Magazine

Image: Pre-1983, Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park. Re-enactors raise the American flag.

This burn ban includes Sherman Reservoir SRA campgrounds. No campfires are allowed until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.

Marina Bay and Thunder Bay east boat ramps open at Sherman Reservoir

Repairs have been completed, and the Marina Bay boat ramp is open at Sherman Reservoir State Recreation Area. Because of the rising lake level, the east boat ramp at Thunder Bay also is open.

Low water levels in the reservoir had exposed a significant settlement of the east lane of the Marina Bay ramp, which had caused a nearly 5-inch lip to occur on the ramp. On the west lane, the ramp was cracked and needed immediate repair during the low-water period.

Thunder Bay’s west boat ramp remains closed until water level rises enough to safely use the ramp.

To see a map of public boating areas in Nebraska, visit Outdoornebraska.gov/maps.

Maps - Nebraska Game and Parks The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission develops a number of useful maps to help you find and enjoy Nebraska’s great outdoor resources. Interactive GIS maps The following geographic information systems (GIS) maps provide an interactive and in-depth look beyond our standard PDF maps. Check back freq...

What your favorite game bird says about you... The truth hurts. 🦃🦆