Game and Parks to Manage Lake Wanahoo
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will manage and operate the newly developed Lake Wanahoo.
Game and Parks Commissioners, in their meeting Jan. 20 in Lincoln, made it official by approving an agreement with the Lower Platte North Natural Resource District (LPNNRD).
The area, located north of Wahoo in Saunders County, is owned by the LPNNRD. It is a 1,777-acre property that includes a 662-acre reservoir. When it opens to the public in the spring, the area will offer camping, fishing, hiking, boating, hunting, wildlife viewing and park facilities.
Part of the area will be designated a state recreation area, with day-use, campground and boating facilities, as well as a hike-bike trail. Park entry and camping fees will apply. An undesignated section of the area has been used for mentored youth hunts.
In other business, Commissioners:
— amended big game regulations to allow nonresidents to apply for draw unit deer permits to be drawn after residents if permits remain, and to remove Republican Whitetail and add Platte, Platte Mule Deer, Frenchman and Frenchman Mule Deer to the list of deer draw units.
— amended fisheries regulations to allow tagged fish to be used in tournaments, derbies or contests on Game and Parks waters provided that those events are authorized by the agency for scientific, educational or angler recruitment, development or retention purposes.
— approved changes to procedures for reviewing the suspension or revocation of a privilege or permit to hunt, fish or harvest fur imposed by any jurisdiction other than Nebraska.
— approved the transfer of ownership of Pibel Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) in Wheeler County to the Lower Loup Natural Resource District, pending legislative action.
— approved the transfer of ownership of Champion Mill State Historical Park and SRA to Chase County, pending legislative action.
— acquired 11.39 acres of land in Cass County and designated it an addition to Platte River State Park.
— approved funding for the 2012 Land and Water Conservation Fund apportionment.
— approved funding for the 2012 Recreational Trail Program grant program.
— modified the Nebraska Hunter and Bow Hunter Education programs to mandate that registration and record-keeping shall be done electronically.
Rick Brandt, president of the Nebraska Big Game Society, announced that Game and Parks Deputy Director Jim Douglas is an advisor for the nonprofit organization.
Ritch Nelson of the Nebraska All-Bird Partnership recognized Douglas for his work in bringing together individuals and resource and conservation agencies to advance bird conservation over the past 10 years.
Tammy Stuhr of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Service cited Game and Parks’ Outdoor Education Team for its meritorious service in operating the Outdoor Skills Program.
David Kostersky of Ducks Unlimited, Canada updated Commissioners on Game and Parks’ partnership with the organization.
The Commissioners also elected their officers. Ron Stave of Waterloo was elected chairman, Norris Marshall of Kearney vice chairman and Jerrod Burke of Curtis second vice chairman. The offices became effective following the meeting.
