Prescribed Burn Workshop in Nebraska City

LINCOLN, Neb. – Pheasants and Quail Forever and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host a prescribed burn training workshop March 8 in Nebraska City. Landowners will learn how to use prescribed burns to improve forage, control eastern red-cedars and improve wildlife habitat.

The workshop will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Table Creek Golf Course, 5633 I Road. A $10 fee will include lunch.

Participants must register by March 1 by visiting NebraskaPF.com or calling Bruce Sprague at
402-269-2361 or Caroline Hinkelman at 402-471-1755.

Enjoy Marsh Madness at Ponca State Park

LINCOLN, Neb. – Celebrate the peak Missouri River waterfowl migration and enjoy a weekend getaway with Marsh Madness at Ponca State Park. The dates are March 9-11, March 16-18 and March 23-25.

The 30-percent discount on winter lodging rates applies on these dates. There will be guided waterfowl blind tours and unguided bald eagle blind tours, as well as birding programs. The events are free to those staying at least two nights in cabins and $5 for others. A park entry permit is required.

For more information or to make reservations, contact the park at 402-755-2284 or ngpc.ponca@nebraska.gov.

Beyond BOW Trout Fishing Workshop is March 17

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is hosting a trout fishing workshop March 17 at Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area.

The all-day workshop is for women age 16 and up who want to catch rainbow trout in one of the nation’s premier trout fisheries using spinning and fly-fishing gear.

The cost is $15. Fishing and park entry permits are required. The registration deadline is March 9. Contact Julia Plugge at 402-471-6009 or julia.plugge@nebraska.gov.

Burchard Reservoir Improvements Scheduled

LINCOLN, Neb. – Public access to portions of Burchard Wildlife Management Area, including the reservoir, will be closed for construction in 2012, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Burchard Reservoir in Pawnee County has a leaking dam outlet structure that will be rehabilitated this spring. The reservoir will be drawn down 10 feet to repair the outlet yet still protect the quality fishery for largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. The drawdown also will allow Game and Parks to improve boat and angler access and enhance aquatic habitat in several areas. The goal for completion and reservoir refilling is the spring of 2013.

The temporary closure will ensure public safety. Closure dates will be released when available.

Unintentionally Trapped Mountain Lion Released by Game and Parks

LINCOLN, Neb. – A mountain lion unintentionally caught in a foothold trap in Dawes County was tranquilized and released by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on Feb. 9.

The mountain lion was a young female weighing approximately 85 pounds that appeared to be in good health.

The trapper called Game and Parks immediately upon discovering the mountain lion, as required by Game and Parks policy. High pelt prices for bobcats and an increased effort to trap them may have contributed to the recent incidental captures of mountain lions in Dawes County, according to Sam Wilson, Game and Parks’ carnivore program manager. It was the third unintentional trapping of a mountain lion in the Pine Ridge this winter.

Game and Parks requests fur harvesters immediately contact the agency if a mountain lion is incidentally trapped. Anyone with trail camera photographs or other evidence of mountain lions should contact the agency.