Burchard WMA to Close for Improvements March 28

LINCOLN, Neb. – Public access to Burchard Wildlife Management Area in Pawnee County will be closed for construction beginning March 28, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The reservoir will be drawn down to repair the damaged outlet structure while protecting the quality fishery. Work also will be done to improve boat and angler access and enhance aquatic habitat during the project. The goal for completion of the project is spring of 2013. Project updates will be released periodically.

Sunshine Bottoms Boat Launch Remains Closed as Work Continues

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Sunshine Bottoms Wildlife Management Area (WMA) boat launch on the Missouri River in Boyd County will remain closed until construction is complete, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The area, located 3 miles east and 4 north of Lynch, is getting a new boat ramp, parking lot and boundary fencing.

The public will be notified when the facility reopens.

The following is a list of most Game and Parks boat ramps on the river and their status. Conditions are not optimal at all ramps and low water is an issue:

— Verdel Landing WMA – Ramp open, no docks

— Niobrara Landing WMA – Ramp open, no docks

— Bazille Creek WMA – Ramp open, no docks

— Ferry Landing WMA – Closed indefinitely

— Mulberry Bend WMA – Ramp open, no docks

— Ponca State Park (SP) – Ramp open, no docks

— Pelican Point State Recreation Area (SRA) – Ramp open, no docks

— Riverview Marina SRA – Ramp open, no docks

— Peru WMA – Ramp open, no docks

— Indian Cave SP – Closed for ramp replacement

Meeting to Discuss Harlan Reservoir Aquatic Habitat Project

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will host a public informational meeting in Alma on March 28 to present plans for the upcoming aquatic habitat project at Harlan Reservoir.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the Lower Republican Natural Resources District office, 30 N. John St.

Game and Parks will provide an overview of the Aquatic Habitat Program and the approach for Harlan Reservoir. The Flatwater Group consulting firm will give design details for work at Gremlin Cove and Patterson Harbor. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also will be represented.

For more information, contact Game and Parks’ Kearney service center at 308-865-5310.

Game and Parks to Tackle Noxious Plants at Yankee Hill WMA

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, with the help of tenant farmers, will till 64 acres at Yankee Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and grow crops to eradicate noxious and invasive plants from fields.

Corn and soybeans will be planted at the WMA south of Lincoln to control weeds, and, whenever possible, milo, wheat and alfalfa will be planted to promote upland game.

“There are many issues with noxious and invasive weeds on the area,” said Pat Molini, Game and Parks southeast district wildlife manager. “These types of plants often take over fields or cause an entire field to be sprayed to control the undesirable species of plants.”

Hamburg Bend WMA Closed for Levee Repair

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hamburg Bend Wildlife Management Area south of Nebraska City is closed temporarily to public access while a flood-control levee is repaired and heightened, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The area likely will reopen within two months.