On The Virus Front. . . .

I know everything you are hearing about right now relates to the coronavirus. I also know that some of that news changes not only by the day, but by the hour. I wish I could avoid that topic all together, but that is not the case now. So, let me share with you some coronavirus information as it relates to our outdoor recreation. This news release just went out:

Commission takes measures to keep staff, public safe in response to virus

LINCOLN, Neb. – In a proactive effort to prevent the potential for spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at its facilities, parks and events, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is limiting some public access.

The Commission aims to protect its staff and customers by removing opportunities for crowds to gather at facilities and events and by maintaining clean facilities. To do so, the agency has taken the following steps:

— All agency-sponsored events and activities scheduled through May 31 have been cancelled. This includes the Cornhusker Trap Shoot, National Archery in the Schools state tournament, hunter education classes, trainings and workshops, community fishing events, Outdoor Discovery Programs at Platte River State Park (SP) and Fort Kearny State Recreation Area (SRA), and the Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo.

— The Omaha service center has been closed to public access until further notice. Customers may call the office at 402-595-2144 to get information or purchase permits. Permits and information also are available at OutdoorNebraska.org.

— Through May 31, the Schramm Education Center near Gretna, Eugene T. Mahoney SP Activity Facility near Ashland, Wildcat Hills Nature Center near Gering, Fort Kearny State Historical Park Visitor Center near Kearney, Two Rivers SRA service center near Waterloo, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln are closed to public walk-in access. Two Rivers SRA trout tags can be purchased at Iron Ranger locations near the trout lake.

— All cancellations, postponements and closures are posted on the Commission’s website at OutdoorNebraska.org/healthinfo.

Commission headquarters in Lincoln, district offices in Alliance, North Platte and Norfolk, and service centers in Bassett and Kearney remain open to the public.

State parks, state recreation areas and state historical parks remain open for day use and camping. Purchase permits in advance of arrival at OutdoorNebraska.org. Overnight lodging accommodations, cabins and lodge rooms, remain open. Reservations for lodging may be rescheduled or, in some cases, refunded. Guests should contact the parks reservation center accordingly.

All wildlife management areas also are open.

The Commission’s meeting in Hastings will be conducted as scheduled on March 20. View the modified agenda at OutdoorNebraska.gov/commissioners.

“The health and well-being of our staff and customers is our highest priority,” Commission Director Jim Douglas said. “We are being cautious during this ever-changing time, and we are committed to keeping staff and customers as safe as possible. At the same time, we want them to enjoy the state’s many outdoor opportunities.”

Nebraska’s state park areas and wildlife areas are open-space landscapes that offer tremendous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors this spring. Nebraska has the nation’s best turkey hunting opportunities, and the spring turkey season begins March 25. Trout are being stocked in lakes across the state this month, creating plenty of memory-making fishing opportunities with family and friends. In addition, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and horseback riding all can be enjoyed at state park and wildlife areas.

At some point, folks are going to get cabin fever. It may be considered by some to be inappropriate to say it, but GO FISH! If you are healthy and practicing all the good hygiene you have heard preached in recent days, I have heard nothing that says you cannot sneak to your favorite fishing spot for a few hours.

I used to have a T-shirt that said “If you can read this, you are fishing too close!” Practice some social distancing, and good angler ethics by the way, but the outdoors are not closed!

Now, just some pictures to remind us of better times past, and future!