The new statewide guide to outdoor planning in Nebraska is now available to the public.
The document is officially titled “2011-2015 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: A Guide to an Active Nebraska.”
Michelle Stryker, outdoor recreation planner for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said it is the blueprint for ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy and benefit from outdoor recreation.
The guide assesses the supply and demand of outdoor recreational facilities in the state and gives Nebraska the direction and priorities necessary for strong outdoor recreation programs for all levels of government and the private sector.
The plan is a requirement from the National Park Service to qualify for Land and Water Conservation Fund grants for communities within the state. The grant program has provided more than $44 million in matching funds for outdoor recreation facilities in Nebraska since 1964, a key part of the more than $100 million spent on outdoor recreation in the state during that time.
The plan may be viewed on the Game and Parks website at: http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/parks/programs/scorp/index.asp. An executive summary and CD of the plan are available by contacting Michelle Stryker at 402-471-5425 or michelle.stryker@nebraska.gov.
Pheasant Fest offers bird hunting tips
Bird Hunting Boot Camp at the National Pheasant Fest will provide tips for hunters looking for new horizons.
Scott Linden of Wingshooting USA brings Bird Hunting Boot Camp to novices and veterans each day of the show in Omaha. The event runs Friday through Sunday at Qwest Center Omaha.
Light-hearted, welcoming and practical, Linden introduces the skills, gear, protocol and “dogology” needed to begin exploring the uplands. He will talk about gun fit to field etiquette, “reading” bird cover and how to interact with dogs, guides and fellow hunters.
Linden will share tips on everything from better shooting to dog training shortcuts, insights into why a dog does what he does, and how to help him help you.
Paw print to serve as 'author's' signature
This dog not only hunts, she writes.
John Adams is a founding board member of the Dickinson County (Iowa) Pheasants Forever chapter. Now, he's the publicist for his Golden Retriever, Savvy, who has “written” a book, “Savvy, A Golden Dog's View of This Human World.''
Adams is a former owner of a free circulation newspaper in Dickinson County. In 2007, Savvy started penning a bi-monthly column for the paper — with a little help from her owner. The columns dealt with hunting, humor, human and animal friends and enemies, and family. The best of them have been compiled into the book.
Savvy will have her first book signing at the National Pheasant Fest Friday through Sunday at Qwest Center Omaha. The author's paw print will be printed on copies of the book.
Commission approves trails projects funding
Grant applications for several trails projects across Nebraska were recently approved by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Among the projects receiving federal funding from the 2011 Recreational Trails Program are trail signage by the City of Wayne, trail construction by the City of Deshler, Game and Parks' renovation of the Cowboy Trail near Norfolk and renovation of the Bison Trail by the City of Lincoln.
CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY
• Dark goose hunting season closes in Nebraska's East Unit
THURSDAY
• Cornhusker Fly Fishers fly-tying workshop, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Cabela's, La Vista.
FRIDAY
• National Pheasant Fest, Qwest Center Omaha, 1-9 p.m.
SATURDAY
• National Pheasant Fest, Qwest Center Omaha, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• “The National Parks: America's Best Idea,'' episode 4: Going Home (1920-1933), 120 minutes, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1 p.m., free.
SUNDAY
• National Pheasant Fest, Qwest Center Omaha, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• “The National Parks: America's Best Idea,'' episode 4: Going Home (1920-1933), 120 minutes, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1 p.m., free.
JAN. 31
• Pheasant, quail, partridge, grouse and squirrel hunting seasons close in Nebraska.
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