May 15, 2020
Agency Zoom Meetings Feedback Wanted
We want to thank you for participating in our Zoom meetings this week. It was great to hear updates from Director Jim Douglas and Deputy Director Tim McCoy and their responses to the many questions we all have been thinking about — from protecting our staff, to future operations and serving our customers.
Both Jim and Tim reminded us that protecting the health of our employees and the public remains our top priority. They told our great team members that you are doing a good job and reminded us that we are all in this together. Jim said that these times have shown we are innovative, resilient and resourceful. The best thing we can do each day is make good decisions – decisions about our own well-being, our families’ well-being, our work and in everything that we do. Also, there are resources here for you – your supervisors, your division administrator, administration, personnel and your fellow employees.
Each Zoom meeting was recorded; watch them here.
We would like your feedback on the Zoom meetings with a quick survey if you participated: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9B63S6L
Open Enrollment
You must go to the Employee Work Center to enroll or re-enroll, or make any changes to your benefits by Monday, May 19 for the benefits beginning July 2020. For questions or information on plans, please visit this website or contact Staci Anderson in personnel at staci.anderson@nebraska.gov or 402-471-5496. Please do not wait until the last minute to complete enrollment.
Outdoor Activities
NGPC is informing people about limited camping RV opportunities by reservation only that will be made available next week, while also trying to remind people about important rules to follow. There is no first-come, first-serve camping or tent camping at any area. Designated beaches and swimming areas are closed. We have an FAQ page about camping on our website: outdoornebraska.gov/parksfaqs.
Park permit and fishing permit sales are up over the three-year average, as people are enjoying the weather by visiting parks for day use and fishing. We are reminding people to recreate close to home and only with members of their household; limit travel; practice social distancing and avoid crowded areas; follow the 10-person limit rule; and practice good hygiene. Through June 30, we are not planning to host any in-person events or activities, as we work to protect our staff and the public by maintaining social distancing guidelines throughout the summer.
Test Nebraska Assessment
As the state continues its battle against coronavirus, every Nebraskan can help to keep Nebraska healthy and get Nebraska moving again. Crush the curve and beat the virus by going to TestNebraska.com and taking a quick five-minute assessment. This assessment will help determine where testing needs to occur. Nebraskans at risk of exposure to the virus will be contacted to schedule an appointment to get tested. Please take five minutes and go to TestNebraska.com to get assessed. Testing sites are open in Lincoln, Omaha, Lexington and Norfolk.
Campaign Against Hunger
The State’s Campaign Against Hunger runs May 4 to 29 this year. Due to COVID 19, this drive is all virtual this year. Food banks across our state are struggling to help those in need. As we navigate these uncharted waters, school closures and job disruptions have led to food insecurity for many, and that is stressing the food bank networks. Donations are being accepted for the Food Bank of the Heartland and the Food Bank of Lincoln at the links below. If you are in a position to give, please consider donating to the food banks through the State’s Campaign Against Hunger.
To donate to the Food Bank of Heartland please click here. (Coverage Map)
To donate to the Food Bank of Lincoln please click here. (Coverage Map)
Thank you for all you are doing.
Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
More COVID-19 Information
Strategic Education Plan
Adopted at the January Commission Meeting, the new Strategic Education Plan is a 5-year plan that provides six goals for advancing and coordinating education initiatives across the entire agency. The plan, developed through a team of administrators and agency educators, highlights the amazing education programs currently taking place and details work that will grow and synchronize education.
The Plan focuses on each kinds of education our agency provides – natural resources or ecological education, cultural and historical education, outdoor recreation and skills education. Much of the plan is dedicated to evaluating the current education programs, assessing the changing demographics of the state and determining what our constituents want from the Commission when it comes to education. We believe that before we embark on new programs, we must first determine what our constituents demand and need.
Our goal is to develop and sustain a leadership role in ecological, cultural and outdoor recreation education in Nebraska ensuring our diverse communities have an appreciation and knowledge of our state’s natural and cultural resources resulting in greater understanding, support for and participation in conservation and outdoor recreation.
View the ‘Focus on Education’ Strategic Plan
It's Time to Take 'em Hunting
Have you heard about our new Take ’em Hunting Challenge?
This fun promotion encourages experienced hunters to take a pledge to go hunting with someone who either has never hunted before or who hasn’t hunted in several years. Hunters who take a photo of themselves taking someone hunting can enter an online drawing for dozens of prizes (NGPC employees are not eligible).
Here’s where you can help. Tell your friends and family about it. Spread it on social media outlets. Most importantly, participate!
Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a novice, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is working on details that could allow you to be paired with a co-worker to participate in this challenge.
Hunting is fun, and hunters enjoy sharing their knowledge and passion with others – especially people they work with at Game and Parks.
Record your hunting adventures here.
Talk to Us
Please use the form below to confidentially communicate with your agency administration or report a problem:NGPC in the News
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Application period for big game draw permits begins Monday
on June 3, 2020 at 1:12 am
The application period begins at 1 p.m. CT Monday. Paper applications must be received by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission by 5 p.m. CT — or by 11:59 p.m. for online applications — on June 26, ...
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Outdoor Update: Camping and swim beaches to be restored
on June 2, 2020 at 6:00 pm
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will open more camping opportunities in state park areas starting June 4, when all previous temporary restrictions on recreational vehicle and ...
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Despite woes, Blanding’s turtle keeps on smiling
on June 2, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Among Nebraska’s eight species of native turtles, one that is especially happy-looking gets special attention.
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Cowboy Trail users shouldn’t anticipate repairs by end of 2020
on June 2, 2020 at 7:40 am
Cyclists, runners, hikers and horseback riders wishing to use parts of the Cowboy Trail that have been closed since the March 2019 flooding will have to wait until at least ...
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Game and Parks offers fishing information online.
on May 31, 2020 at 8:00 am
You can support our newsroom by joining at our lowest rate! The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is providing online resources to help anglers of all skill levels. While the commission has canceled ...
Employee Discounts
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