Nebraska Game and Parks is extending the temporary ban on campfires at Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas in central and western Nebraska through May 10.

This is in alignment with the executive order issued April 29, a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risks. The new burn ban affects areas west of a line that runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92; then west to U.S. Highway 281 and south to the Kansas border.

“Public safety is a top priority, and out of an abundance of caution, we will continue enforcing the temporary campfire ban in the restricted zone laid out by the executive order,” said Jeff Fields, parks division administrator at Game and Parks. “We appreciate everyone’s patience, as we know campfires are an integral part of the camping experience. We eagerly look forward to more precipitation and safer conditions.”

Campfires and other sources of open fire, such as wood-fueled firepits, wood-burning stoves and charcoal grills, will be allowed, subject to local fire authorities, at the following state parks in eastern Nebraska:

  • Alexandria State Recreation Area
  • Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
  • Blue River SRA
  • Bluestem SRA
  • Branched Oak SRA
  • Conestoga Lake SRA
  • Danish Alps SRA
  • Dead Timber SRA
  • Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
  • Fort Atkinson SHP
  • Fremont Lakes SRA
  • Louisville SRA
  • Indian Cave SP
  • Memphis Lake SRA
  • Mormon Island SRA
  • Olive Creek SRA
  • Pawnee Lake SRA
  • Pelican Point SRA
  • Platte River SP
  • Ponca SP
  • Riverview SRA
  • Rock Creek Station SRA and SHP
  • Rockford Lake SRA
  • Schramm Park SRA
  • Stagecoach Lake SRA
  • Summit Lake SRA
  • Two Rivers SRA
  • Verdon SRA
  • Wagon Train SRA

Campfires are only allowed in designated areas, and all visitors should practice fire safety:

  • Never leave a campfire unattended.
  • Ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the site.

Camp stoves using liquid or gas fuel are permitted at all state parks, even those in the burn ban area, as they reduce the likelihood of ash or hot charcoal being discarded before they are extinguished.

Learn more about permitted devices and fire safety tips at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

 

Low water affecting Nebraska boaters this spring

People planning to launch boats in Nebraska this spring should be aware of low-water conditions across the state.

These conditions exist at the following locations:

  • Southeast: Wagon Train, Bluestem, Olive Creek, East Twin, Portal, Burchard, Cottontail, Killdeer, Merganser, Wild Plum, Hedgefield, Yankee Hill, Lone Star, Clatonia, Willard Meyer and Walnut Creek 2A
  • Northwest: Big Alkali, Rat and Beaver, Valentine Refuge Lakes, Defair WMA and Walgren.

Conditions can change rapidly and will change as summer progresses. People are encouraged to call ahead to state park locations or to area managers for the most current ramp conditions as water levels and ramp conditions can vary from one lake to the next week to week.

“While many of our ramps have been designed or extended to counter these low-water conditions, the recent drought conditions still warrant users to be cautious while launching and loading,” said Zach Horstman, Nebraska Game and Parks’ boating access coordinator. “In some locations, boat ramps have had to close.”

These closures are shown on the Public Access Boating map at OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps/maps, which is regularly updated. 

In places where ramp access is still available, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission advises boaters to be patient and cautious when launching and loading a boat.

Boat operators should have a spotter with them or check to see if the end of the ramp is visible from the shoreline or dock before launching, if water clarity allows. When a lake’s water level falls, less of the boat ramp is underwater, reducing the length of the ramp for a successful launch, which can cause problems launching and loading a boat.

Once on the water, boat operators should be mindful of the increased possibility of underwater hazards during low-water conditions.