Be a part of the process to update Nebraska’s state wildlife action plan, which outlines conservation efforts and priorities for Nebraska’s most vulnerable plant and animal species.

Public meetings for the plan, known as the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project, are scheduled across the state. Participants can learn about the plan and the science behind it, ask questions and provide feedback. The meetings will take place in an open house format, so attendees can move freely from table to table to learn about different issues.

These meetings, which are scheduled from 6:30-8 p.m., unless otherwise noted, will be:

  • Jan. 10 in Beatrice, Beatrice Public Library, 100 N. 16th St., 5:30-7 p.m.
  • Jan. 17 in North Platte, UNL Extension – West Central Research and Extension Center, 402 W. State Farm Rd.
  • Jan. 18 in Wood River, Crane Trust, 9325 S. Alda Rd.
  • Jan. 23 in O’Neill, Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District, 301 N. Harrison St.
  • Jan. 24 in Norfolk, Lower Elkhorn NRD, 1508 Square Turn Blvd.

Refreshments will be provided.

Six meetings already have been held across the state this fall. For a full list of the meetings, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov; search for “State Wildlife Action Plan.”

The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project is part of a nationwide effort to address the needs of declining wildlife populations. More than 700 species have been identified as at-risk in Nebraska. The plan initially was published in 2005 and updated in 2011. Its next update will be released in 2025.

The mission of the Natural Legacy Project is to refine and implement a blueprint for conserving Nebraska’s flora, fauna and natural habitats through the proactive, voluntary conservation actions of partners, communities and individuals.

Landowners, partner organizations, public land managers and many others use the plan to guide conservation work that benefits wildlife, habitat and the residents of Nebraska.

Be aware of fishing regulation changes for 2024

Anglers need to be aware of fishing regulation changes in Nebraska that take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s changes to 2024 fishing rules are:

Archery Paddlefish – Archery paddlefish permit holders may harvest paddlefish in the spillway below Gavins Point Dam. The north wall and discharge canal remain closed to archery paddlefish fishing.

Archery Fishing – Only the north wall of the spillway and immediately below the Gavins Point Dam powerhouse downstream to a line extending from the east end of the south cement wall of the discharge canal northwest to the east end of the north wall of the discharge canal will be closed to archery fishing during archery paddlefish season.

Channel Catfish – The statewide bag and length restriction on channel catfish is changed to one fish greater than 30 inches in length. The daily bag limit of five on standing waters, with exceptions, remains.

Yellow Perch – The daily bag limit for yellow perch shall include only five fish 10 inches or longer, of which only one fish may be 12 inches or longer, at Home Valley Lake (Cherry County), Rat and Beaver Wildlife Management Area (Cherry County), Blue Lake (Garden County), Island Lake (Garden County), Smith Lake, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Garden County), Frye Lake WMA (Grant County), and Smith Lake WMA (Sheridan County).

Bluegill – The daily bag limit for bluegill shall include only one fish nine inches or longer at Duck Lake (Cherry County), Pelican Lake (Cherry Lake), Blue Lake (Garden County), Island Lake (Garden County), Smith Lake, FWS (Garden County), Frye Lake WMA (Grant County), and Smith Lake WMA (Sheridan County).

More fishing information can be found in the 2024 Fishing Guide, which will be available in January at OutdoorNebraska.gov and where 2024 fishing permits are sold.