The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is the State of Nebraska's State agency charged with stewardship of the state's fish, wildlife, state park, and outdoor recreation resources. The agency is led by a governor-appointed member commission consisting of 9 commissioners which directs agency management. The commission is also charged with issuing of state hunting licenses, fishing licenses, and boat registrations. The agency also manages State Parks and recreation areas throughout the state. It conducts public education programs for hunting and boating safety. The agency is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Board of Commissioners
The agency is governed by a board of nine commissioners, with one commissioner representing each of the eight commission districts and one At-Large commissioner. Each commissioner is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature to a 6-year term. The commission meets six times per year. The following is the current makeup of Commissioners:
See main article: Nebraska State Parks Among the park facilities controlled by the commission are the state's 85 state-owned parks facilities, divided into four categories:
State Parks – Areas of scientific, historic, or scenic value that are of sufficient size to be developed for public use without infringing on the primary value of the area.
State Recreation Areas – Areas primarily of outdoor recreational value. All the state's water-oriented parks fall into this category.
State Historical Parks – Areas primarily of significant historical value.
State Recreation Trails – Linear corridors of statewide or regional value designed for non-motorized recreational use.
Wildlife Management
The agency manages over 250 state Wildlife Management Areas. The acquisition and maintenance of these areas is funded entirely through hunting and fishing license fees. Primitive camping is generally allowed in these areas.
Law Enforcement
The commission is charged with enforcement of fish, wildlife, boating, and other state and federal laws and regulations within the state. Conservation officers patrol public lands including state parks, wildlife management areas, rivers, lakes, and other areas for law violations. Conservation officers are fully commissioned State law enforcement officers and can enforce all state laws and regulations throughout the state. These officers also conduct public outreach to educate the public on water safety, firearm safety, and stewardship of public natural resources.
