OPEN FIELDS & WATERS PROGRAM

1. OPEN FIELDS & WATERS PROGRAM A PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAM FOR HUNTERS AND ANGLERS OFFERED BY THE NEBRASKA GAME & PARKS COMMISSION

2. The Pilot • The NGPC has initiated a new 2-year “pilot” access program this year that hopes to expand: • the habitat types beyond those enrolled in the current CRP-MAP program, • the opportunities for different kinds of hunting and fishing on enrolled lands, and • the quantity of lands enrolled in public access. • To fuel the plan, the Commission authorized the expenditure of $500,000 for access, from user fees. • We hope to match these funds with other matching funds in the near future.

3. Hunting • Sites MUST have a core of mature woodland or quality wetland hunting habitat. • complement the grassland/upland game focus of CRP-MAP • Deer hunting is an important gateway hunting opportunity, but many landowners may not enroll their land if they have to give up the 9-day rifle deer season. • Landowners can enroll acres that exclude hunting access during the rifle deer season for a reduced payment • provide access for archery, muzzleloader, and January anterless only deer hunting • turkey hunting and small game hunting

4. Fishing • NGPC will more broadly enter into providing access for fishing on private lands. • Includes potential access for lakes, ponds, rivers and streams to create expanded fishing opportunities. • Areas enrolled for fishing access must provide quality (publicly desired) fishing opportunities. • Water quality • Shoreline condition/ aquatic vegetation • Fish! (Landowner information and site evaluation)

5. Rate Zones • Counties were selected based on human population densities; easy driving distance of major cities (Lincoln, Omaha, and the Grand Island/ Kearney/Hastings area, and/or the Platte River where hunting access is at a premium. • Current target area includes 89% of state population. • Rule of thumb: higher rates apply to counties that are closer to urban centers and have greater opportunities for use.

6. Expanded Access Rate Zones(Hunting Only) Red Area Contains 89% of Nebraska’s Human Population.

7. Hunting Access Rate Table * A base of 10 acres of mature deciduous woodland or 10 acres of huntable wetland or 40 acres of coniferous woodland is Required.

8. Fishing Access Rate Table

9. Payment Calculator

10. CONTRACT PROCESS • Landowner Contact • Site Visit to ensure eligibility and quality • Determine enrollment acres, type, and payment amount • Develop contract (one or two years) • attach aerial photo or plat map with enrolled area clearly marked • Obtain appropriate signatures, including W-9 form • Contracts must be signed by June 15 for Atlas inclusion • Post signs prior to September 1 • Staff will conduct site visits and compliance reviews • Staff submit recommendation for payment in April • Modifications of contracts (changes, reenrollments, cancellations) occur in the Spring

12. Atlas All enrolled acres will be published in a program Atlas. Final additions or deletions are due by July 1, prior to printing the Atlas

13. Signs There will be several different signs to depict the program differences. There will also be various public information signs, like boundary or 200 yard limit

14. QUESTIONS?