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Community Plans

Discover information and resources that will help you make your community or land management visions a reality.

Want to build a nature playground or improve a pond? Thinking about wind energy or adding a fun educational element to your event? Need funding resources for your vision? The following resources are available for Nebraska communities and private landowners.

Runners run down a hiking trail in a forested area of Nebraska's Pine Ridge at Chadron State Park with butte formations in the background.

Trail Planning Guide

Trails are one of the most valuable recreational amenities in Nebraska. The Trail Planning Guide helps Nebraskans create trail plans and take the necessary steps to expand trails in their local parks and communities.

Questions about trail planning? Fill out the Trail Planning Assistance Form.

An umpire stands behind a batter.

State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

The State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is developed by Commission staff with public involvement. The information within the plan characterizes the supply and demand for outdoor recreation amenities, state and regional demographics, and provides an action plan that serves as a guidance and recommendation tool for park lands sustainability and future development.

An American Bullfrog surrounded by lily pads.

Nebraska Pond Management Guide

The Nebraska Pond Management Guide contains information on pond construction, stocking, environmental modifications, managing a bass-bluegill-catfish pond, pond maintenance and resolving common pond problems.

A girl plays in a manicured creek.

Natural Playscapes Guide

The Natural Playscapes Guide is a comprehensive tool that provides support and direction through the process of creating a natural playground or playscape.

A man paddles down a white water structure on a water trail.

Water Trails Guide

This guide is designed to give communities the tools they need to develop, maintain, upgrade and promote a successful water trail. Topics discussed in the guide include regulations and permitting, ADA standards, universal access, the design process and much more.

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Wetland Conservation and Local Planning

The purpose of the Integrating Wetland Conservation into Local Planning guidebook is to provide practical information to local planners and decision-makers on how to best integrate wetland conservation into the full range of community planning activities.

Two geese at the edge of a pond, wind turbines in the background.

Nebraska Wind and Solar Energy Guidance

These resources provide information and tools to help minimize potential impacts of wind and solar energy development on wildlife in Nebraska.

Land management

Nebraska Game and Parks offers a number of resources to landowners and community planners to help with managing property and planning for the future.

Grant opportunities

Nebraska Game and Parks manages a number of state and federal grant opportunities for the creation of trails, recreation areas, wildlife-viewing events, and more.

About Nebraska Game & Parks

We’re a family of passionate, innovative professionals who work together to connect people to the natural world and support conservation in Nebraska.