Boating access projects completed at three areas

Boating access projects on three lakes controlled by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission were completed this summer. An angler access component at one of them has not been completed.

Hayes Center Wildlife Management Area – Construction of a single-lane, concrete boat launch ended in early September at this WMA in northeast Hayes County.

This project was initiated to addresses a lack of suitable access to the lake. Primitive launch sites existed sporadically around the lake but caused erosion to the shorelines. The new concrete ramp includes an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking stall and access to the top of the ramp.

This project was made possible through a Sport Fish Restoration grant and through the sale of Nebraska fishing and hunting permits.

Danish Alps State Recreation Area – An ADA-compliant kayak launch was completed in July to address congestion at the main boat ramp of the SRA near Hubbard.

An ADA-compliant kayak launch dock was installed, in addition to installment of a shore launch. A gravel turnaround area provides a safe space for users to unload and load their paddle craft. Newly constructed ADA-compliant parking stalls and sidewalks provide access to the kayak launch dock.

This was a joint project between Game and Parks and the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District. It is made possible through a Sport Fish Restoration grant and funding from the NRD.

Grove Lake WMA – Repairs to the north and south boat ramps were completed at the end of August.

The north ramp began to heave and separate at the joints. It was replaced, with the new concrete ramp, including an ADA-compliant parking stall and access. The upper portion of the south ramp was replaced. Riprap protection was added to the adjacent shorelines of both ramps and drainage and shoreline grading was performed.

This project was initiated to provide more bank fishing opportunity at the 50-acre lake. Unfinished is the installation of the floating fishing pier. Once delivered, the 60-foot gangway and 10-foot by 20-foot floating platform are expected to be installed in the coming month on the west shoreline of the lake north of Royal.

This project was made possible through a Sport Fish Restoration grant and through the Nebraska Game and Parks Aquatic Habitat Stamp, which accompanies the permit anglers’ purchase.

Questions about the projects can be directed to ngpc.boataccess@nebraska.gov.

To view a map of other boat ramps in the state, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps/maps/ and scroll to Public Boating Areas.