NGPC offering pastures, hay tracts to those affected by wildfires

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering pastures and hay tracts on some of its properties to landowners affected by the recent wildfires.

Game and Parks manages land for wildlife habitat management and recreation. Grazing is a management tool that can positively affect plant succession and promotes quality wildlife habitat.

Some wildlife management areas and parklands are being offered for grazing and haying. Leases will be one-time, short duration grazing. Haying tracts will be available after July 10. Many tracts will require temporary fencing and hauling of water to grazing paddocks.

All lease agreements will follow state law, policies and protocols. If more than one tenant is interested, grazing or haying will be accepted by bid process.

Call the following contact list by April 12 for more information. Tenants will be selected by April 13.

Grazing paddocks are available on the following WMAs:

Cherry County — Shell Lake, 210 acres, call Nate Rau, 308-763-2940

Grant County — Frye Lake, 60 acres, call Nate Rau, 308-763-2940

Lincoln County — Chester Island, 47 acres, call Scott Aden, 308-535-8025

Dawson County — East Willow Island, 27 acres, call Scott Aden, 308-535-8025; Darr Strip, 320 acres, call Aden Shorney, 308-224-8077; Dogwood, 150 acres, call Aden Shorney, 308-224-8077

Buffalo County — Blue Hole, 120 acres, call Aden Shorney, 308-224-8077

Keith County — Ogallala Strip, 300 acres, call Matt Wieseler, 308-778-5486

Haying tracts are available on the following WMAs:

Dawson County — West Cozad WMA, 18 acres, Scott Aden, 308-535-8025

Lincoln County — Hershey, 13 acres, Scott Aden, 308-535-8025; Pawnee Slough, 7 acres, Scott Aden, 308-535-8025

State parklands with potential haying:

Sherman Reservoir, Sherman County — call Tommy Hicks for potential acres at 308-346-5666

Niobrara State Park, Knox County – call Tyler Wulf at 402-388-4169