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Justin Haag

Justin Haag has served the Commission as a public information officer in the Panhandle since 2013. His duties include serving as regional editor for NEBRASKAland Magazine. Haag was raised in southwestern Nebraska, where he developed a love for fishing, hunting and other outdoor pursuits. After earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chadron State College in 1996, he worked four years as an editor and reporter at newspapers in Chadron and McCook. Prior to joining the Commission in 2013, he worked 12 years as a communicator at Chadron State, serving as the institution’s media and public relations coordinator the last five. He and his wife, Cricket, live in Chadron, and have two children.

Panhandle Afield Podcast: Fishing in Low Water

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring topics of the Nebraska Panhandle’s great outdoors. This week, Joe Rydell discusses fishing during periods of low water elevations. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Fishing in Low Water Air Dates: Sept. 9-16 Length: 3:00 Episode 236  

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Fishing improvements made to Sowbelly Creek

Thanks to a recently completed project by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, anglers are sure to enjoy better fishing on a half-mile section of trout stream in one of the Pine Ridge’s most scenic locations. The renovation crew teamed up in August to improve Sowbelly Creek where it flows through the 160-acre G.H. Coffee Park 3½ miles northeast of Harrison. The project, estimated at about $40,000, was funded by a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Anglers familiar with …

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Public lands reopen after wildfires

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Public lands southwest of Gering that were closed because of the Carter Canyon Fire have been reopened to the public. The properties, located in the Wildcat Hills escarpment, are Cedar Canyon and Montz Point wildlife management areas, as well as two adjacent properties owned by the Platte River Basin Environments — Carter Canyon and Montz Point. The wildfire in late July and early August burned across the entire 2,200 acres of Cedar Canyon wildlife area, while a sizable portion of …

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Low water causes boating issues at Panhandle reservoirs

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It’s been a hot, dry summer, and boaters visiting Lake Minatare and Box Butte state recreation areas may find launching and loading boats to be a challenge in coming weeks. Because of low water levels, the docks have reached the end of their track systems, making them unusable until the water rises sometime after irrigation season. Dan Thornton, Lake Minatare superintendent, said the dock there is expected to be completely out of the water before the coming weekend. “There isn’t …

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Main ramp area upgrades continue at Merritt SRA

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Declining water levels at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine has provided the opportunity for additional upgrades to the main ramp area. The work will result in temporary closure of the ramp. Upgrades include extending the concrete boat ramp to accommodate safe low-water elevation launching, installing a new dock and rail system, and extending the breakwater off Willow Cove to protect the ramp area. Construction will take place over the next few weeks, weather and water-level depending.  The Beeds …

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Help count species at Chadron State Park bioblitz

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The public is invited to explore the natural diversity of the Pine Ridge and help catalog the species found there during the Chadron State Park Bioblitz on Sept. 9-10. The free, family-friendly event will join members of the public with natural resources experts to explore and learn about the biodiversity and habitat at the park. Then, participants will work to identify as many plants and animals as possible during the event. “This is a great way for folks of all …

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Panhandle Afield Podcast: Bioblitz

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring topics of the Nebraska Panhandle’s great outdoors. Amanda Filipi, outdoor education specialist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, joins the program to talk about bioblitzes. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Bioblitz Air Dates: Aug. 19-26 Length: 3:00 Episode 233

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Panhandle Afield Podcast: Bullfrogs

By Justin Haag A weekly radio segment featuring topics of the Nebraska Panhandle’s great outdoors. This week, the topic is bullfrogs. Justin Haag · Panhandle Afield: Bullfrogs Air Dates: Aug. 12-19 Length: 3:00 Episode 232

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Closures planned during park upgrades in north-central Nebraska, Panhandle

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Access to certain areas of parks in north-central Nebraska and the Panhandle will be temporarily closed to make way for improvements. Mike Morava, regional superintendent for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said each of the projects is being started early enough in the fall to be finished before visitation peaks next year. Smith Falls State Park near Valentine — Access to Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, Smith Falls, will be closed Sept. 6 through May 2023 as workers replace the aging …

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Fort Robinson, Chadron State Park revise schedules

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Fort Robinson State Park and Chadron State Park in northwest Nebraska have revised their schedules for some services as visitors and employees returning to school have prompted staffing changes. The revised schedules will take effect Aug. 15. Fort Robinson State Park Restaurant — Hours are now 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Horse Rides — On Monday through Friday, the long ride will start at 8 a.m. and 12:30 …

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