Outdoor Activities Abound in District 1

May 4 marked the beginning of eased COVID-19 restrictions in regions of Nebraska less impacted by the pandemic, including District 1. Spring has sprung, Mother’s Day is upon us, and Memorial Day is on the horizon, and this week’s column will focus on just a few of the many options for outdoor activities still available in our region.

Starting May 20, Nebraska Game and Parks will begin opening up overnight camping pads at state parks where social distancing and group-size recommendations may be maintained and confirmed COVID-19 cases have remained low. Tentatively, this plan to reopen includes Indian Cave State Park in Richardson County. State parks and recreation areas remain open for day use. This includes fishing, hiking, boating, biking, wildlife viewing, and other activities that provide adequate room for distancing. Alternative methods of camping, including tenting and cabin rentals, remain closed to the public at Nebraska Game and Parks facilities.

All Nemaha Natural Resource District facilities are currently open. Overnight camping is still allowed, as long as campers abide by social distancing regulations. Park permits are still required at Kirkman’s Cove, Iron Horse Trail Lake, Duck Creek, and Wirth Brothers Lake. 

Other points of interest for potential day trips include the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Memorial Garden, located in Humboldt. This is a beautiful place to go for a walk, reflect, and take in the beauty of nature. Golf courses also remain open throughout District 1, and modified operations are in place at many facilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While we are still encouraged to practice social distancing, there are still great opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy spring in District 1.

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604; telephone 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov