Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Director Jim Douglas 2200 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, NE 68503

The legislature created the Commission and gave it sole charge of state parks, game and fish, recreation grounds, and all things pertaining thereto. Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-301. Specific statutes regarding this charge are found in Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 37. The legislature has also assigned the Commission responsibilities and authorities in relation to: (1) the acceptance and maintenance of certain real estate as described in Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 72 and Chap. 90; (2) the study, application, and maintenance of in-stream appropriations to provide the beneficial use of water in a manner that is necessary for recreation or fish and wildlife as described in Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 46; (3) creating certain rules and regulations relating to the operation of vehicles on property owned by the Commission and to enforce laws and rules relating to motor vehicles as contain in Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 60; (4) maintenance of state recreational roads, highways, and bridges as described in Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 39; (5) providing administrative support to and participating in the Nebraska Environmental Trust Board pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 81; (6) work with the Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission to execute commemorative events pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 81; (7) participation on the Tourism Commission pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 81; (8) consulting with the Department of Agricultural to develop rules and regulations relating to the Domesticated Cervine Animal Act pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 54; (9) collaborating with and providing expertise to the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission on funding water programs, projects, and activities, pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 2; (10) filing reports with the Public Service Commission regarding the advisability of approving, denying, or modifying the location of the proposed route of a major oil pipeline pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 57; (11) consulting with the Water Funding Task Force pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 50; (12) providing administrative support for and participating on the Niobrara Council pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 72; (13) cooperating with the State Forrester pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 85; (14) participating on the Geographic Information Systems Council pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 86; (15) enforcing the laws of the State of Nebraska through its conservation officers pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. 29-215; (16) participating on the Nebraska Safety Advisory Council pursuant to Neb. Rev. Stat. 85-1008; (17) cooperating and coordinating with county governments and officers pursuant to the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Management Act as found in Neb. Rev. Stat. Chap. 23; and (18) all other authorities, responsibilities, roles which are prescribed by the legislature.The Commission has adopted the following mission statement:The Game and Parks Commission is responsible for the stewardship of the state's fish, wildlife, park and outdoor recreation resources in the best long-term interests of the people and those resources.

All Nebraskans and non-resident visitors

64% of Nebraskans in 2014. 1.28 million permits & stamps sold

1929

1929 and every year since

None

Nebraska Revised Statutes 37-101

None

Number of Commissioners: 9

Governor

Yes

Qualifications: Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-101(1):(1)(a) The Game and Parks Commission shall consist of nine members, one from each of the eight districts provided for by section 37-102 and one at-large member, and shall be appointed by the Governor with the consent of a majority of all members of the Legislature. (b) Members of the commission shall be legal residents and citizens of Nebraska and shall be well informed and interested in matters under the jurisdiction of the commission.(c) At least three members of the commission shall be actually engaged in agricultural pursuits.(d) Not more than five of the members of the commission shall be affiliated with the same political party. The political party affiliation of each prospective member shall be determined as of the statewide general election prior to his or her appointment.(e) Members of the commission representing districts provided for by section 37-102 shall be bona fide residents of the district from which they are appointed.(f) When a member ceases to be a member of the political party determined under subdivision (d) of this subsection, ceases to be a bona fide resident of the district, or ceases to be actually engaged in agricultural pursuits if required to meet the qualifications for his or her appointment, the office shall be immediately vacated.

$35 per day for days away from home on Commission business

Yes, per Nebraska Revised Statutes 37-105

Four years

Terms Rotate

Quarterly meetings are required

6

Quarterly meetings are required

6

Quarterly meeetings are required

8

Yes

Separate

$19,863

$19,863

$34,163

Permits, stamps, user fees, federal grants; see annual report

Yes, the Commission allocates funds and approves expenditures

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission produces an annual report of accomplishments that is publicly available on our website, and distributes printed reports to State Senators and the Governor. The 2015 report is available on our website at http:digital.outdoornebraska.govi653523-2015-annual-report and previous years annual reports are available upon request.