| Purpose: | 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. |