| Formal Name: | The Game and Parks Commission. Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-101. |
| Contact Person: | Timothy McCoy, Deputy Director, 2200 N 33rd St., Lincoln NE 68503 |
| 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 instream 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 commerative 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. |
| How Many Affectable: | All residents of the State of Nebraska and all non-residents who benefit directly or indirectly from the management of parks, recreational areas, wildlife (both game and non-game species), and conservation efforts of Nebraskas natural resources. |
| How Many Served: | From a 2015 survey, 64% of Nebraskans visited a Commission property for during the previous year. The Commission sold a total of 1,190,569 permits and stamps in 2019: 695,035 for huntfishtrap and stamps, and 495,534 park vehicle entry permits. |
| Year Created: | In 1929, the legislature created the responsibilities of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (at the time, it was the Nebraska Game, Forestation and Parks Commission). |
| Year Active: | The Commission has been active every year since its inception. |
| Sunset Date: | There are no susnset provisions pertaining to the existence of the Commissions |
| Number Of Members: | 9 Commissioners |
| Who Appoints: | Governor |
| Legislative Approval: | Legislative approval: Yes (Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-101) |
| Qualifications Of Members: | 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. |
| Per Diem: | Per Diem: $35 per day for days actually away from home on business of the Commission, not exceeding 45 calendar days in any one year. |
| Expense Reimbursement: | Actual and necessary traveling and other expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties. Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-105. |
| Term Length: | Four years |
| Terms Rotate or Expire At Once: | Terms Rotate |
| Support Staff: | Yes |
| Shared or Separate: | Seperate |
| FY 17-18 Budget: | $30,022 for Board expenses and per-diem; Agency budget $88,238,333 |
| FY 18-19 Budget: | $30,022 for Board expenses and per-diem; Agency budget $88,740,832 |
| FY 19-20 Budget: | $30,022 for Board expenses and per-diem; Agency budget $97,187,582 |
| Other Funding Sources: | Funding for the Board of Commissioners budget is general funds. Funding for agency programs relies on permits and fees, along with grants and federal funds. See agency annual report at http:digital.outdoornebraska.govi1207206-2019-annual-report |
| Spending Authority: | The Board of Commissioners allocate spending authority for programs through the biennial budget and approve agency expenditures. |