The recent announcement for proposed recreational and fishery improvements at Standing Bear Lake has led to many questions concerning trail access at the lake during the construction period. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s (NGPC) proposed improvements will result in the temporary closure of the North and South parking lots, Papio Lake 16 Road, and the Floating Bridge.
For public health and the safety of the recreating public, pedestrians are discouraged from utilizing 144th Street. The trails remaining open at Standing Bear should be utilized as ‘out-and-back’ for the duration of construction activities, until the Floating Bridge is re-opened. Section 3.12 and Figure 7 of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) describe the proposed park closures and their effects to recreationists.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District is currently conducting a real estate review of the proposed project. The Draft EA, which details all aspects of the NGPC proposed recreational improvements project may be found at: https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Planning/Project-Reports/Article/3192141/draft-environmental-assessment-for-standing-bear-lake-recreational-improvements/.
Comments may be mailed to 1616 Capitol Ave, ATTN: PMA-C, Omaha, Nebraska 68102 or emailed to cenwo-planning@usace.army.mil. All comments must be submitted or postmarked by November 17, 2022. All comments received will be addressed within the EA, and the Final EA and decision document will be released to the public, targeted for mid-December 2022.
Release no. 22-053