Resolution to allow Game and Parks talks on Camp Augustine moves forward in committee hearing

State Senator Dan Quick introduced LR17, a nonbinding resolution giving the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission permission to begin talks with the City of Grand Island about incorporating Camp Augustine into the state park system or otherwise arranging management. "LR17 simply approves the indication of intent by the Game and Parks Commission to incorporate Camp Augustine into the state park system," Quick said.

The resolution would not by itself transfer property or obligate the commission to accept ownership; Tim McCoy, Director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, told the committee the statute requires legislative permission before Game and Parks can enter such discussions with a local government. "We have to get permission prior to entering into a discussion with anyone if we are dealing with any local government subdivision or agency," McCoy said.

Why it matters: Camp Augustine, a former Boy Scout camp recently purchased by the City of Grand Island, sits adjacent to Mormon Island and other public lands near the Platte River. Proponents said coordinating management could create a larger recreation area with camping, cabins, event space and river access, potentially supporting tourism and local recreation without committing to a specific acquisition method.

Details from testimony: Brad Mellema, director of the Grand Island tourism bureau, said the city paid about $2 million to acquire Camp Augustine and that combined with adjacent parcels the total public footprint could reach roughly 550 acres with about three miles of riverfront access. He said Camp Augustine contains cabins, a dining hall, RV sites and smaller lakes used for instructional canoeing and fishing. McCoy said possible paths include management agreements, leases, donations or purchase; each path triggers different internal approvals and, for donations or acquisitions, would require review by Game and Parks and possibly additional legislative or executive approvals.

No committee vote on LR17 was recorded in the transcript. Quick and Game and Parks staff said the resolution’s passage would only allow negotiations to begin; any subsequent management agreement or transfer would follow the commission’s acquisition procedures and, if needed, seek appropriations or approvals through normal state processes.

Ending: Supporters characterized LR17 as a procedural step to explore options that could expand recreation and tourism in central Nebraska. The committee heard the neutral and proponent testimony and did not record a final committee action during the hearing.