Brad Ifert, South Central District manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, said multiple boating and access projects are complete or underway across the district and described short-term closures at some sites.

Ifert said contractors are finishing two new concrete ramps and other amenities at Milligate (Midway) and Gallagher Canyon on the Tri-County Canal; those sites will include courtesy docks, improved parking and lighting and will be maintained by the state parks division as state recreation areas requiring a parks sticker.

At Johnson Reservoir, Ifert said Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District — the waterbody owner — funded construction of a series of breakwaters and plans additional improvements, including courtesy docks and boat ramp repairs. Ifert said Central permanently closed and removed the outlet boat ramp at Johnson for safety reasons.

Ifert said the Phillips Canyon ramp project is a partnership with Central; access road and parking work are done but a concrete ramp and final amenities remain to be finished. He said Central expects to complete the ramp this year but that the agency had not yet confirmed a firm timeline.

Plum Creek Canyon Reservoir had a stationary dock removed during low-water periods and NGPC plans to install a floating dock in the coming weeks to improve usability. Davis Creek Reservoir, Ifert said, is a Bureau of Reclamation facility where the Lower Loup Natural Resources District manages the recreation area; road repaving paid with federal funds is still underway and the recreation area — including the campground and ramps — remains closed. Ifert said the NRD project manager expected the area might reopen as early as May 1 and for sure by May 15, but he asked boaters to be patient while concrete work finishes.

Ifert credited boating access coordinator Zach Horstman for recent work in the district and noted the NGPC will designate several of these sites as state recreation areas that will require a parks sticker for entry when they open.