NGPC Northwest District outlines access projects, muskie research and post‑winter stocking plans

Joe Bridal, the new district manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission(NGPC) Northwest District, told attendees during a public webinar that the agency is pursuing shoreline and access improvements at several Sandhill lakes while continuing fish population monitoring and stocking after the 202223 winter fish kills.

Bridal said the district has restructured its fisheries management from four to five districts, adding Brown and Blaine counties and bringing most Sandhill lakes into the Northwest District. "We chose to go with the decommissioning" of the Carter P. Johnson dam at Fort Robinson after the dam was reclassified as a high‑hazard structure, Bridal said, adding the decommissioning would allow work on Soldier Creek as part of that project.

The decommissioning plan is on hold pending passage of Legislative Bill 261, Bridal said; NGPC has sought grant funding to help cover project costs. While that project awaits funding authority, NGPC is advancing a separate access project at Smith Lake Wildlife Management Area (between Lakeside and Rushville). Bridal said the Smith Lake project, currently about 30% through design, would add riprap-style jetties…