PARKS & RECREATION Parks & Recreation Areas Program As part of its mission to conserve and protect natural resources, the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) has been involved in several large-scale dam and reservoir projects since 1983. These multi-purpose projects are designed for flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge, and use in progressive groundwater research. As a result, the additional benefit of these projects is the opportunity for outdoor recreation. The NRD has developed six sites: Smith Creek Recreation Area, Pioneer Trails Recreation Area, the Bruce L. Anderson Recreation Area and Recharge Lake, Recharge Lake Archery Range, Overland Trail Reservoir and Recreation Area, and Oxbow Trail Recreation Area. These sites provide habitat for wildlife. Area residents can enjoy activities, such as camping, fishing, boating, hiking, as well as winter sports such as skiing, sledding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, snowmobile riding, and ice skating. On this page is a District map locating the Parks & Recreation areas inside the Upper Big Blue NRD. The following pages are detailed maps of each recreation site that the NRD manages. Pioneer Trails Recreation Area Aurora Bruce L. Anderson Recreation Area Recharge Lake & Archery Range Overland Trail Reservoir & Recreation Area Oxbow Trail Reservoir & Recreation Area Ulysses Smith Creek Recreation Area Beaver Crossing = Recreation Areas 2 Number of Acres: Water & Land Inside Recreation Areas Managed by the Upper Big Blue NRD The Upper Big Blue NRD recreational areas are utilized year-round with people participating in camping, boating, hiking, hunting and fishing, as well as winter sports including cross-country skiing, sledding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, snowmobile riding, and ice skating. These sites are designed for public use and we are proud to offer these areas for recreation. At this time, we currently do not manage any wetland areas. The accompanying table highlights the land size of each recreation area.
Overland Trail Recreation Area The Overland Trail Recreation Area, located 2.0 miles east and 1.0 mile south of York, features a 17-surface-acre lake which stores 121 acre feet of water. The site was named for the nearby Overland Trail, which during the 1860 s, was a spur off the Oregon Trail. The primary purposes of the dam and reservoir were designed to provide flood control, aquifer recharge and recreational opportunities. Camping, picnicking, and hiking are permitted in designated areas. Boating and canoeing are also allowed along with skiing, sledding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Development at the facility remains limited to preserve wildlife habitat. 3
PARKS & RECREATION Oxbow Trail Recreation Area Constructed in 1998, the Oxbow Trail Recreation Area is located 1.5 miles east of Ulysses, Nebraska, and features a 39-surface-acre lake which can store 274 acre feet of water. Named for the nearby Oxbow Trail used by pioneers during the mid-1850s, the dam and reservoir was designed to provide flood control, wildlife habitat, and recreation. The lake s water source is supplied by rainfall and underground springs. A fishing jetty is accessible on the west side of the lake along with a boat ramp and dock. The recreation area is open to hiking and camping. The trapping of furbearers is permitted during the allowable hunting and trapping season. A picnic shelter and tables are also available. 4
Aquatic Life in the Recreation Areas Major Game Fish typically found at the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District recreation areas include: (clockwise from top) Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Black Bullhead, and Largemouth Bass 5
NRD PROFILE Once dismissed as The Great American Desert, Nebraska now is known both nationally and abroad for its agricultural bounty and natural wonders. We sometimes take these wonders for granted, but they surround us from one corner of the state to another; from Niobrara to Red Cloud, from Scottsbluff to Omaha. The Nebraska Legislature enacted a law in 1969 to combine 154 special purpose entities into 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs). NRDs were officially established on July 1, 1972. These Districts are unique to Nebraska and to the rest of the country. NRDs are local government units with broad responsibilities to protect our natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries enabling NRDs to respond best to local needs. An elected Board of Directors governs each District. Much of their funding comes from local property taxes. In most cases, your local NRD typically uses 1-2 percent of all property taxes collected in the District. NRDs help Nebraskans respond to natural resources challenges with local control and local solutions. Partnerships have been built with various agencies and organizations, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, other state and federal agencies, municipalities, counties, and private organizations. Natural Resources Districts... 6... the greatest sources of the state s wealth and its assurance for future prosperity More than 56,000 citizens rely on the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) to provide direction and assistance in the wise use, conservation and development of our soil, water and related natural resources. The NRD is dedicated to the conservation and careful development of natural resources to serve everyone s needs. Many NRD projects and programs leave long-lasting results: dams, terraces, drainage ditches, windbreaks, reservoirs, recreation areas (including parks, campgrounds, and trails), groundwater management (both quantity and quality), and irrigation and crop production educational opportunities. The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, a statewide association created by NRDs, provides administrative services, legislative representation, statewide communication, and coordination for the 23 independent Districts. NRDs have experienced tremendous growth in the responsibilities given to them by state statute, especially in protecting groundwater. The NRDs inform Nebraska s young people by supplying information, education, and other outreach efforts. It is vital that future generations understand the importance of securing Nebraska s natural resources. 7
PARKS & RECREATION Activities at Upper Big Blue NRD Managed Recreation Areas PLEASE NOTE: NO PARK PERMIT IS NECESSARY AT ANY OF THE UPPER BIG BLUE NRD MANAGED AREAS Tent Camping Hiking/Biking Boating/Canoeing Swimming Fishing Hunting waterfowl Hunting upland game Trapping furbearers Firearm target practice Horseback riding Wind surfing Winter sports* Snowmobiles Scuba diving Water skiing Jet ski Motor bikes** Skateboarding, roller/inline skating AMENITIES Restrooms Grills Boat ramp Boat dock RV Camping (concrete pads/electrical hook-ups) Picnic tables Picnic shelter Archery range Smith Creek Pioneer Trails Recharge Lake Overland Trail Oxbow Trail 8 NOTE: When an activity is listed as permissible, that activity must only occur according to Upper Big Blue NRD rules and regulations in designated areas. The use of narcotics is strictly prohibited. Hunting and Trapping: Waterfowl: Ducks, Geese, etc. Upland game: Deer, Pheasant, Quail, Turkey, etc. When trapping, a special permit must be obtained from the NRD. The Upper Big Blue NRD does not issue hunting or fishing permits. These permits must be obtained from the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. * Snow skiing, cross-country skiing, snow boarding, sledding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, ice skating, etc. ** Motorcycles, mini-bikes, three/four wheelers, mopeds, motorized scooters.
Pioneer Trails Recreation Area The Pioneer Trails Recreation Area, located 1.25 miles east and 1.0 mile north of Aurora, Nebraska, features a 40-surface-acre lake which can store 277 acre feet of water. Constructed on a tributary of Lincoln Creek in 1986, the project was designed to provide flood control, aquifer recharge, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. Target shooting is prohibited. Discharging center-fire and rim-fire rifles, handguns, and muzzleloading firearms are prohibited unless a special trapping permit is issued by the District. Hunting is prohibited on the south 250 feet on the lands located in the SW 1/4 of Section 26 designated for public use. 9
PARKS & RECREATION Bruce L. Anderson Recreation Area (Recharge Lake) The Bruce L. Anderson Recreation Area, named for the longtime Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Director and conservation advocate, is located 1.75 miles west of York, Nebraska, on 4th Street, and features a 44-surface-acre lake which stores 310 acre feet of water on a tributary of Beaver Creek. Constructed in 1990, for a five-year groundwater recharge study, the lake is now used primarily for recreation. A boat dock and ramp is accessible on the east side of the lake. Hunting is prohibited. The Recharge Lake Archery Range used for target practice is located to the west of Road K. Facilities at the site include picnic tables, cooking grills, fire rings, hiking trails, and playground equipment. A picnic shelter is located near the north parking lot. Archery Range 10
Upper Big Blue Archers The Upper Big Blue Archers is a club that utilizes the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District Archery Range at Recharge Lake in York, Nebraska. The 14+ acre outdoor range is open to the public with over 25 covered bale targets, elevated platforms, and a variety of shooting situations. The club is open for membership to add to their 25-30 current members. You can contact them through the following link: upperbigbluearchers.webs.com Smith Creek Recreation Area The Smith Creek Recreation Area, located 1.25 miles south and 1.0 mile east of the Utica, Nebraska interchange off Interstate 80, features a 20-surface-acre lake which stores 142 acre feet of water. Constructed in 1983, the Smith Creek dam and reservoir was designed primarily to provide aquifer recharge and recreational opportunities. Waterfowl hunting is permitted within the boundaries of the Smith Creek Recreation Area. Facilities at the site include a picnic shelter and tables, cooking grills and fire rings, as well as a hand pump and a wooden footbridge across the spillway on the west side of the lake. 11
Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District Parks & Recreation Second Printing June 2018 319 East 25th Street York, NE 68467 Ph: 402.362.6601 Fax: 402.362.1849 www.upperbigblue.org