Nemaha Natural Resources District

06/11/2026

6/11/2026: Iron Horse Trail Lake is on health alert this week for the presence of toxic blue-green algae.

Signs posted at the beach will be flipped to notify visitors.
Swimming beaches are closed.
Boating and fishing are allowed, but avoid contact with the water and do not let pets swim or drink from the lake.

Please remember:
✅ Samples are taken on Mondays, with results usually available by Thursday or Friday. Conditions can change quickly, and tests are only taken weekly.
✅ Watch for green, paint-like scum—when in doubt, stay out.
✅ All other park activities like camping and picnicking remain open.
✅ If fishing, avoid eating the intestines or organs of the catch.

Check DWEE’s website for sample results and sign up for weekly updates:
https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/

Getting ready to go to the lake? Check our BeachWatch interactive map first! It is updated by Friday each week and shows if any lakes are on health alert for harmful algal blooms. https://bit.ly/43Qgukw

06/08/2026

🎉 Exciting news! The updated Nemaha NRD website is now live!

Thanks to Unanimous, our website has been refreshed with a new look, improved navigation, and easier access to the information and resources you use most. Whether you're looking for recreation information, park permits, conservation programs, district news, upcoming events, or educational resources, finding what you need is now simpler than ever.

The update also includes new recreation tools through our partnership with Set Your Sites, making it easier to purchase park permits, view live campsite availability directly on each recreation area's page, and plan your visit to Nemaha NRD recreation areas.

We invite you to explore the new site and see what's changed!

🌐 https://www.nemahanrd.org/

06/05/2026

🌧️ The recent heavy rains across Southeast Nebraska have been a powerful reminder of the value of flood-control structures, specifically the dams.

The Nemaha NRD maintains more than 400 flood-control structures throughout the district. During major storm events, these structures help slow runoff, temporarily store water, reduce downstream flooding, and prevent erosion.

By holding back and gradually releasing stormwater, these structures help protect roads, farmland, homes, communities, and waterways from the damaging effects of intense rainfall. They also reduce sediment movement and help improve water quality in local streams and rivers.

Many of these structures have been quietly serving Southeast Nebraska for decades. While they may blend into the landscape on most days, their importance becomes especially clear during periods of heavy rainfall like those we've experienced recently.

The video provides an up-close look at an outlet pipe functioning after a recent storm, followed by images of flood-control structures, including Duck Creek Recreation Area.

06/01/2026

We love seeing our recreation area visitors submitting photos for the NRD Recreation Exploration Challenge! 😃

Haven’t entered yet? There’s still time! 🎣🌳
Get out to an NRD recreation area across the state, snap some photos, and submit them for a chance to win monthly prizes and grand prizes! 🎁

The challenge runs through September 18, so there’s plenty of time to explore and enter!

📸 Enter here: https://www.nrdnet.org/nrd-recreation-exploration-entry-form

Not sure where to go? 🤔
Check out the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Recreation page to find areas near you:
👉🏼 https://www.nrdnet.org/recreation

05/26/2026

⏰ Deadline Extended for Watershed of Wonders Registration! 🌊🎣

Good news! We’ve extended the registration deadline for Watershed of Wonders Youth Day Camp to Friday, May 29—giving you a little extra time to sign up!

Join us on Thursday, June 18 at Iron Horse Trail Lake for a FREE day of outdoor fun and learning for youth ages 10–12. Campers will rotate through hands-on activity stations like fishing, archery, boat rides, nature exploration, outdoor skills, team challenges, and more—all while learning about recreation and natural resources.

🌭 Lunch, snacks, drinks, and prizes are included!

Spots are limited and filling fast, so don’t wait to register!

More info + registration forms:
nemahanrd.org/programs/education

📧 [email protected]
📞 (402) 335-3325

05/22/2026

The Steamboat Trace Trail remains closed from Peru south to the Honey Creek Bridge due to wildfire damage from late March. Due to the extent of the damage and ongoing safety concerns, we do not yet have an estimated reopening date for this section.

Barricades are posted at the closure—please respect and abide by them for your safety.

The remainder of the trail is open for use. We will share updates as they become available on this closed section.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

05/22/2026

The Nemaha NRD office will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

Don’t forget to check out NeRAIN—a statewide network of volunteer precipitation reporters across Nebraska! 🌧️
https://nednr.nebraska.gov/NeRain

Got NeRAIN? Check out this statewide network of volunteer precipitation reporters on the website https://nednr.nebraska.gov/NeRain

05/20/2026

Due to recent storms, water levels are currently elevated at our recreation areas.

Kayak launches are not accessible at this time and will reopen once water levels recede.

Boat ramps remain open, and docks are still floating; however, visitors may need to wade through water to reach them.

Photos shown are from Kirkman’s Cove 5/20/2026.

Please be mindful of conditions when visiting.

05/19/2026

🏖️ Weekly Beach Monitoring Returns – May 18 through September 14, 2026

Beach monitoring is now underway at swimming beaches at Duck Creek, Kirkman’s Cove, Iron Horse Trail Lake, and Wirth Brothers.

Weekly sampling is conducted every Monday to test for toxic algae and E. coli. Results are typically available late Thursday or Friday. Signs are posted at each beach and will be updated as needed to reflect current conditions.

Weekly updates are available here: https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/

Please remember:
✔️ Conditions can change quickly between sampling dates
✔️ Look for posted signage at all beach entrances
✔️ Watch for visible signs of harmful algae (green, paint-like surface scum)
✔️ When in doubt, stay out!

For statewide water recreation health alerts, follow the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment.