Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District
Menu
  • External link opens in new tab or window Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Programs
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Well Permitting
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Moisture Sensors
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Chemigation
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Tree Planting
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Flood Control
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Rural Water
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Education Resources
  • External link opens in new tab or window Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Groundwater
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Recreation
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Bear Lake W.M.A.
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Big Indian Rec Area
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Clatonia Public Use Area
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Cub Creek Rec Area
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Green Top W.M.A.
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Leisure Lake W.M.A.
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Swanton W.M.A. (Swan 67)
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Walnut Public Use Area
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Willard Meyer Rec Area (Swan Lake)
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Wolf-Wildcat W.M.A.
    • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Cost-Share
      • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Forms
        • External link opens in new tab or window Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Payments
          • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon About Us/Contact
            • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Board of Directors
            • Link Icon Link Icon Link Icon Staff

          Recreation

          Since the 1970s, the Lower Big Blue NRD has been involved with the construction of several large dam and reservoir projects.  These projects were designed as part of the NRD’s effort to preserve and protect the natural resources.  These dams and reservoirs aid in the prevention of floods and  soil erosion, facilitate groundwater recharge, and provide opportunities for groundwater research. 

          As these dams and reservoirs were originally built to protect our natural resources, they have come to serve so many other purposes.  These purposes include a natural habitat for fish and wildlife, and an abundance of recreational activities that can be utilized by the public year-round.

          The Lower Big Blue NRD manages nine of these recreation areas.  These areas are: Bear Lake Wildlife Management Area, Big Indian Recreation Area, Clatonia Public Use Area, Cub Creek Recreation Area, Leisure Lake Wildlife Management Area, Swanton Wildlife Management Area (Swan 67), Walnut Creek Public Use Area, Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area (Swan Lake), and Wolf Wildcat Wildlife Management Area.  These areas provide the public with opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. 

           



          Lower Big Blue Recreation Areas

          Visit the NDEE website (External link opens in new tab or windowhttps://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/) for information on E.coli and harmful algal blooms.


          Big Indian Rec. Area
          Big Indian Rec. Area
          Big Indian Rec. Area
          Big Indian Rec. Area
          Willard Meyer Rec. Area
          Willard Meyer Rec. Area
          Big Indian Beach
          Big Indian Beach
          Willard Meyer Rec. Area
          Willard Meyer Rec. Area
          New Picnic Shelter at Big Indian
          New Picnic Shelter at Big Indian
          https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/0fc/2ee/DJI_00192.jpg

          1

          2

          3

          4

          5

          6

          7

          Big Indian Rec. Area
          Big Indian Rec. Area
          Big Indian Rec. Area
          Big Indian Rec. Area
          Willard Meyer Rec. Area
          Willard Meyer Rec. Area
          Big Indian Beach
          Big Indian Beach
          Willard Meyer Rec. Area
          Willard Meyer Rec. Area
          New Picnic Shelter at Big Indian
          New Picnic Shelter at Big Indian
          https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/0fc/2ee/DJI_00192.jpg
          Rules and Regulations
          -  No park permit is necessary at any Lower Big Blue NRD managed area
          -  All activities must only occur according to Lower Big Blue NRD rules and regulations
          -  All hunting, fishing, and trapping must adhere to rules and regulations of the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
          -  Large gatherings or reservations require a special use permit from the NRD


          External link opens in new tab or windowSpecial Use PermitSpecial Use Permit

           

          Park Regulations
          -  No open fires except in places provided
          -  All pets must be on a leash
          -  Hunting and the discharge of firearms is prohibited from June 1 through August 31.
          -  Vehicles are confined only to roadways and parking areas
          -  Swimming allowed in designated areas only
          -  15 M.P.H. speed limit
          -  Camping registration required at entry
          -  Remove all trash or place in an appropriate trash receptacle or dumpster if provided - No Fish
          -  Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am


          Camper Registration
          -  All campers must register (this include motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and tents)
          -  Fee is $20/day (electrical) or $5/day (non-electrical)
          -  A late fee of $100 will be charged in camper is not registered within 30 minutes of arrival
          -  Campsite permit expires at 5:00pm. Campsite must be vacated by 5:00pm unless you re-register
          -  Camping is first come, first served. No reservations.
          -  Tent camping sites are not marked
          -  Camping is not allowed under picnic shelters
          -  Camping is limited to 14 days per 30 day period
          -  Only one camper allowed per electrical campsite
          -  Detach and place receipt on post or windshield where visible
          -  Insert fee inside provided envelope, and deposit in registration drop box
          -  Checks can be made to (LBBNRD) Lower Big Blue NRD


          Boating/Fishing Regulations
          -  5 M.P.H. Speed Limit - No Wake

          -  Boaters must stay 50 feet from designated swimming area and dam

          -  Watercraft shall not be left unattended

          -  No fish in trash receptacles

          Beach Regulations
          -  No lifeguard - Swim at your own risk
          -  Deep water - Watch your children
          -  No swimming or wading past the buoys
          -  No open fires, glass, or pets
          -  Fishing is prohibited
          -  Swimming hours: sunrise to sunset


           

          Recreation Area Locations
          Use the interactive map below to view the Lower Big Blue NRD Recreation and Wildlife Management Areas. Clicking on the area will show the list of amenities. For more information, click on each area's page from the list below.

          Bear Lake W.M.A.

          Big Indian Recreation Area

          Clatonia Public Use Area

          Cub Creek Recreation Area

          Green Top W.M.A.

          Leisure Lake W.M.A.

          Swanton W.M.A. (Swan 67)

          Walnut Public Use Area

          Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area (Swan Lake)

          Wolf-Wildcat W.M.A.


          Rec Area Map.pdf





           

          Activities and Amenities

          Typical Fish and Wildlife at NRD Rec. Areas
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/0e9/c8d/IMG_3079.JPG
          https://0201.nccdn.net/4_2/000/000/017/e75/saugeye.jpg

          1

          2

          3

          4

          5

          6

          7

          8

          9

          10

          11

          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          Your caption here
          https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/0e9/c8d/IMG_3079.JPG
          https://0201.nccdn.net/4_2/000/000/017/e75/saugeye.jpg
          Address

          805 Dorsey ST, PO Box 826 Beatrice, NE 68310

          P:(402)-228-3402

          F:(402)-223-4441

          lbbnrd@lbbnrd.net


          Contact US
          Invalid Form properties detected

          Your Name


          Your Email


          Message




          Subscribe to our E-Newsletter

          External link opens in new tab or windowClick to SubscribeClick to Subscribe

          Upcoming Events

          -April 13 - Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, 7:00PM @ NRD Office


          Click Here for Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes.


          Copyright 2023 Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District



            close lightbox