News Release

National Park Rangers to Assist UNL with Niobrara River Cleanup on National Public Lands Day

Rangers remove tire from Niobrara River

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 12, 2025

Contact: Bobbie Roshone, 402-376-1901

National Park Rangers from Niobrara National Scenic River will join the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Outdoor Adventures Program for a river cleanup event on Saturday, Sept. 27, in honor of National Public Lands Day.

The event, themed “Put the Niobrara to Sleep for Winter,” invites volunteers to help preserve the river’s natural beauty by participating in a cleanup float from Smith Falls State Park to Rocky Ford. The effort is made possible through a partnership between the Niobrara Council, Niobrara National Scenic River, and UNL Outdoor Adventures.

Volunteers are asked to RSVP in advance at https://forms.gle/6wFzXfRaikjxMSWR7.

A valid permit is required to enter Smith Falls State Park. Permits cost $7 per day for Nebraska-registered vehicles and $14 per day for out-of-state vehicles and can be purchased online or at the park.

Participants are encouraged to be prepared for changing weather conditions with appropriate attire for river cleanup activities.

Schedule of Events:

• 9:00 a.m.: Group meeting and orientation at Smith Falls State Park
• TBA: River clean-up float from Smith Falls to Rocky Ford
• TBA: Shuttle return to Smith Falls State Park
• TBA: Group potluck celebration

Much of the land along the Niobrara River is privately owned. Participants are discouraged from disembarking from vessels onto private property during the event.

For questions related to the event, contact Krista Price, UNL Outdoor Adventures Rivers Intern, at [e-mail].

More information can be found at www.nps.gov/niob or by phoning 402-376-1901.