Via email from Andy Wall, RMWA Director of Water Access, 8/25/09

Lake McConaughy, Ogallala, NE

I have been working with the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District on their Land and Shore Management Plan. This includes Lake McConaughy. They consider this to be a great recreational resource. No changes are going to be made around the lake, other than some minor improvements to roads. Primitive camping on the beach will still be allowed. The only reason they would close a section of beach would be if a Bald Eagle were to nest. At that point they would rope off a section until the young were raised by the parents. This is highly unlikely in the areas we like to sail. I voiced the opinion to still allow vehicles on the beach although there is some concern of pollution from vehicles. Please do not drain your radiator, or do an oil change on the beach! Also do not dump your RV sewage or tip over a porta-pottie, as all could lose access.

Lake Ogallala is the main area where the bald eagles live because the water is drawn from the bottom of Kingsley Dam and it is known as one of the finest trout fishing areas in Nebraska. The bald eagles live on a point of land on the eastern shore in a small grove of trees. The next time you head to Nebraska keep that in mind if you are a bird watcher or fisherman.