Safety and Outdoor Ethics
First time visiting the Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands? Help protect our beautiful forests and grasslands by recreating responsibly, safely and ethically. The best way to do this is KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Check out the following resources that will help you fulfill the first principle of Leave No Trace – Plan Ahead and Prepare.
The Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands want visitors’ experiences to be memorable and safe. Be aware of and prepared for safety concerns before you head out.
Current Conditions
Check current fire danger, road conditions, and more.
Trip Planning
- Visit Recreation to find an activity and area to visit.
- Continue reading below for trip planning resources and considerations before you head out.
Please visit our Fire page for all fire-related information. Here you can check fire restrictions to see if the area you're visiting allows campfires, check local fire bans that may apply to National Forest System lands and check our alerts to monitor wildfire and prescribed burn closures.
- Our MVUMs are a great resource for road and trail closure information and to see what types of vehicles we allow on our roads.
- Visit Current Conditions to see road, weather, and fire conditions.
- Visit the Alerts page to see prohibitions, closures, and regulations for the Forest.
- Visit Recreation to see if the area you're visiting requires a pass or reservation.
- Looking for permits for events, photography, firewood collection, or other special use? Visit Permits.
- Make reservations at recreation.gov.
- View a list of campgrounds available on our Campgrounds page.
- Visit recreation.gov for campground reservations and more.
- Be sure to carry a current map of the area and have more than one way to navigate. Download maps, purchase at your local ranger district office or buy maps online.
- Have a backup plan- Have an alternate plan in case trailhead parking lots, campsites, etc. are full.
- Leave No Trace! Pack it in, pack it out.
- Prepare for unpredictable weather! Severe weather occurs regularly and unexpectedly. In summer, beware the heat and sudden thunderstorms; in winter, beware the extreme cold and winds.
- Always be prepared for your trip with water, food, and other necessary supplies.
- Notify others when entering and leaving the Forests & Grasslands.
- Stop in at the local ranger district office for updates, warnings, and specific safety precautions.
- Always treat water found along the trail if you decide to drink it. Any water found is not safe for human consumption. Due to high summer temperatures and lack of shade, care must be taken to avoid heat related injuries. Bring plenty of water when you visit!
- You might not have cell service! Many areas on the Forests & Grasslands don't have cell coverage, especially in remote areas.