Samuel R. McKelvie McKelvie National Forest National Forest (imprint here) park information: In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt issued a proclamation establishing the Niobrara Forest Reserve, later the Niobrara Ranger District of the National Forest. In 1971, President Richard Nixon designated the Niobrara Division the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest.

Located south of Nenzel in Cherry County, the 116,000-acre area is a fantastic representation of the unique Nebraska prairie ecosystem.

Popular uses of the forest include hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping and bird watching. There is one small campground located on the southwestern edge of the forest and a day use site on the for launching small water craft. Fishing is available in the adjacent Merritt Reservoir. camping amenities: Steer Creek Camp Ground provides a more primitive camping style. It offers campsites with a pads for RVs and space for tents. All 24 sites include a picnic table, campfire ring with a hand pump well and vaulted toilets nearby. The scenery is overwhelmed by a quiet forest with wildlife commonly seen. The nights are dark with no light pollution form any cities, creating a night sky that makes you feel like you can touch the stars. activities: Try your hand at pressing flowers and plants. Download directions at contact: ______www.negpp.org - Activities. address: ______directions: From Nenzel, NE travel south on State Hwy 16F19.5 Miles. Steer Creek Campground is located on the North side of the Hwy and signed accordingly. city: ______state: ______

zip: ______phone #: ______clue: Go for a hike, enjoy the sounds of nature on the Blue Jay Trail leading through the trees and prairie. e-mail: ______While listening to the birds and the trickling sounds of mail nature impressions to: Steer Creek, relax, it’s only a one mile hike. NERPA Attn: Great Parks Pursuit Distance: approximately 100 ft. from parking area 1819 Farnam Street, Suite 701 Surface:dirt trail Omaha, NE 68183 GPS: N42 41’ 22.1 W101 09’ 21.0”