Nebraska is a prime state for viewing the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. People planning to view the event from a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission property should make safety and planning their top priorities. Game and Parks has 34 state park areas and 186 wildlife management areas within the approximately 70-mile-wide path of totality, and visitation at those areas is expected to be busier than normal.
    All campsites within those park areas that may be reserved have been booked for months. Many parks are preparing additional areas for primitive camping and parking during the eclipse. Visitors should be aware of fire safety hazards such as campfires and parking on grassy areas.
    Game and Parks offers the following reminders and suggestions:
    —Visitors should be sure to have the proper equipment for safe eclipse viewing.
    —A park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. Purchase these permits in advance to avoid lines at the park.
    —Visitors may want to call ahead to a park and have an alternate plan in case the desired location is not available.
    —Allow extra time for travel and parking due to expected higher traffic volumes.
    —Nearly two dozen eclipse-related events are planned at state park areas. Visit outdoornebraska.gov/eclipse/ for a list of events, as well as an interactive map of state park areas within the path.

To read the full story, subscribe to the e-edition online or call the Breeze at 308-394-5389 to subscribe to the print edition.