Avocet WMA boat ramp to open, Frye to close

A new boat ramp is about to open at one Sandhills lake near Hyannis, while another one will be temporarily closed.

Construction workers are nearing completion on the new boat ramp at Avocet Wildlife Management Area’s Beem Lake, and it is scheduled to open Aug. 21. On the same day the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will close all public access to nearby Frye Lake WMA so contractors can complete the new boat ramp there.

The new concrete ramps are being built on elevated peninsulas that extend into the lake, functional for varying water levels. While Frye is accessible until the closure date, visitors are being advised to take caution entering and exiting as workers have already begun hauling rock to the site. The project is expected to be completed this fall.

In addition to the ramps, both lakes are getting improved parking areas and docks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A new vault toilet is being installed at Frye.

Funding is provided through the Recreational Boating Safety grant program managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, with matching funds from the Game and Parks Game Cash Fund.