photo by Theodore Wiesehan: Alex Gee of Seward readies his hook for a cast at Lake Pawnee May 27. Recent rains have raised water levels, boosting opportunities for boating and fishing.

    Branched Oak SRA
     Thanks in part to recent precipitation, Branched Oak State Recreation Area (2.5 miles north of Malcolm) is predicted to have more visitors than in years past.
     Branched Oak Park Superintendent Dave Kinnamon said he anticipates more visitors to Branched Oak this summer because the water level is expected to stay above or near the conservation pool.
     "We've been five feet under [the conservation pool] the last eight years," he said. "That's kind of hurt activities. We only had one or two boat ramps open and one beach open. This year, our docks are out, and both beaches will be open."
     Kinnamon also said fishing opportunities should be better than in years past.
     "I've heard [that fishing has] improved," he said. "From what I've heard, they've been doing really well with catfish right now."
     The increase of the price of gas may hurt and help visitor attraction to Branched Oak. Kinnamon said it will be more expensive to use a motorboat due to fuel intake, but more local residents - especially from Lincoln - may be less inclined to travel farther than Branched Oak for camping out because of gas prices.
     Activities in the running at Branched Oak this year include jet ski and sailboat races. Kinnamon said more activities will be listed soon on the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website.
     * Attractions: four boat ramps; fish cleaning stations; private marina and concession; several miles of hiking biking and horse trails;
     - Camping facilities: 68 camping pads with electrical hookups; 34 camping pads without electricity; 97 non-pad sites without electricity
     - Reservations: accepted and taken up to one year in advance of arrival day
     - Phone: (402) 783-3400
    Pawnee SRA
     Pawnee State Recreation Area (3 miles north and 2 miles west of Emerald) is also predicted to benefit from being above the conservation pool.
     "The lakes are full, and this is the first time we've been above [conservation] pool," said park Superintendent Jay Woltemath.
     Woltemath said Pawnee is scheduled to hold its second annual Carp-o-rama: an entertaining event that invites the public to fish for carp and also shows how to clean and cook it.
     "Weather permitting," he said, "it'll be a good turnout this year."
     Woltemath said he encourages everyone to come out to Pawnee SRA and have a look.
    
     Attractions: lots of camping space; four boat docks; three ramps; boat rental available; six miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails; a modern electrical campground that provides shower facilities, picnicking, hiking and wildlife viewing
    
     Camping Facilities: 287 camping pads with electrical hookups, 33 camping pads without electricity; 279 non-pad sites without electricity
    
     Reservations: accepted and taken up to one year in advance of arrival day
    
     Phone: (402) 796-2362
    
    Twin Lakes SRA
     Located 3 miles north of Pleasant Dale, Twin Lakes offers camping area (primitive only), and boating for non-powered boats and conventional electric motors. A State Park Permit is required for entry.