Chalco Hills Recreation Area, Protected natural area in Omaha, United States
Chalco Hills Recreation Area is a protected outdoor area near Omaha, Nebraska, built around Wehrspann Lake and offering walking trails, open meadows, and spots for fishing and picnicking. The land combines flat lakeside paths with slightly hilly sections, giving the area a varied feel as you move through it.
Wehrspann Lake was created in 1988 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a flood control effort for the Papio Creek Watershed. The project turned what had been mostly farmland into the recreation area that exists today.
The Natural Resources Center inside the area serves as a working headquarters for several farming and conservation agencies, which gives the site a dual role that most visitors do not expect. You can see the building as you walk around, a reminder that the land is managed as much for the region as for recreation.
The main entrance is located at 154th Street and Giles Road, where parking is available close to the lake. The trails are clearly marked, making it easy to find your way around even on a first visit, and the area is generally open during daylight and evening hours.
Bass fishing at Wehrspann Lake is subject to a 21-inch (about 53 cm) minimum size rule, which is stricter than what you find at most lakes in the region. This rule was put in place to keep the fish population healthy over time, making the lake a reliable spot for anglers who return season after season.
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