The calamus and swanson reservoirs are formed by US bureau of reclamation impound dams located in the state of nebraska

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $2.2 million Cooperative Agreement (CFDA 15.524, Recreation Resources Management) to the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission on September 16, 2025, with a completion date of December 31, 2026. Under this agreement, NGPC will develop and construct recreation infrastructure improvements at two U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs in Nebraska to address access limitations created by current water level management. At Swanson Reservoir, the project will deliver a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant boat ramp with associated parking and infrastructure improvements to restore boating access. At Calamus Reservoir, the project will construct recreation access roads to improve overall site accessibility.

These improvements support the existing management agreement between Reclamation and NGPC (No. 22-LM-60-3563, executed April 2022) under which NGPC manages recreation areas at federally impounded reservoirs. The project directly advances the Recreation Resources Management program's priority to provide for public health, safety, and modernized recreation facilities at Reclamation water project lands, with completion anticipated by the end of 2026.

Both trenton DAM and calamus DAM were constructed primarily for irrigation supply and flood control, but both also provide recreational opportunities in the area and region. The recreation areas are managed by the nebraska game and parks commission (ngpc) under a lease agreement with reclamation. Reclamation executed management agreement no. 22-LM-60-3563, april 2022. This agreement authorizes the nebraska game and parks commission (ngpc) to continue to work with reclamation to manage, develop, operate, and maintain recreation and related improvements and facilities at reclamation reservoirs and wildlife management areas in nebraska.current water level management at swanson reservoir has reduced the volume in the reservoir, which has limited the available boat launch facilities. The project will provide improved access to the reservoir by constructing a new, ADA-compliant boat ramp, parking area, and associated infrastructure improvements at swanson reservoir SRA and construct recreation access roads at calamus reservoir SRA. The project will improve access to both reservoirs and reinforce safe, sustainable usage for years to come.