Ponca Community Grounds Policy

SECTION 1 – CAMPING

  • Camping and use of the grounds are open to the public.
    There will be no charge for camping. However, donations will be accepted to help with the upkeep of the grounds. All donations should be made at the Tribal office.
  • Campers, RVs or other vehicles using electrical hookups will be charged $2/day to defray the increased cost of power incurred by Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. During Powwow, fees are payable at the designated on-site location. At all other times, fees should be paid by contacting the Procurement Officer at the Tribal office.
  • Camping must be done in designated areas only.
    It is forbidden to dig or level ground in campsites without permission of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.
    It is forbidden to leave any personal property when departing the area, including litter.
  • Campers attending Powwow or other special events shall be expected to remove all tents, campers, trailers, vehicles and personal property from the grounds within 48 hours following the close of the event unless special written permission is granted by Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. Any items not removed within the allotted time will be removed by Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and the owner shall be responsible for any costs incurred by the Tribe for removal.
  • Written permission for extensions of time for camping, use for RVs (or other vehicles), or extension of time to remove property may be obtained by contacting the Procurement Officer at the Tribe’s headquarters building in Niobrara.
  • Camping and/or use of site for RVs (or other vehicle) will be limited to a maximum of 2 weeks at any one time.

SECTION 2 – ABANDONED/DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

  • It is forbidden to leave any vehicle or personal property unattended for more than 24 hours.
  • It is unlawful to possess, destroy, injure, deface, remove, or disturb any building, sign, equipment or other structure, or any plant or animal remains, including flowers, nests, mineral formations, artifacts or relics, or other public or private property.
  • It is unlawful to destroy, dig, remove, or possess any tree, shrub, or plant, except for dead wood found on the ground and used for fuel.
  • Campers will reimburse the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska for all damage done to grounds, buildings, or any site owned and operated by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

SECTION 3 – FIRES/FIREWORKS

  • It is forbidden to build any fire outside of the fireplaces provided by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska for that purpose. Stoves, lanterns or grills are permitted.
  • It is forbidden to leave a fire unattended.
  • Open burning may be restricted or prohibited by Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, depending upon weather and/or fire hazard conditions. The Tribe will cooperate as necessary with all state or federal burning bans.
  • It is unlawful to use of possess fireworks, firearms, or explosives.

SECTION 4 – VEHICLE OPERATION

  • Speed limit on all roadways is limited to 5 mph unless otherwise posted.
  • It is unlawful to operate a vehicle anywhere other than designated roads, trails, parking areas or campgrounds (excluding maintenance staff or contractors in performance of their duties).
  • It is forbidden to park other than in designated locations.
  • It is unlawful to operate any unlicensed motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, mini bikes, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and three and four-wheel ATV’s (excluding maintenance staff or contractors in performance of their duties).

SECTION 5 – SANITATION

  • It is unlawful to drain or dump trailer wastes anywhere.
  • It is forbidden to clean food (other than normal meal preparation), fish, or fowl or wash clothing or other personal property.
  • It is unlawful to dispose of body wastes.
  • It is unlawful to dump household or commercial refuse brought from private property.
  • Please dispose of all refuse properly in designated trash containers, including paper, cans, bottles, waste, and rubbish.
  • All visitors and/or campers are required to promptly pick up and properly dispose of animal waste (“scoop your poop”).
  • Please wipe up spills on tables, benches and other surfaces, and properly cover/store all food items to avoid unsanitary conditions and reduce the risk of attracting insects and/or animals.

SECTION 6 – MISCELLANEOUS

  • It is forbidden to operate or use any audio device in a manner or at a time that is unreasonably annoying or a danger to persons in public places. Quiet hours are in effect from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  • It is unlawful to sell any goods or services without a permit.
  • It is unlawful to distribute any printed material without a permit.
  • It is unlawful to install any permanent or semi-permanent structure without a permit.
  • All animals must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, crated or caged, except for seeing-eye dogs. Public buildings and common public access areas are off limits to all animals except seeing-eye dogs.
  • All Ponca Tribe of Nebraska properties are alcohol and drug free zones. All alcohol and drugs (other than legal prescription medication) are strictly prohibited. Anyone found to be in violation of this policy and/or to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave the property and/or escorted from the premises.
  • Violation of laws and regulations governing the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska or federal laws may result in misdemeanor or felony charges punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.
  • If you would like additional information regarding the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, write: The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, P.O. Box 288, Niobrara, NE 68670. You can also contact us at the tribal headquarters at (402) 857-3391.
  • All directives from the state or National Historic Registry will be strictly adhered to.
  • All applicable fines in violation of Ponca Tribal policy, city, county, state, or federal law and those from the state or federal historic registry will be paid within 3 working days or violator will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

NOTICE

This is a guide only. For sources, consult Nebraska statutes and Official regulations. You may also consult Niobrara City Ordinances, the Knox County Commission, applicable Federal statutes and the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.

Nothing on the grounds can be added, changed or altered in anyway. Because of the Historic registry ramifications, the grounds must be kept in its aboriginal state.