Lower Elkhorn NRD partners with Nebraska Game and Parks to repair flood damages at Willow Creek

A fisherman enjoying the restful waters of Willow Creek.

Even though the dam at the Willow Creek State Recreation Area (SRA), southwest of Pierce, did everything it was designed to do during the flood of 2019, damage to some areas of the recreation area were unavoidable.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) owns the recreation area and partners with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) to manage the area as a State Park.

Mike Sousek, LENRD general manager, said, “This long-standing partnership is important to the district, and we want to work with Game and Parks to repair the area and keep access to quality recreation areas available for the public.”

 At their June meeting, the LENRD board members approved the interlocal agreement with the NGPC and the invoice to repair the flood damages at the Willow Creek SRA in the amount of $19,550.

The board also discussed the drilling of 2 relief wells to relieve the pressure at the dam site.  After 2 failed attempts with a local driller, the board authorized the general manager to negotiate with another driller to complete the work.

Sousek, said, “We will work as efficiently as possible with our tax dollars to get this project completed as quickly as we can.  During the irrigation season is the optimal time when the pressure is low.”

In other action, 3 motions recommended by the Logan East Rural Water System Advisory Board were passed.  The board approved the water rate increase of 5% starting on the January 2023 billing cards; approved the well #3 rehab to replace the casing liner, screens, and pumping parts; and agreed to draw up a purchase agreement for a one-acre site of land for a new pumping well, contingent on test well water samples and satisfactory aquifer formations.

The board also accepted the resolution and participation agreement for the employee retirement plans and approved the recommendation from the executive committee for the salary adjustments and step and grade changes for fiscal year 2023.

The next LENRD committee of the whole meeting will be held Thursday, July 14th at 7:00 p.m. with the board meeting to follow on Thursday, July 28th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails at lenrd.org.

~STOP BY THE LENRD OFFICE IN NORFOLK ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 FOR AN OPEN HOUSE TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEBRASKA’S NRDs ~PROTECTING LIVES, PROTECTING PROPERTY, PROTECTING THE FUTURE~