"Stars, Strolls, & Smores" Moon Walk Events Are Returning This Summer

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) and the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau want to help you discover area trails, lakes, and wild places while also highlighting the unique opportunities nighttime has to offer with our free moon walk event, “Stars, Strolls & Smores.”

Our moon walk events provide a family-oriented activity that introduces the cultural and natural history of our area trails and lakes. Our local lakes and rivers provide countless opportunities to discover and learn more about our water, soil, and wildlife. Through this introduction, we hope to foster an understanding and appreciation for these resources that will lead others toward stewardship of public lands.

Moon walks will be held on Wednesday evenings, close to the full moon, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Most moon walks last for one to two hours. Participants will walk an average of one mile round-trip. Each moon walk starts with a short introduction of that night’s program, followed by a hike to a designated area for presentations. Presenters are experts in their field and from our local community. The evening will wrap up with warm and gooey s’mores!

The first moon walk will be held on Wednesday, June 19th at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk. Presentations will include a stroll along the Elkhorn River on the Cowboy trail to view interpretive signage and stop, look, and listen to the beauty around us. A scavenger hunt will keep us busy along the way! We will also learn about The Sound of Summer: The Cicada Song. We will discuss the unusual life cycle of the cicada and how it interacts with its respective environment.

The second moon walk will be Wednesday, July 17th at Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area near Stanton. On this evening, we will discover the many uses of wild plants that most people call “weeds”. We will also use our smartphones to learn beginner telescope tips as well as identify stars, planets, and constellations. It is recommended to download one of these free apps for the session: Sky View, Night Sky or Sky Safari.

The final moon walk of 2024 is Wednesday, August 14th at Willow Creek State Recreation Area near Pierce.  Join us in debunking the myths of, and confirming the legends on, the mysterious owl. We will also learn to build a fire in multiple ways and start fires with flint and steel! Trolley rides will also be available throughout the evening as we celebrate 40 years of Willow Creek State Recreation Area! A park permit or day pass is required for entry.

All moon walk times and places are subject to change due to the weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Additional information and a formal brochure can be found on our website at www.lenrd.org

Since these free events take place close to home everyone is encouraged to join us and bring friends, family, and neighbors!

Second Round of Open House Meetings Planned for the North Fork Elkhorn River Flood Risk Reduction Plan

(Osmond and Pierce, Neb.) – The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will host a second round of two public meetings for the North Fork Elkhorn River Flood Risk Reduction Plan. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pierce County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 622 N. Brown Street, Pierce, NE 68767. The second meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Osmond City Auditorium, 413 N. State Street, Osmond, NE 68765. The format of the meetings will be open house style, with no formal presentations planned. As each meeting will feature the same information, community members are invited to attend the meeting that is most convenient or works best for their schedules.

In August 2023, the Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors selected JEO Consulting Group for the development of a flood risk reduction plan for the North Fork Elkhorn River watershed, which spans approximately 242,563 acres and includes the communities of Foster, Magnet, McLean, Osmond, Pierce, Plainview, and Wausa. Developed in accordance with NRCS requirements, this plan will document existing flooding issues, evaluate strategies that reduce the risk of flooding, and outline an implementation plan.

The two meetings in late June serve as the second of three rounds of public meetings planned for the project. The purpose of these second-round meetings is to outline the sources of flooding in Osmond and Peirce; share a comprehensive list of the alternatives, or potential projects, identified to reduce flood risk; and provide an overview of the alternatives evaluation process. Attendees can also provide feedback on the proposed draft alternatives. Written comments will be accepted until Friday, July 26, 2024.

The planning efforts, which started in August 2023, are expected to be completed in early 2025. Funding for this project is provided by the NRCS Watershed and Flood Preventions Operations (WFPO) Program.

For more information, visit the project website at jeo.com/north-fork-wfpo.

Project-related questions or written comments can be submitted to LENRD Assistant General Manager, Curt Becker, at (402) 371-7313 or cbecker@lenrd.org.

Phase 2 & 3 Area Water Sampling

This is a reminder to complete irrigation water sampling requirements during the 2024 growing season.

• Phase 2 areas: a water sample is required for all irrigation wells every four years.

• Phase 3 areas: a sample is required on all irrigation wells every year.

Water testing bottles can be picked up at our office.

Water samples should be taken while the well is running and sent to a lab for analysis using methods approved by teh United States Environmental Protection Agency for the analysis of nitrate-nitrogen. We (the LENRD) pay for all shipping and analysis costs. Failure to comply with Phase 2 and 3 requirements shall be a violation of the Lower Elkhorn NRD Water Quality Rules and Regulations and will be subject to enforcement.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Board of Directors Finalize Decision to Provide Support for City of Wayne Prairie Park Project

At the May 23rd LENRD Board Meeting, Directors Approved a motion to provide $150,000 in financial support for the City of Wayne Prairie Park Project. The funds will be distributed in $50,000 increments over a three-year period. Jill Brodersen, Wayne City Council President, and Jason Karsky, Wayne City Council member, were present to answer questions directors may have about the project. Brodersen and Karsky explained that the funds are needed for a bathhouse/bathroom for the project. Currently, the only bathrooms available in the park are located near the ballfields and not accessible 24/7 or ADA compliant.

 The Prairie Park project is a Community Redevelopment project that allowed the City to decommission an old sewage lagoon and turn it into a recreational area with the possibility of the addition of workforce housing in the future. Once completed, the park will not only be the largest recreational area in City history, but also the largest public recreational facility in Wayne County. The project is approximately 40% completed and will include a lake feature and camper pads as well as native prairie grasses and numerous trees.

Along with approving the financial support, Directors also approved entering a Memorandum of Understanding with the City. The memorandum will contain the terms and payment schedule and will state that the City is responsible for the ownership and upkeep of the park.

Update provided on North Fork Elkhorn River WFPO Plan

Directors were given an update on the North Fork Elkhorn River Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) plan. Andrea Gebhart, Project Manager, and Ann Nissen, Water Resources Engineer, with JEO Consulting Group were present to provide the update.

Gebhart provided a project overview and recap of how much has been accomplished on the plan since work first began in fall 2023. The group only has 18 months to put together a plan whereas the typical timeframe is 24 months. She also talked about the existing flooding conditions in the communities of Pierce and Osmond as well as alternatives that are currently being evaluated by the group and Study Advisory Team.

Nissen explained the alternatives consist of both structural and non-structural (building modification) options. Screening criteria for each option being considered are purpose and need, feasibility, practicality, effectiveness, impacts, permitting, local input, cost, and benefit/cost ratio. Alternatives currently being explored for each community include:

• Osmond

  • Structural – Levees/berms

  • Non-structural

• Pierce

  • Structural – Channel modifications, detention cells, levees/berms, and bridge/culvert improvements

  • Non-structural

A major focus for both JEO and the LENRD is including more engagement in the decision-making process. To achieve this, a Study Advisory Team consisting of stakeholders within the watershed was established at the beginning of the project, and an additional opportunity to attend an open house and provide input was scheduled for the middle of the project.

The first round of open houses for the North Fork Elkhorn River WFPO were held on November 6th and November 8th 2023 in Osmond and Pierce respectively. The next round of open houses are planned for the evenings of Tuesday, June 25th in Pierce and Wednesday, June 26th in Osmond. Currently, the group is on track to submit a draft plan to the State late this summer.

Certification of Acres Hearing and Action

A public hearing was held to certify irrigated acres. Approximately 125 fields were approved for certification by the Board. Certification is not only necessary to best conserve, protect, develop, and manage natural resources within the District but also to recognize landowners’ abilities to irrigate Certified Irrigated Acres.

Other Happenings in the Lower Elkhorn NRD

• The deadline to renew a chemigation permit is June 1st. After that date, it will be considered a new chemigation permit. The cost to renew is $20.

• Practical Farmers of Iowa is hosting a Field Day with Junior & Katelyn and Gene & Julie Pfanstiel on Thursday, June 27th from 10:00-noon. A flyer with more information is available on our website.

• Stars, Strolls & Smores is back for 2024! Mark your calendars and plan to join us on the following evenings:

  • Wednesday, June 19th @ 7:30 p.m. – Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, Norfolk

    • Learn about the Elkhorn River with Julie Wragge, LENRD Education Coordinator, and The Sound of Summer: The Cicada Song with T.J. Prochaska, UNL Associate Extension Educator

  • Wednesday, July 17th @ 7:30 p.m. – Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, Stanton

    • Discover the many uses of wild plants that most people call “weeds” with Rachel Lynn Liester, Red Road Herbs Retreat & Learning Center and enjoy Telescope 101 – Stargazing App with Todd Young, Wayne State College Professor of Physics & Astronomy

  • Wednesday, August 14th @ 7:30 p.m. – Willow Creek State Recreation Area, Pierce

    • More information to come! Find us on social media or check out our website for more information.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of the Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local District can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, June 27th at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

LENRD Board of Directors Vote to Move Forward with Settlement

At the Board Meeting on April 25th, Directors approved a motion to move forward with a settlement in the lawsuit with Director Melissa Temple.

Spring 2024 Static Water Level Update

Water Resources Technician, Dallas Dorey, updated Directors on the status of District static water levels this Spring. The Spring measurements provide data of the aquifer’s non-pumping levels. Annual monitoring of water levels is done to see long-term data trends and determine if there are issues with groundwater quantity. Of the 238 wells measured, 33 wells recorded all-time Spring lows and District-wide water levels were down an average of 0.93’. The static water level of 164 wells had declined, 26 remained the same (+/- 0.2’), and 47 were higher than Spring 2023.

LENRD Groundwater Management Area Rules & Regulations Have Been Amended

After months of discussion and review with the Department of Natural Resources and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, the LENRD Board of Directors approved amendments to the Lower Elkhorn NRD Groundwater Management Area Rules and Regulations. The amendments include modifications to the Phase II, III, and IV Area requirements. A main focus of the change was to modify Rule 17, which currently doesn’t allow for flexibility to add new irrigated acres in the LENRD Quantity Subareas. Additional changes were also made to help better define certain definitions.

Policy Now In Place for Inter-District Transfer of Groundwater

In March, Board members approved a policy to approve variance requests for well permits/expansion of acres with an existing well involving inter-district transfers of groundwater. This policy will not only provide consistency in the variance approval process but also encourage collaboration with neighboring NRDs. In order to approve a variance request under this policy, three conditions must be met:

1.       The applicant is following all rules and regulations of the LENRD.

2.       When all, or a portion of, the groundwater withdrawn from the proposed/existing well will be used for irrigation in a neighboring NRD, the neighboring District must first grant their approval for the intended use before well operation may begin.

3.      All new consumptive use associated with the proposed new/existing well will be governed by the rules and regulations of the LENRD.

LENRD Board Members Considering Financial Assistance for the City of Wayne Prairie Park Project

Discussions have been ongoing amongst Board members on whether to provide financial support to the City of Wayne for their ongoing Prairie Park Project. Due to the amount of funding requested, $250,000, the Project would be considered a “special project” which is different than a request for funding through LENRD cost-share programs.  

The Prairie Park Project is a Community Redevelopment Project which is allowing the City to clean up an old sewage lagoon and turn it into a recreational area with the possibility for the addition of workforce housing in the future. Once completed, the park will be the largest recreational area in City history and connects to a trail system that is already in use. The project will include a lake feature and camper pads as well as native prairie grasses and numerous trees.

The City of Wayne has already put roughly $2.7 million into the project and has received additional assistance from grants, sales taxes, and support from other entities. The LENRD has assisted the City of Wayne with funding in the past for a trail system and a City park through the Urban Recreation Program.

An amended motion to provide $100,000 in support over three years failed at the April 25th Board Meeting. The original motion, to provide $250,000 in support over a three-year term, also failed. The Board discussed establishing a policy, or specific criteria, that requests must meet to receive funding as a special project. Directors asked if the City of Wayne could come back before them with a different proposal to be discussed and voted on. 

Modifications Made to the District's Cover Crop Program Guidelines

In February, the Lower Elkhorn NRD (LENRD) Board of Directors approved modifications to LENRD Cover Crop Guidelines. Some of the modifications include: increasing the maximum number of acres enrolled from 80 to 160; the minimum contract amount from $200 to $220; and the definition of how to decide who a participant, or operator, is. Exceptions have also been added to the requirement for Cover Crop Seeding each year for up to three consecutive years.

Weekly Beach Sampling Resumes

Did you know?: From May through September we conduct weekly beach sampling at Willow Creek, Maple Creek, and Maskenthine Lake. Water samples are collected on Monday and sent to our friends at Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy where they test for toxic algae and E.Coli. If toxins are present at dangerous levels, beach signs will be flipped to advise lake-goers of the conditions.

A friendly reminder to everyone utilizing our recreation areas to monitor conditions of the water prior to any full body contact activities or allowing pets to drink or enter the water. Does the water look like someone dumped a can of green paint in it? It's best not to enter. The weekly samples are a good precautionary measure to alert people, but toxic algae conditions can rapidly change during the hot, dry summer months.

Learn more at https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/

Chemigation Renewal Permits Due June 1st Each Year

Farmers planning to chemigate during the 2024 growing season must renew chemigation permits by June 1 to meet state deadline requirements.

Chemigation is the application of any chemical, fertilizer or pesticide through an irrigation system. To legally chemigate in Nebraska, an operator must be certified to apply chemicals and obtain a chemigation permit from their local Natural Resources District (NRD).

"Farmers holding chemigation permits, even if they are uncertain whether they will chemigate later this year, should consider renewing their permits by June 1," said Josh Schnitzler, Water Resources Manager for the Lower Elkhorn NRD (LENRD). Schnitzler is encouraging area producers to reapply by the state-required deadline to avoid the increased cost and possible delays of an inspection.

An irrigation system that has not been renewed prior to the June 1 deadline cannot apply chemicals through the system until a new permit is obtained.  Chemigation renewal permits cost $20.  New chemigation permits cost $50, and the applicant cannot use the system until it passes a mandatory inspection.  All permits must be submitted to the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.

By renewing a permit by June 1, a producer may proceed with chemigation. An inspection does not have to be performed prior to chemigation for a renewal application. However, a random chemigation inspection may be necessary later in the season as part of the LENRD's routine summer inspections as required by state law.

Applicants must have the signature of a certified applicator on their application form.  In order to be certified, a person must complete a chemigation safety course and pass an exam once every four years.

If chemigating is necessary on short notice, emergency permits can be obtained at a cost of $250. Please allow 2 working days for emergency permits.

For more information on renewing or obtaining chemigation permits, call the LENRD office in Norfolk at 402-371-7313 or visit http://www.lenrd.org/chemigation

Area Individuals Honored for Conservation Efforts at Lower Elkhorn NRD Annual Awards Banquet

The Lower Elkhorn NRD (LENRD) honored three area individuals at their annual awards banquet held on Thursday, March 14, 2024. This year, three awards were presented to District residents who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the stewardship of our natural resources.

 2023 Outstanding Tree Planter Award – Michael Nissen Family, Oakland 

The Outstanding Tree Planter Award is presented to individuals within the District who have shown a strong commitment to the planting and care of trees. Michael, his wife Jessica, son Caleb (5), and daughter Ella (1), have more than demonstrated this commitment.

Michael started working with the LENRD about three years ago to generate a plan for tree planting that not only benefits his family and farm now, but will serve them well into the future.

“I’m impressed by Michael and his ability to think ahead and plan for the future,” said LENRD Natural Resources Technician, Todd Stewart. “Not only does he make these important decisions with the future in mind, but his enthusiasm has also encouraged his family to get involved as well.”

You may think it’s crazy for one family with two young kids and full-time jobs to plant and care for roughly 1,000 trees in the timespan of two years – especially considering they’re doing all of this during a drought. But to Michael, now is the perfect time to busy themselves with these projects because as the kids get older, the activities will pick up leaving less time to be dedicated to tree maintenance. Currently, the family has time to put forth the effort – but that may not be the case in the near future.

“He has his kids invested in it. His son will never forget this,” Stewart said.

Tree planting isn’t just a family affair for Michael, Jessica, and their kids, but for Michael’s dad Tim as well. Though Tim is a bit older than the typical NRD Conservation Tree Program applicant – especially for just starting out – that hasn’t slowed him down. Tim has now worked with the NRD to complete a major two-phase windbreak renovation around his farmstead and livestock facility. He and Michael considered the placement of future buildings and livestock pens when deciding where to place the trees.

“You don’t understand the value of a tree – until you’ve made it grow,” Nissen said.

2023 Educator of the Year Award – Jessica Evans, Osmond

Nebraska’s NRDs have a variety of projects and programs to educate both youth and adults about conservation and natural resources. To make the greatest impact, the LENRD partners with schools across the District encouraging students to become good stewards of our natural resources. Every other year, the LENRD takes the time to recognize a teacher who has demonstrated excellence throughout their career – especially when it comes to how they educate their students about natural resources and conservation.

Jessica Evans, who teaches Art/Agriculture and is an FFA Advisor for Osmond Community Schools, was selected to receive the LENRD Educator of the Year Award.

Outside of traditional classroom and textbook work in Plant Science, Horticulture, and Natural Resources, Jessica’s students experience hands on activities increasing their natural resources knowledge through programs such as Know Your Well and Northeast Area Land Judging competitions. She has also been educating students in the importance of land and soil conservation implementing no-till practices on their FFA test plot. With the help of the Osmond community, Jessica has developed an 8-acre corn and soybean test plot for the Osmond FFA Chapter.

“Jessica is an outstanding educator in our District,” said Julie Wragge, LENRD Education Coordinator. “Last fall I had the pleasure of visiting Jessica’s classroom to kick off the Know Your Well program for the year. She has a very natural ability to keep the kids focused, involved, and motivated. She uses hands-on “in the field” work to shape the students into becoming forward thinkers and future conservation leaders. It’s easy to see how much she enjoys teaching.”

Jessica became part of the “ag-ed” community in 2015 when she co-taught Agricultural Education with Craig Flaming at Osmond Community Schools. At this time, she was also working on starting the FFA program at Osmond. Osmond officially became an FFA chapter in 2016. During the last nine years, the program has produced 16 State FFA Degrees, seven Top-3 State Proficiency Awards, one State Proficiency champion and numerous LDE and CDE State Qualifiers under her leadership.

Currently, Jessica serves as the FFA District 4 Chair as well as on the Nebraska Agricultural Educator Association Board. She has been married to her husband, Andrew, for nine years and together they have a two-year-old son, Austin.

2023 Volunteer Appreciation Award – Dave Wimmer, West Point

Receiving the newly created Volunteer Appreciation Award is Dave Wimmer of West Point. Though he was originally nominated to receive the Outstanding Tree Planter Award, Dave’s community involvement and investment is really what stood out to staff.

Dave dedicates his personal time and resources to help with community tree planting projects in West Point. He sits on the town’s Parks and Recreation Board and works closely with the LENRD to utilize the Community Forestry Assistance Program. This program was developed to provide both technical and cost-share assistance to communities within the District for tree planting projects to improve, or renovate, community green spaces on public lands. Dave applies for the assistance and will even plant the trees on his property and care for them until they are big enough to be placed around the community.

“If a tree project has been completed within the past 10 years, there’s a really good chance Dave had something to do with it,” said Todd Steward, LENRD Natural Resources Technician.

Though he humbly accepted this award, Dave acknowledged that he hasn’t done it alone. He brought the whole group to accept the award and share the recognition with everyone involved.

“Dave is a locally respected leader that has the ability to influence and encourage others to participate,” said Brian Brucker, LENRD General Manager.

Stewart echoed this sentiment stating, “He’s the glue for the rest of the group.”

 The LENRD is appreciative of everyone in the District who helps us work towards our mission of improving quality of life by promoting and demonstrating sound methods of stewardship for all natural resources. The Lower Elkhorn NRD extends a special “thank you” to Michael, Jessica, and Dave for all they do to promote and encourage conservation practices.

Nebraska's NRDs Advocate for Conservation Funding in Washington, D.C.

Megan Grimes, NARD Public Relations Director

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) were represented by nearly 50 directors and staff in Washington, D.C., March 18-20, 2024.

 Nebraska’s NRDs advocate for strengthening tools to preserve and fund natural resources projects, which includes engaging policymakers from the grassroots level with a unified voice.

 This grassroots advocacy culminates with a visit to Washington, D.C., allowing NRD staff and directors to meet with congressional leaders and discuss local priorities with national partners on federal legislation and programs.

 “Those who work and live among our natural resources are some of our most effective spokespeople,” said Dr. Orval Gigstad, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts past president. “Going to D.C. is an opportunity to advocate for Nebraska by sharing our personal stories, and also hear federal perspectives on issues that could impact us locally.”

 While on Capitol Hill, conference attendees spent a day meeting with Nebraska senators and congressmen and participated in a two-day session with federal agencies and conservation partners. NRDs help deliver several federal programs locally, and these partnerships equate into real dollars for Nebraska agriculture and communities. Some of the federal topics and speakers included:

• Watershed Programs, Regional Conservation Partnership Program, Soil Health Division, and Soil Science and Resource Assessment (SSRA) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Nonpoint Source Branch

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Corps Water Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP)

• Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Program

• Farm Bill and Agriculture Innovation with Corteva Agriscience, American Farm Bureau Federation and the Irrigation Association.

“We are grateful to our Nebraska federal delegation for their unwavering support and collaborative spirit in championing the cause of conservation alongside the Natural Resources Districts,” Gigstad said. “Their dedication and partnership have been instrumental in securing vital funding and resources that enable us to protect and preserve Nebraska’s precious natural resources for generations to come.”

 Gigstad, who has served on the Nemaha NRD board since 1993, also serves as chairman of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Northern Plains Region on behalf of Nebraska’s NRDs.

 NACD provides a unified, national voice for the more than 3,000 conservation districts across the U.S. including Nebraska’s 23 NRDs. NACD’s member-driven board of directors selects conservation policy priorities, which are used to develop and review environmental and natural resources legislation and to secure adequate federal funding for natural resources conservation programs.

 “NACD thanks Nebraska’s district leaders for taking the time and effort to advocate for locally led conservation on Capitol Hill,” said Chris Young, NACD director of government affairs. “As the Farm Bill and federal funding legislation are being developed, it’s a critical time for lawmakers to hear district priorities and understand how they can support conservation delivery in Nebraska and across the country.”

 Back in Nebraska, advocacy efforts will continue by hosting elected officials in the Natural Resources Districts and engaging in public outreach.

 “Locally, NRDs will continue to share our successes and concerns with our elected officials to ensure more informed decision making,” Gigstad said. “It is important that our elected officials know what the needs of locally led conservation are so that NRDs can receive adequate support to continue protecting lives, property and the future.”

 Established in 1972, Nebraska’s 23 NRDs are local government units involved in a variety of projects and programs to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources. Today, the unique system of locally controlled, watershed-based conservation is widely admired throughout the nation.

Nebraska Cooperative Council Partners with NRDs on Producer Connect

Megan Grimes, NARD Public Relations Director

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are pleased to announce a new collaboration with Nebraska Cooperative Council on the development of a groundbreaking web and mobile application suite, Producer Connect. Producer Connect is designed to empower agricultural producers with the tools they need to optimize inputs, enhance agricultural profitability, improve water quality, and increase irrigation efficiency.

“As farmer-owned entities, Nebraska’s farmer-owned cooperatives believe information is vital for farmers to learn about and employ sustainable farming practices that protect their profitability while protecting Nebraska’s natural resources,” said Dean Thernes, Nebraska Cooperative Council Board Chairman. “At a time of rapidly changing and new technologies affecting the use of nitrogen products, the Nebraska Cooperative Council is pleased to be able to support the efforts to bring Producer Connect to Nebraska’s farmers.”

Additional participants on the project include the Nebraska Corn Board, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Central Valley Ag, Corteva Agriscience, 17 of Nebraska's 23 NRDs, the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) and the NARD Foundation.

“In collaboration with the Cooperative Council, Producer Connect is poised to become a comprehensive platform for growers, offering valuable insights and resources to enhance nitrogen management and sustainable farming practices,” said Martin Graff, NARD President. “Through this program, we aim to equip growers with the necessary tools and information to make informed decisions and contribute to the overall health of Nebraska’s agriculture and water resources.”

Producer Connect will be free to producers and offer a wide range of features designed to simplify nitrogen and water management, including:

• Producer-specific data

• Protected data

• Customizable nitrogen recommendations

• Irrigation efficiency

• Historical data analysis

• Economic analysis of nitrogen applications

• Information exchange

Producer Connect is currently in its initial stages of development and is expected to launch in June 2024. The initial rollout will focus on Phase 2 and Phase 3 Groundwater Quality Management Areas and areas with irrigation allocations.

The Nebraska Cooperative Council is representing nearly all of Nebraska’s local farmer owned cooperatives and regional cooperatives doing business in the State of Nebraska. Nearly 56,000 farmers and ranchers own Nebraska’s farmer owned supply and grain marketing cooperatives. The Council provides government relations, director education and other services to its member cooperatives to protect, enhance and defend Nebraska’s agricultural cooperative system.

5th Grade Students Attend 30th Elkhorn H2O Daze in Norfolk

NORFOLK – Over 500 fifth graders from a four-county area will attend the 30th Elkhorn H2O Daze at the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk this week.  The water festival is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, March 19th & 20th.  Eight schools are participating in the program from Antelope, Madison, Pierce, and Stanton counties.

"The students who attend Elkhorn H2O Daze have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of hands-on activities designed to promote awareness, knowledge and stewardship of our natural resources, especially water," said Julie Wragge, Education Coordinator, for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).  “Over the past 30 years we have been able to reach approximately 15,000 youth, educating them about the importance of protecting and conserving our natural resources.”

Each student will attend five "aquativities" at the event. Participants will build their own edible aquifer, launch water rockets, learn about the importance of soil and trees, and join in many other hands-on activities about water conservation.

The schools attending this year are: Battle Creek, Madison, Osmond, Sacred Heart - Norfolk, St. Mary’s – Osmond, Stanton, Zion – Pierce, and the Norfolk Middle School.

Elkhorn H2O Daze is patterned after the Children's Groundwater Festival, the elementary water festival held each year in Grand Island, NE.  There are now 5 water festivals across the LENRD to further educate students about water, soil, and wildlife.

Elkhorn H2O Daze is sponsored by the LENRD.  Presenters for the festival come from various agencies, including: the LENRD, the University of Nebraska Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Keep Norfolk Beautiful, Norfolk FFA Chapter, Bazile Groundwater Management Area, Nebraska Forest Service, and the Fremont Department of Utilities.

Envirothon Competition Qualifies 14 Teams for State

Megan Grimes, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Between Jan. 31 and March 7, Nebraska high school students competed around the state during regional Envirothon competitions demonstrating natural resources knowledge by identifying trees and animal tracks, calculating the number of steers on rangeland, and determining soil structure.

The winning teams from each Envirothon region as well as eight wildcards – selected based on their competition scores – qualify to compete at state. Out of the 71 teams that competed, this year’s state qualifiers include:

Regional Winners/Wild Cards

Southeast — Beatrice

Mid-Plains — Overton

Central — St. Paul

Metro — Concordia 1 (Omaha)

West — Gordon Rushville

Northeast — West Holt

Wild Card 1 — Milford

Wild Card 2 — Burwell

Wild Card 3 — Ord

Wild Card 4 — Concordia 2 (Omaha)

Wild Card 5 — Tri-County

Wild Card 6 — Norris

Wild Card 7 — Zoo Academy (Omaha)

Wild Card 8 — Bennington

Traditionally, Nebraska’s six regional Envirothon competitions are hosted in conjunction with district agriculture education contests. High school students compete on five-member teams in seven environmental areas including: soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife, range, policy and a current environmental issue.

Qualifying teams will compete at the State Envirothon April 24, at Ponca State Park near Ponca, Nebraska. During the state competition, teams compete in hands-on environmental testing stations as well as prepare and deliver an oral problem-solving presentation focusing on “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future.”

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Foundation awards cash prizes to the top three teams at the state competition:

• First Place: $1,500

• Second Place: $1,000

• Third Place: $500

Learn more about the Nebraska Envirothon at www.nrdnet.org/nebraska-envirothon.

Local Working Group Meeting Planned

Robin Sutherland, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Local meetings open to individuals interested in setting natural resources goals for Nebraska.

STANTON NE, March 5, 2024  - A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet March 28, 2024 from 5pm to 7pm at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk NE.

The public is encouraged to attend and express their natural resource concerns. Ideas generated from the public will help the U.S. Department of Agriculture tailor their natural resource programs to meet the needs identified locally. 

There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD).  Membership on the Local Working Group includes Federal, State, county, Tribal or local government representatives according to Robin Sutherland, District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) whose agency guides the Local Working Group. 

  “The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), or Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) would be used most effectively in their area.  This recommendation can include special target areas, cost share rates on conservation programs, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed,” said Sutherland.  This work group allows local input into how Federal dollars are spent, she said.

Typically, Nebraska NRCS obligates anywhere between $45 million to over $75 million dollars to farmers and ranchers statewide through NRCS conservation programs.  These programs helped landowners and operators make natural resource improvements to their land, water, or wildlife.  This funding was allocated according to the priorities set by the Local Working Group.

For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services they provide, contact your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

NRDs Taking Orders for Spring Conservation Tree Plantings

Shared from Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are actively taking orders for conservation tree seedlings, and the deadline to order is fast approaching. Secure your favorite species and make a lasting impact on your surroundings.

Since 1972, Nebraska’s NRDs have worked with communities and landowners to plant more than 100 million trees throughout the state. For approximately $1.20 each, conservation trees benefit both people and animals. They shade and shelter homes, reduce soil erosion, protect crops and livestock, provide food and cover for wildlife, buffer noise, provide valuable products and add beauty to the landscape.

During an especially snowy winter or scorching summer, windbreaks play an important role in protecting livestock. Windbreaks provide benefits to feedlots, pastures, and calving areas by reducing wind speeds and sheltering animals from the harsh elements. This not only reduces stress and mortality but decreases feed requirements saving the producer money and resources.

“The NRD Conservation Tree Program is not just about planting trees; it’s a strategic move to protect our natural resources,” said Dr. Orval Gigstad, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “Each conservation tree seedling protects against soil erosion, acts as a shield protecting crops and livestock, and is a resilient force against the elements.”

As windbreaks age, NRD foresters suggest rehabbing existing windbreaks or designing plans for a new planting. The NRD Conservation Tree Program offers landowners a cost-effective way to protect their property. NRD staff and foresters work with landowners to select the right trees for the property, design the space, and many NRDs can even plant them for you.

In December 2021, Executive Travel announced a partnership with Nebraska’s NRDs to plant 1 million trees through the ETGreen campaign. In 2022 and 2023, the campaign funded more than 111,000 trees and in 2024, Executive Travel committed an additional $65,000 for tree planting. This partnership gives Executive Travel the opportunity to assist local landowners in planting all 1 million trees in Nebraska.

“Our unique collaboration with the NRDs not only underscores a commitment to sustainability but also ensures landowners receive support in their tree-planting endeavors,” said Steve Glenn, Executive Travel chairman. “This great network of local landowners who plant hundreds of thousands of trees annually guarantees trees are planted and cared for.”

Each NRD program varies, but possible tree program services include planting, weed barrier installation or weed control, and drip irrigation. Popular species sell out fast, so place your order now for the best selection. For more information on cost share availability or to place an order, contact your local NRD or visit www.nrdnet.org and select “Find Your NRD.”

Learn more about the NRD Conservation Tree Program at www.nrdtrees.org.

2024 BGMA Winter Meeting

On January 30, 2024, the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) Project hosted their annual Winter Meeting at the Community Center in Orchard, Nebraska. In total there were 78 attendees consisting of NRD and NRCS employees, NRD Board Members, Sponsors, and most importantly, Producers (43 in all).

The event started with an educational presentation by Daniel Snow, Nebraska Water Center, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, reviewing the ‘2021-2023 Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) Vadose Zone Project’. The crowd was very engaged with this information and responded with many questions.

Lunch was served and all enjoyed the soup and sandwiches!

Immediately following lunch was an informal ‘Farmer-to-Farmer’ session. This session allowed producers the opportunity to share information about farming practices that work for them peer-to-peer. The session was led by Josh Stelling of Orchard, NE. Stelling showed seeding discs that he tried out for cover crop inter-seeding. These discs are compatible with many of the existing planters and do not require a huge new investment. Lower Elkhorn NRD board member, Mark Hall, (also a producer) spoke about the Reverse Osmosis Rebate Program offered by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.

The last presentation was a Soil Health and Rain Simulator Demonstration conducted by Marty Marx and Waylon Petsche of the NRCS. This was a very visual working demonstration of how soil health affects how rain infiltrates soil under different management systems.

The BMGA Project is an ongoing joint effort of the Lewis and Clark, Lower Niobrara, Lower Elkhorn, Upper Elkhorn NRDs, and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, to curb the rise in nitrate concentrations. By offering educational opportunities, establishing demonstration sites, and offering cost-share on select Best Management Practices (BMPs), one of the Project’s goals is widespread adoption of BMPs across the area.  BMPs are designed to give the producer more efficient control over inputs while reducing the environmental impact. If anyone is interested in adding BMPs to their operations, contact BGMA Coordinator Lisa Lauver at 403-371-7313 or llauver@lenrd.org,  or your local NRCS office.