2024 Management Area Reporting

The annual report is not only a requirement for the Phase 2 & 3 areas, but it also documents the good work that you are doing to protect the groundwater. A major source of groundwater nitrate contamination is fertilizer and manure applications from farming practices. By implementing intelligent nitrogen and irrigation water management practices, farmers play a major role in protecting groundwater quality. These practices can also maximize your profit per acre!

Annual Reports must be submitted for both irrigated and dryland fields regardless of size. If you find that you are missing a field, or see one that you no longer farm, please let us know so we can update the information. It is the landowner’s responsibility to provide the LENRD with information for all fields that are farmed.

Management area reporting must be submitted online. If you are unable to complete your management area report(s) online, you can schedule a time to complete them over the phone or in person.

The Annual Report is due by January 15, 2025.

Irrigation Water and Deep Soil Sampling

The rules and regulations of the Phase 2 Areas state that irrigation water must be sampled once every four years. Phase 3 Area producers must sample their irrigation water annually. Be sure to take advantage of our free sampling program to test your water. You can pick up sample kits at our Norfolk office. Under this program, all you need to do is collect the water sample from your well and the NRD will pay the cost of shipping and testing the sample.

The rules and regulations of the Phase 2 Areas state that a deep soil sample is required for every 80 acres on fields that are planted to continuous corn. Phase 3 Area producers must take a sample for every 80 acres on any field that is going to be planted to corn, regardless of what was planted the prior year. Cost-share is available up to 50% of the total eligible costs of the sampling. Invoices and sampling results for Fall 2024/Spring 2025 need to be turned into the LENRD office by November 1, 2025 to be eligible for cost-share.

For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call or stop into our office and ask for Connor.

Lower Elkhorn NRD Board Approves Maple Creek Watershed Plan Watershed Agreement at November Meeting

The Lower Elkhorn NRD (LENRD) Board of Directors gave their final nod of approval to the Maple Creek Watershed Plan Watershed Agreement with Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). The main objective of this Watershed Agreement is to reduce flood damage in the City of Clarkson and Village of Nickerson.

The preferred alternative is an option that best accomplishes the purpose and need of the proposed action while also considering economic, environmental, technical, and other factors. In this case, the two preferred alternatives are:

• Improvements to the Clarkson Levee

• Construction of a dike near Nickerson

In early October, two open houses were held in Nickerson and Clarkson, the focus areas of the Plan, to collect public input. By approving the Maple Creek Watershed Plan Watershed Agreement, Directors will have the option to work with NRCS to implement preferred alternatives should they choose to do so. The LENRD worked with Houston Engineering to put the plan together.

 Bid Approved for Logan Creek Waterline Replacement Project

The Board also voted to approve a bid for the Logan Creek Waterline Replacement Project. Logan East Rural Water System of the LENRD opened bids for the Project on November 18, 2024. Four bids were received for the contract, which includes the replacement of approximately 3,600 linear feet of 8-inch waterline, valves, and cleanouts. Rutjens Construction, Inc. of Tilden, Ne, submitted the lowest bid at $105,295.00.

2025 LENRD Meeting Schedule

The LENRD Board has set the following dates for their 2025 meetings:

Subcommittee: January 9th, February 13th, March 13th, April 10th, May 8th, June 12th, July 10th, August 14th, September 11th, October 9th, November 13th, December 11th.

Board: January 23rd, February 27th, March 27th, April 24th, May 22nd, June 26th, July 24th, August 28th, September 25th, October 23rd, November 25th, December 18th.

The Board meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, unless there is a conflicting holiday or inclement weather. Updates and reminders are posted to the LENRD website, Facebook, X, and Instagram pages.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of 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, December 19th at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

1st Annual Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference will be December 17

The 1st annual Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference will be December 17, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk. The Ag Conference is co-hosted by the Bow Creek Watershed Project and the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) and takes the place of the BGMA Winter Meeting, which is typically held in January or February.

All farmers and ranchers are invited to attend and learn how other producers are using conservation practices to improve their bottom line while protecting water quality. The focus of the event is to encourage the exchange of conservation production ideas between farmers, ranchers, and supporting agriculture professionals. Many of the speakers are farmers, sharing their experiences, tips, and tricks.

Rick Clark from Williamsport, IN will start the day with the keynote address. Focusing on a regenerative soil health management system, Rick uses nature to replace costly farm inputs. He will share his journey into organic no-till and the lessons learned along the way.

Jason Mauck, Mitch Hora, Paul Jasa, Roy Thompson, and others will discuss topics ranging from equipment setup, cropping tips, grazing practices, innovative technology, and value-added products, to discussions on incentives for conservation. With fifteen breakout sessions, attendees can customize the day to fit their needs. The event will wrap-up with a local farmer panel discussing how they have implemented the ideas locally on their own operations.

Becky Ravenkamp, Bow Creek Watershed Coordinator, said, “In addition to great speakers, this is a chance to network with like-minded farmers and ranchers. Whether you have been implementing conservation practices for decades, just thinking about implementing them, or somewhere in between, you will find someone in the same situation to discuss these ideas with.” She added, “Lucky attendees will take home more than just knowledge, great door prizes will be given at the end of the day.”

Thanks to the sponsors of this event, you can register by December 6th at NO COST! Late registrations are $20 at the door and online after December 6th.

The Northeast Nebraska Ag Conference is produced by the Lewis & Clark NRD, the Lower Elkhorn NRD, the Lower Niobrara NRD, the Upper Elkhorn NRD, and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.

Applications are now being accepted for Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program

We’re accepting applications for the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act (NiRIA) which will pay producers for reducing their nitrogen application by the lesser of 40lbs or by 15%.

For this program, the state is divided up into three priority areas (A, B, and C). Priority area A is areas in the state with a NRD determined phase II or higher or have a wellhead protection area. This area has an incentive payment of $15 per acre. Priority B areas are areas not in priority A but are certified to irrigate. Priority B areas have an incentive payment of $12 per acre. The last priority area is C, which is the rest if the state and has an incentive payment of $10 per acre. Producers should contact the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) to determine which priority they are in. The program limits eligible crops to corn, sugar beets, and potatoes.

The incentives are intended to be flexible in that they can be combined with other offers by NRCS, TNC, or other entities. Producers will need to confirm with those other programs. Producers are also given the flexibility to determine how they will reduce their nitrogen application but will work with the LENRD on the implementation.

The LENRD will rank and score applications that best suit their local interests and available funding. All applications should be submitted to the LENRD either by email, mail, or in person and are due before January 15th, 2025. Approved producers will have until January 15th, 2026, to document and show the reduction in their nitrogen application to be eligible for payments.

Contact the LENRD for more information on the application process at 402-371-7313.

Position open for an Office Assistant at the Lower Elkhorn NRD in Norfolk

NORFOLK - We have a position open for an Office Assistant in the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District in Norfolk. The position provides administrative support for a variety of specialized tasks, requiring independent decision-making, and strong computer and communication skills - 40 hours per week with excellent pay and benefits.

Send your resume to the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Brian Bruckner - General Manager, 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk NE 68701, or email lenrd@lenrd.org

Closing Date: November 22, 2024

Programs Assistant needed in the Madison County NRCS office in Norfolk

NORFOLK - We have a position opening for a Programs Assistant in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office in Norfolk. The position involves administrative support work with moderate difficulty and complexity involving a variety of tasks. Strong computer and communication skills are needed. 40 hours per week with excellent pay and benefits.

Send your resume to the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Brian Bruckner - General Manager, 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk NE 68701, or email lenrd@lenrd.org

Closing Date: November 6, 2024

Sign-up begins October 1st for new irrigated acres

Landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will have an opportunity to apply for new irrigated acres, beginning on October 1st and ending on October 31st, 2024.  The LENRD Board of Directors approved the sign-up period at their September meeting and will receive applications for Standard Variances for new irrigated acres in the geographically eligible locations within the LENRD.

One of the primary responsibilities of the LENRD is to manage groundwater to protect both its quality and quantity for the people of the district.  Both of those factors were taken into consideration by the Ad-Hoc Variance Committee members, in determining the criteria used to process these variances.

“The board has taken the time to address some of the concerns associated with new irrigation development and have a well thought out approach for this signup period,” said LENRD General Manager, Brian Bruckner.

Recent amendments to the Groundwater Management Area Rules and Regulations now allow for new groundwater irrigated acres in any LENRD Quantity Management Subarea and the board has decided to allow these subareas to be eligible for the signup.  However, the Board of Directors has prioritized the consideration of the addition of small acre parcels to locations with existing irrigation wells in the Subareas.  Landowners who wish to construct a new irrigation well and irrigate new land will be considered in a possible future sign-up period.

Bruckner said, “Although these areas are now eligible, we want to walk before we run, remaining sensitive to the geology and turn of events that led to the delineation of these areas back in 2013.  Small acreage parcels will take priority in the subareas.”  Bruckner added, “We can potentially consider other options in those locations in the near future but want to ease into things to ensure that the needs of all existing groundwater users continue to be met.”

Water quality concerns were also reflected in the board’s decisions.  After much discussion, the board decided to award points to producers who plan to use the chemigation program to apply a minimum of 30% of the annual nitrogen needs of the growing crop for a minimum of 6 years following approval of the variance.  Bruckner said, “The board has approved this requirement as a means of prioritizing locations that will utilize chemigation as a best management practice to spoon feed nitrogen to the growing crop, for a minimum of 6 years.”

The LENRD Board authorized the receipt of variance applications to possibly approve up to 400-acre feet of new stream water depletions for new groundwater irrigation development in the Hydrologically Connected Area in the LENRD, and up to 3,500 acres of new groundwater irrigation development in the Non-Hydrologically Connected Area. The annual allocation for any new irrigation well, constructed under an approved Standard Variance, will be 14 acre-inches.

A map of the eligible locations as well as the application materials will be available at the LENRD office in Norfolk and on the district’s website by Tuesday, October 1, 2024.  The application fee for each standard variance has increased to $100 this year.

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, October 24, 2024, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Maple Creek Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment Public Notice

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is hosting final public meetings for the Maple Creek Watershed - Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Project. LENRD has developed a Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Maple Creek Watershed that includes two projects as the preferred alternative. These include levee improvements in Clarkson and a dike north of Nickerson.

The EA will be out for public comment starting October 2, 2024, and two public meetings are being held on October 9, 2024 to discuss the projects. The Nickerson Project public meeting will be an open house held from 4:30pm – 5:30pm at the Nickerson Fire Station Meeting Room (207 S Maple Street, Nickerson, NE 68044). The Clarkson Project public meeting will include a short presentation followed by an open house from 7:00pm – 8:00pm at the Clarkson Opera House (340 Pine Street, Clarkson, NE 68629).

Lower Elkhorn NRD approves budget decrease for Fiscal Year 2025

Do you know your NRD? Created in 1972, Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are unique in the nation with Nebraska being the only state with this form of local government in place.  NRDs are tasked with 12 areas of responsibility aimed at helping to conserve, develop, and manage our natural resources.

NRDs are granted the authority to generate revenue by levying property taxes, providing them with a consistent source of revenue that can sustain critical programs and projects, but also heightens the need to be fiscally responsible with local tax dollars. The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board and staff work diligently to prioritize spending to ensure that local tax dollars are used efficiently.

The operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 was approved by the LENRD Board of Directors at their September 12th meeting with a tax request of $4,501,887 – a decrease of 8.07% or $395,019 from last year’s budget.  The estimated levy, based on the property tax request, is 1.8459 cents per $100 of valuation, which is a decrease of 18.27% from the fiscal year 2024 levy of 2.2586 cents per $100 of valuation.  For example, if a person owns a $300,000 house, the taxes owed to the LENRD would have been $67.76 in 2024 and will be approximately $55.38 in 2025.

The LENRD’s total operating budget for fiscal year 2025 is estimated at $12,823,153 which is an increase of $773,221, or 6.41% from last fiscal year.

Some major expenditures for FY 2025 are: Levee/Flood Protection Projects – which includes the West Point Levee, McKenzie Dam, Winslow Demolition, and Logan East Well Project, and the City of Wayne Prairie Park Project - $1,579,000;  Water Resources Programs - $384,250;  Project Construction – Willow Creek Artesian Pressure Mitigation, Maple Creek Shoreline Stabilization, Maple Creek Storm Damage, Maskenthine Bike Trail, Willow Creek Park Renovations, and Pilger Recreation Area Renovations - $397,000;  Conservation Cost-Share Programs – Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project (BGMA) and Willow Creek Best Management Practices (BMPs) - $708,000;  and Sinking Funds – Battle Creek Project Sinking Fund ($1,000,000) and Flood Mitigation Sinking Fund ($750,000).

The LENRD has received major grant funding for the Willow Creek Dam Artesian Pressure, and Hazard Mitigation Plan (Federal Emergency Management Agency & Nebraska Emergency Management Agency); Bazile Groundwater Management Area and Willow Creek Watershed Project (Environmental Protection Agency) as well as State Grants and Funds from Department of Natural Resources, Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Nebraska Forest Service.

The LENRD has also received grant funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for Watershed Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO).  Funding through this program has assisted with the environmental assessments for the North Fork Elkhorn River Watershed Plan, the Maple Creek Watershed Plan, and the Battle Creek Watershed Plan.

Because the LENRD strives to be fiscally responsible with local tax dollars, there is a strong focus on the continuation of allocating resources towards Sinking Funds in the budget. The funds are put into savings now to be used for future projects. “By setting money aside today into a sinking fund, tagged for use for a specific project, it helps to minimize impact to the property tax levy for tomorrow,” said Brian Bruckner, LENRD General Manager.  He added, “Our board continues to be conservative as we invest and save for the future needs for the citizens of our district.”

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of 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 September 26, 2024 at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

NRD Hall of Fame Inductees Announced at Husker Harvest Days

During Husker Harvest Days Wednesday, Sept. 11, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.

“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts involve many dedicated individuals working to protect our natural resources,” said Martin Graff, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”

Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.

2024 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:

• NRD Director – Larry Moore, Ulysses, Nebraska

• NRD Employee – Stanley Staab (posthumously), Kearney, Nebraska

• NRD Supporter – Sen. Dan Hughes, Venango, Nebraska

Larry Moore – NRD Director

Larry Moore served nearly five decades on the Upper Big Blue NRD board, from 1975 to 2022. As a past board member, Moore continues to be involved by attending NRD board meetings and speaking out on topics of concern, lending his insight as a farmer as well as his vast institutional knowledge regarding NRD matters.

Dedicated to conservation, Moore has led by example in soil and water management, transitioning his family farm to no-till and incorporating cover crops. He has continuously invested in water conservation since the 1970s, moving from gravity irrigation to center pivots, and more recently installing soil moisture sensors and irrigation scheduling technology to improve efficiency and reduce the likelihood of nitrogen leaching.

His leadership extended beyond his farm, actively participating in public meetings and representing the area in the Big Blue River Compact. Moore’s enduring commitment to conservation and public service has significantly impacted the community and the environment.

Stanley Staab – NRD Employee (posthumously)

Stanley Staab served as the Lower Elkhorn NRD general manager for 29 years. He began his career with Nebraska’s NRDs in 1979 as the information & education coordinator at the Upper Big Blue NRD. He became the general manager of the Lower Elkhorn NRD in 1986 and retired in 2015.

Stan Staab was the general manager at the Lower Elkhorn NRD for 29 years.

During his nearly 36-year career, Staab was instrumental in numerous flood control projects, the construction of recreation areas, and the development of rural water systems. He also championed the establishment of new trails, including the Cowboy Trail Connector in Norfolk.

Staab passed away on March 5, 2024, at age 77. His leadership and commitment to protecting natural resources leave a lasting legacy.

Sen. Dan Hughes – NRD Supporter

As a third-generation farmer and Nebraska’s 44th District senator from 2015 to 2022, Dan Hughes championed natural resources, particularly water rights during his time in the Nebraska Unicameral.

Serving on and chairing the Natural Resources Committee, he was instrumental in passing legislation to protect groundwater and land rights for irrigators and balancing the interests of agriculture and the environment. His knowledge of business and farming gave him the ability to see both sides of the issue and create a resolution that pleased both parties while also protecting the natural resources being disputed. Now, as District 5 commissioner for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Hughes continues to advocate for Nebraska’s natural resources.

He also continues to be a good steward of the land and water on his farm that he shares with his two children in Venango, passing his knowledge and passion of natural resources onto the next generation.

Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 23.

Husker Harvest Days NRD Hall of Fame Inductee press conference Sept. 11, 2024. From left, Sen. Barry DeKay, Nebraska Dept. of Ag Director Sherry Vinton, Sen. Brian Hardin, NARD President Martin Graff, Gov. Jim Pillen, Hall of Fame Inductee Larry Moore (sitting), Sen. Eliot Bostar, Vicki Staab (wife of Hall of Fame Inductee Stanley Staab), Sen. Fred Meyer, Hall of Fame Inductee Sen. Dan Hughes, and Sen. Jana Hughes.

Husker Harvest Days includes Free Trees and Water Testing; Three individuals will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Questions about trees, erosion, flood control or water quality? Stop in to visit Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts during Husker Harvest Days Sept. 10-12.

“This is a great opportunity for producers to meet with conservation agencies all in one place and learn more about cost-share programs that can benefit their operation and Nebraska’s natural resources,” said Martin Graff, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD).

Located in the Natural Resources Hub (39E), Nebraska’s NRDs are stationed with various organizations that offer conservation assistance, cost-share opportunities and producer programs. Attendees can visit with the Nebraska Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, The Nature Conservancy, and Central Platte NRD’s Native Prairie and Pollination Awareness Program. 

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Water Well Standards Program will also be on site to provide free water testing and screen for nitrates in minutes. Private well owners should bring a cup-size sample of water in a clean container. 

In addition, the Natural Resources Districts will announce three individuals to induct into the NRD Hall of Fame during a press conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, on the Hospitality Tent Stage (SE Quadrant, #33). These Hall of Fame inductees have made significant contributions to protect our state’s natural resources through the NRDs. Hall of Fame categories include: 

• Natural Resources District Board Member 

• Natural Resources District Employee 

• Natural Resources District Supporter

During the three-day event, Husker Harvest attendees also will receive a free blue spruce tree seedling from the NRD Conservation Tree Program. All 23 Nebraska NRDs administer tree planting programs to provide trees and shrubs for local landowners. Each district varies, but possible services include planting, weed barrier installation or weed control, and drip irrigation. Free prairie grass seed will also be available as part of the Native Prairie and Pollinator Awareness Project.  

Central Platte NRD Directors Ed Kyes, left, and Jay Richeson hand out blue spruce tree seedlings during Husker Harvest Days.

For more information on the Conservation Tree Program and other conservation resources, visit www.nrdnet.org.

"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.