LENRD supports river rehabilitation project on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) serves all or parts of 15-counties in northeast Nebraska with a mission of improving the quality of life for all citizens by conserving, developing, and managing all natural resources.

The LENRD Board of Directors met on Thursday, July 26th for their regular meeting.  The board continued their discussion on the City of Norfolk’s Johnson Park River Rehabilitation Project along the North Fork of the Elkhorn River.  LENRD Director, Scott McHenry, of Norfolk, said, “The City’s plan to develop the Riverfront Project will provide more recreational opportunities close to home.  I can’t take a lot of time off during the summer months, so it’s important to me and my family to find things to do locally.”  He added, “I have received a considerable amount of feedback from the people in my Subdistrict in support of this project.”  After much discussion, the board voted 8 to 5 to support the Riverfront Project with the City of Norfolk with a financial commitment of $1.032 million divided out over four years, which will be 1/3 of the project cost.

In other action, the board appointed Aaron Zimmerman of rural Pierce as the new director to the vacant Subdistrict 1 Board of Directors seat.  Nine individuals applied for the position, with one withdrawing before Thursday night’s meeting.  The board interviewed the remaining candidates, with Zimmerman receiving the majority vote in the end.  The other applicants were:  Rick Christiansen of Plainview, Donovan Ellis of Pierce, Tom Nathan of Meadow Grove, Wayne Rasmussen of Plainview, Jay Reikofski of Foster, Aaron Sauser of Tilden, and Roger Tacey of Osmond.

Prior to the board meeting, the LENRD held an Open House Public Hearing from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. regarding the Groundwater Management Area and the possible changes to the proposed Phase 2 & Phase 3 Areas in Pierce County and northern Madison County, due to the elevation of nitrates in the drinking water.  LENRD Assistant General Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “We were pleased with the turnout for the public hearing.  We wanted to inform the public of the possible changes to the management area and work together to formulate plans for the future protection of our groundwater.”  The board will review the testimonies given at the public hearing and will vote on the proposed changes at the next board meeting on Thursday, August 23rd at 7:30 p.m.