LENRD Board moves forward with pedestrian trail repairs at Pierce

The development and management of recreational and park facilities is one of the 12 responsibilities of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

At their October meeting, the LENRD Board voted to develop a contract with Rutjens Construction of Tilden to repair the pedestrian trail between the Willow Creek State Recreation Area (SRA) and the City of Pierce for $17,675.00.  The trail was significantly damaged as a result of the flooding that occurred last spring.

The board also approved the increase in camping fees at its recreational areas in northeast Nebraska.  The camping fees will increase to $25.00 per electric pad and $10.00 per tent, effective January 1, 2020.

LENRD Recreation Area Superintendent, Leonard Boryca, said, “The camping fees at the State Recreation Areas across the State have increased.  Therefore, the board decided to keep our rates at a similar pace.”  He added, “The LENRD owns the Willow Creek SRA, which is managed by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, and their rates increased last year, so this will make the fees the same amount district-wide for electric and tent camping.”  The LENRD owns and manages the Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area near Stanton, and the Maple Creek Recreation Area near Leigh.

Another of the LENRD’s responsibilities is the development, management, utilization, and conservation of groundwater and surface water.  The district continues to be proactive in the management of the resource.  In the Phase 2 and 3 Management Areas the district requires annual reports from producers for record keeping purposes.  There are 4 producers who have yet to submit their annual reports for this year and those producers will receive a cease and desist order as directed by the LENRD Board at their October meeting.

The board also instructed staff to contract with Derek Becker of Norfolk for meter maintenance on mechanical flow meters in Pierce County.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans for the future of our natural resources.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Tuesday, November 26th at 7:30 p.m. at the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.  Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.