Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District March Board Meeting Update
/On Thursday, March 27th, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors met for their monthly Board meeting. Aside from monthly reports and an update from the Logan East Rural Water System, Directors also discussed and voted on numerous items.
Irrigated Cropland to Irrigated Grazing Land Incentive Program Modification
One of the current incentive programs offered by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, for irrigated cropland that is converted into irrigated grazing land, received a few modifications. The program is only available for fields in the Phase 2 and 3 areas with a payment rate of $40/acre. Directors voted to amend availability to apply for the program to wellhead protection areas and to raise the payment rate to $100/acre. Payment is capped at $25,000 annually and a maximum of 160 acres. Though the program has been available for several years, it is a resource that has not yet been widely used.
The payment through this program acts as an incentive to maintain the cropland to grazing land conversion for five consecutive years. When it comes to the conversion of the property itself, there is a possibility for funding from partnering agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Former City of Scribner Pebble Creek Levee
The LENRD was approached by the City of Scribner regarding the possibility to purchase a segment of the former city levee – Pebble Creek Levee – and to use the remaining dirt as fill for City purposes. The section of the Levee was partially funded by the LENRD and is no longer in use due to the construction of the US-275 Bypass. Directors approved the request and, since the funds would be minimal, agreed that no payment from the City would be requested.
2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Approval
One of the tools utilized by the LENRD to plan for and lessen the effects of disaster is the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). In fact, to be eligible for FEMA funding, it is actually a requirement to have one. A HMP helps identify vulnerabilities due to (primarily) natural disasters, and man-made as well. Mitigation actions drawn out in the plan help minimize, or eliminate, the effects of those hazards. HMPs are updated every five years.
This update period, the Lower Elkhorn NRD partnered with the Lewis and Clark NRD, Cedar County and Dixon County to merge two HMPs into one. Since many jurisdictions are on the boundary line, and impacted by decisions in both districts, it made the most sense to come together and create one cohesive document. The two NRDs collaborated with other jurisdictions – such as cities, counties, emergency management agencies, and numerous special districts – to piece the plan together. The final plan was approved by Directors.
Other Action
Directors also discussed, and took action on, compliance issues in the District. The violations included non-submittal of Management Area Reports which were due mid-January, and failure for producers to obtain Nitrogen Certification (or re-certification) in the Phase 2 and 3 Areas. Nitrogen Certification is a requirement for producers farming in the Phase 2 and 3 areas, and must be obtained every four years. Numerous training opportunities were offered in February through March. A final Nitrogen Certification class is being offered on Monday, April 7th, at 2:00 PM at the LENRD office (1508 Square Turn Blvd., Norfolk, NE 68701).
Finally, an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Norfolk was approved to help provide financial support for the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Since the LENRD provided financial support when the facility was first opened, the City of Norfolk has allowed residents of the District to utilize the facility as well. LENRD residents make up approximately 30-35% of the annual users. This Agreement will allow up to $5,000 in funding from the LENRD annually. It is pending final approval from the Norfolk City Council.
Did you miss the meeting? A recording is available on our Facebook page.