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.

LENRD Board Votes to Increase Irrigation Allocations to Protect Drought Stricken Acres

Last year, in a proactive measure and in response to the acute drought that took a commanding grip in Northeast Nebraska, the LENRD (Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District) implemented restrictions on wells pumping over 50 gallons per minute, until the drought decreases in intensity.

Initially, the Board had voted to limit municipal water supply wells to 250 gallons per day per capita for any city or town in a D3 or D4 designation, while irrigation wells (that do not already have an allocation) would be limited to 15 inches per acre for each certified irrigated acre for any well located in a designated D3 or D4 area.

After hearing from their constituents on the severity of the current situation for many producers with sandy soils, the board discussed the possibility of adjusting the inches previously allocated. At their June meeting, the Board voted to increase the 15 inches per acre limit to 20 inches per acre, for any well located in a designated D3 or D4 area.

Brian Bruckner, Interim General Manager of the LENRD, said, “The decision from the board to impose allocations for this year was to protect the health and welfare of the public during the drought, but also to minimize negative impacts to groundwater supplies. Given the current state of the drought, the board felt it was necessary to increase the inch allocations for any well not already in a designated sub area or not already limited with any other restrictions.”

The state remains in varying degrees of drought, but things have intensified in the northeast. Bruckner added, “Hopefully we can catch some rain in the coming weeks that will provide sufficient improvement and maybe bring some areas out of allocation altogether.”

If drought conditions are downgraded to a D2 designation for a period of 14 consecutive days, the drought-imposed restriction would be lifted for those wells and locations within that D2 designation area. So far, almost 1,400 wells have been removed from the drought-imposed restriction. Even though the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows an increase of D3 and D4 designations throughout the district, irrigation wells already removed from the allocation restrictions will not be reimposed. A map showing the 2023 groundwater allocations can be found on our website at www.lenrd.org

In other action the Board also heard from Janel Kaufman, Senior Civil Engineer with Houston Engineering, who provided a 90% update on the Maple Creek Watershed Plan. The two projects that could result from the completion of the plan are improvements to the Clarkson levee and a small dike or levee system for Nickerson. This project is still in the planning stage of a multi-step process.

Jeremy Milander, UNL Extension Educator, also provided a report on the success of the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) Demonstration Sites.  The BGMA received funds from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) to demonstrate and research best management agricultural practices to reduce nitrogen leaching into the groundwater.

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, July 27th, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Innovative Nitrogen Dashboard to Improve Fertilizer Efficiency, Water Quality

LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) and 17 of Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are pleased to announce the development of a nitrogen dashboard in partnership with Longitude 103, a leading provider of agricultural technology solutions.

Producer Connect, a web and mobile application suite, allows producers to access their crop reporting data and includes a fertilizer recommendation based on yield goals. This collaborative effort aims to empower agriculture producers to optimize inputs, which will enhance agricultural profitability, water quality and irrigation efficiency.

In the last 10 years, Nebraska has made gains in nitrogen management through split-fertilizer application and irrigation efficiency, but there are opportunities for improvement. Nebraska’s agriculture economy depends on groundwater and fertilizer; however, the overuse of fertilizer can come at a cost by contaminating groundwater, which most Nebraskans depend on for drinking water.

“With the growing concern of increased nitrate in groundwater, it is essential for NRDs and ag producers to work together to address the problem,” said Dr. Orval Gigstad, NARD president. “By developing a tool that is mutually beneficial for both ag producers and our natural resources it’s a win-win situation. We applaud the Nebraska Corn Board for helping lead the way.”

The partnership between the Nebraska Corn Board and the Natural Resources Districts exemplifies the commitment of key stakeholders to foster a thriving agricultural industry while protecting our water quality and quantity. The Nebraska Corn Board has generously contributed funds to assist with the development of Producer Connect, recognizing the potential it holds in transforming the landscape of modern farming.

“We are proud to support this innovative initiative to provide agriculture producers with more tools for nitrogen management,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, Nebraska Corn Board executive director. “By empowering producers with their own data, we can improve fertilizer efficiency, maximize profits and protect our valuable water resources.”

The involvement of a majority of Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts underscores the collective determination to promote responsible farming practices throughout the state. The NRDs along with the NARD Foundation have made financial contributions and are actively applying for grants to help develop and maintain the Producer Connect software for years to come.

Producer Connect will be free to producers and offer a wide range of features designed to simplify nitrogen and water management. Ag producers will have a password-protected log in and only be able to see their own data. A few of the potential features include:

• Producer-specific data: Ag producers will have access to their reported data, which includes previous crops grown, actual yield, fertilizer applied, water usage, crops to be grown, expected yield, soil and water test results, and legume or manure credits.

• Protected data: All data will be held by the local NRD, and individual producer data will not be shared. Aggregate data may be used by the NRD for educational activities, certified applicator training and producer meetings.

• Customizable recommendations: The dashboard will provide a personalized nitrogen recommendation based on yield goals. The nitrogen efficiency of bushels per pound of applied fertilizer will be displayed and compared to the average of producers within the area. An economic analysis could show cost savings using the calculated nitrogen application versus a typical fertilizer application.

• Irrigation efficiency: The dashboard will also include the ability to track water-use data.

• Historical data analysis: By analyzing past nitrogen usage and crop performance, the dashboard will enable producers to identify trends in water use, fertilizer application and crop yield.

• Environmental impact assessment: The platform will assist farmers in quantifying the impact of their nitrogen usage, aiding in compliance with regulations and demonstrating commitment to sustainable practices.

• Information exchange: The dashboard will allow for communication between the producer and the local NRD. Producers will also be able to view current research results to improve profitability.

Producer Connect is currently in its initial stages of development and is expected to launch in January 2024. The initial roll out will be in Phase 2 and Phase 3 Groundwater Quality Management Areas and areas that have irrigation allocations.

“This partnership between the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska’s NRDs showcases the power of collaboration and a shared vision in driving sustainable change to improve producer profitability and nitrogen-use efficiency while protecting Nebraska’s water resources.” Gigstad said. “It exemplifies why Nebraska leads the nation in irrigated acres and water management.”

The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of ½-cent-per-bushel checkoff on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development, and research.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at www.nrdnet.org.

Bids requested for channel repair

Bids are now being requested for furnishing all labor, equipment materials and incidentals necessary to complete repair of the outlet channel of Willow Creek Dam. The Project site is 1.5 miles West and 1.25 mile South of Pierce, Nebraska. The construction will involve excavation and earth fill necessary to reshape the outlet channel embankment, salvaging topsoil, seeding and mulching the topsoil, installation of filter fabric and installing riprap on top of the installed filter fibric. There will be incidental work along with the prescribed pay items of work. The planned work is shown on drawings attached to this project manual. Other related items shall be furnished and installed by the Contractor.

Proposals will be opened at 1:00 P.M. on July 11, 2023 . Project work shall be completed by March 15, 2024.

Specifications and plans for the work can be examined and obtained from the Lower Elkhorn NRD at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk, Nebraska.

Lower Elkhorn NRD is seeking a general manager

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is seeking a General Manager (GM) for their 15-county district.  Under the direction of the LENRD Board of Directors, the GM will provide direct and indirect supervision to all employees of the district.  Work involves developing operational policies and procedures, long and short-range plans that are consistent with the district policy of wisely governing the use, and conservation of, the district’s soil, water, wildlife, trees, and other natural resources.

The GM is responsible for preparation of the annual budget; the acquisition of alternative funding sources such as grants, trusts; and negotiates and approves various project/program contracts.  The GM should also possess the ability to analyze administrative and technical problems and/or situations and to present appropriate facts and/or recommendations in written and/or oral form; and interpret and/or apply policies and regulations, using considerable independent judgement with work being reviewed by the LENRD Board of Directors.

The GM also serves as the Public Relations Officer for the district with the ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with Federal, State, and City officials, co-workers, board members, community organizations, and/or members of a diverse population.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in Public Administration, Natural Resources Management, Agricultural Economics, Soil Science, Water Resources and/or Agricultural Engineering, with post graduate work in water resources, geography, ecology and/or environmental law, plus a minimum of ten (10) years work experience in the area of natural resources, agriculture business, education and/or resource planning and work experience with various Federal, State, and Local government agencies is desired.

An excellent benefits package including health and dental insurance, retirement program, vacation/sick leave, and paid holidays is provided. This position is open until filled.

Send your cover letter and resume to:  Roger Gustafson, Chairman of the Board, 351  12 Road, Emerson, NE  68733 or email: rlgustafson@hotmail.com or lenrd@lenrd.org

Spring groundwater levels show declines as the drought lingers on

2022 was the driest year on record for a large portion of the Lower Elkhorn NRD, and increased demand for groundwater use from all sectors took an expected toll on groundwater inventories.  In a proactive measure and in response to the acute drought that took a commanding grip in northeast Nebraska, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) implemented restrictions on wells, pumping over 50 gallons per minute, until the drought decreases its intensity.

The LENRD has been conducting annual monitoring of groundwater inventories across its 15-county district since 1976.  How does the LENRD monitor our groundwater supplies?  There are 240 “observation wells” the district uses to measure the depth to groundwater from the surface of the land.  These wells are measured in the spring, before the pumping season begins, to see how much the water levels have recovered from last year’s irrigation season and again in the fall after pumping has ceased to evaluate the amount of in-season decline.  LENRD Assistant General Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “While drought conditions are beginning to show signs of decreasing their hold in portions of the area, many of the wells our staff measured this spring are showing declines; though still at manageable levels as long as the drought doesn’t extend itself into subsequent pumping season.”

According to the report from the UNL School of Natural Resources’ Conservation & Survey Division, about three-fourths of the state’s 4,787 observation wells experienced a decline in groundwater levels from spring 2021 to spring 2022, and it will be interesting to see next year’s report which will include comparison data from spring 2022 to spring of 2023.  It is worth noting that most of the data included within these annual reports is collected by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts, which includes the Lower Elkhorn NRD.

In 2022, Norfolk and Wayne recorded their driest years on record; records that were first recorded in 1854 for the National Weather Service’s Karl Stefan Airport station.  In April of 2022, most of the LENRD was in a severe (D2) drought.  As the summer continued, much of the district transitioned into an extreme (D3) and an exceptional (D4) drought.  As a result, the LENRD board approved the recommendations presented by the district’s Ad-Hoc Drought Response Committee, to limit municipal water supply wells to 250 gallons per day per capita for any city or town in a D3 or D4 designation, while irrigation wells (that do not already have an allocation) will be limited to 15 inches per acre for each certified irrigated acre, for any well located in a designated D3 or D4 area.   Bruckner said, “The decision from the board to impose allocations for this year was to protect the health and welfare of the public during the drought, but also to minimize negative impacts to groundwater supplies.  Given the tendency of drought conditions to extend into multiple calendar years, the district felt compelled to take proactive measures in the event the acute condition decided to linger into 2023, or worse yet, into 2024 and beyond.”

Drought conditions have eased in some areas since the beginning of the year, but 98% of the state remains in varying degrees of drought.  Bruckner added, “We would like to see more rain in the coming weeks, and hopefully this precipitation will provide sufficient improvement to bring some areas out of allocation.  However, if the drought lingers on, producers will need to be prepared for the pumping limits this summer and possibly next year as well.”

Currently, the entire district, except the NW 1/3 of Pierce County are still in the D3 or D4 drought as indicated by the U.S. Drought Monitor, which is updated on a weekly basis.  If drought conditions are downgraded to a D2 designation for a period of 14 consecutive days, the drought-imposed restriction would be lifted for those wells and locations within that D2 designated area.

Groundwater allocations approved for 2023

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) drew a crowd for their October board meeting to hear discussions about possible groundwater use restrictions for next year.  Because the district continues to be in a D3 & D4 drought, as determined by the U.S. Drought Monitor, the board must make decisions by November 1st about any limited use of water for the following year, according to the LENRD’s drought management plan.

The board approved the recommendations presented at their October meeting, by the Ad-Hoc Drought Response Committee, to limit the amount of groundwater use in 2023.  The decision will limit municipal water supply wells to 250 gallons per day per capita for any city or town in a D3 or D4 designation, while irrigation wells (that do not already have an allocation) will be limited to 15 inches per acre for each certified irrigated acre, for any well located in a designated D3 or D4 area.  Municipalities will also be required to adopt a plan for water conservation practices and water use restrictions and provide a copy to the LENRD by March 1st, 2023.

Chad Korth, LENRD director from Meadow Grove, said, “We wanted everybody involved in our discussions, not just agriculture.  That’s why the municipalities are included, we’re all in this together.  The idea is to preserve this water for the next generation.”

Mike Sousek, LENRD general manager, said, “The decision from the board to impose allocations for next year is in response to the responsibility to protect the health and welfare of the public during a drought, but it’s also the first step in the plan to minimize negative impacts to groundwater supplies.  If it doesn’t rain, we have to be prepared, not only for next year, but for the year or two following.  We are being proactive.  We have to prepare for the worst and help producers plan for a possible shortage of water in year 2 or 3 of the drought.”  Sousek added, “Of course, if drought conditions are downgraded to a D2 designation for 14 consecutive days, all restrictions will be lifted.”

The district also made the decision to forego the consideration of requests for new uses of groundwater for irrigation.  Sousek said, “This will allow for the completion of previously approved projects and to monitor and assess impacts to groundwater supplies for all users.”

In other action, the board directed staff to contact producers whose irrigation wells have exceeded the annual allocation for groundwater uses for 2022, as outlined in the LENRD’s conditions for approval policy for new irrigation wells.  Violators could receive a penalty that would reduce their allocation for the next 2 years.  Public hearings will be held with the board on each individual case.

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 lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails.  The next board of directors committee meeting will be Thursday, November 10th at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:00 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Best Management Practices are key, especially in dry times

As dry conditions continue, it not only affects this year’s crop, but could impact next year’s as well, leaving aquifers deeply impacted.  At their September board meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) voted to formally declare a drought across their 15-county district.

Mike Sousek, general manager for the LENRD, said, “It’s important that we’re all conserving the groundwater we share.  If this situation continues, our board will have some tough decisions to make by Nov. 1st.”  If the district remains in a D3 or D4 drought designation, November 1st is the deadline for the board to make any decisions concerning water use restrictions for next year.

Many cities and towns across the district have water-saving measures in place, encouraging residents to limit their water use on their scheduled days.  The LENRD reminds citizens to work together to conserve water.  Sousek said, “We can help each other by using less water and being mindful of our day-to-day usage.” 

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are important when managing any conservation plan, especially in dry times.  The district has cost-share funding available for BMPs and encourages producers to stop by their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office or the LENRD office in Norfolk, to look over their options and apply for the best program to fit their needs. 

Water can be efficiently applied at different rates throughout the field, using Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI).  Over-applying water to the soil could cause nutrient runoff or leaching beyond the root zone of the plant.  Using VRI and other management tools can help prevent over-watering and could potentially improve water quality. 

Soil moisture sensors are another tool that can be cost-shared with the LENRD.  The sensors can help determine when and where the water is needed, saving the producers time and money.  Telemetry programs are also available to connect with the sensors, giving producers quality information at their fingertips. 

Water flow meters are another management tool that the district uses to measure the pumping on wells with annual allocations.  Allocations in some areas have been put in place to protect current water users while allowing for the expansion of new uses.  Meters first became a requirement within the LENRD in July of 2007, when the installation of a flow meter became a requirement for any new high capacity well.  After the drought of 2012, it became evident that we needed to be even more proactive in the management of our groundwater since numerous in-season groundwater shortages were reported across the district.  This led to the delineation of several Quantity Management Subareas which triggered the requirement to install a flow meter on existing irrigation wells within the delineated areas and attached annual groundwater allocations to some of those wells.  In 2017, five years after the drought, the board also made the decision to have a sign-up period for new groundwater irrigated acres, along with a meter requirement for all high-capacity wells located within the 15-county district.  Sousek said, “While the flow meter serves as the measurement device for our regulatory mechanisms, they also provide valuable information to well owners and farm operators regarding the amount of irrigation water applied to their agricultural lands, and for assessing annual water use for industry, livestock, and municipal needs as well.”

By periodically checking your irrigation meter, you can see how fast you’re using the resource and the amount being used.  Meters allow you to keep track of your allocation (if you have one), to check your pivot’s efficiency, and to detect any well or pump problems before they become severe.  Everything in agriculture is constantly measured and calculated.  Measuring and managing the water with flow meters is another important part of a producer’s management plan. 

Sousek added, “Keeping track of your water meter during the growing season can help determine how close you are getting to the annual allocation.  You can also improve your irrigation efficiency by keeping track of how much water was applied the previous week and comparing that number to the crop water use data.  If you applied more water than the crop used the previous week, you may not be making room to store potential rainfall or water may be leaching below the root zone.” 

Water savings can also be found with healthy soils.  Soils with more organic matter can hold more moisture but building up the soil profile takes time.  The LENRD encourages producers to take advantage of cost-share money available for planting cover crops and continue to develop healthy soils for enhanced water infiltration, water holding capacity, and nutrient management.  Watering less often, saving time and money is the key.  Good ground cover also prevents further wind erosion, keeping the soil in place.  Healthy soils can also assist in protecting the quality of the water. 

With the LENRD’s Conservation Cost-Share Program, there are many options for producers who are looking to conserve water, but also to protect the quality of their water at the same time.  Sousek said, “Stop by or give us a call.  We can work together to find the program that is right for you and your operation.” 

The next Committee meeting for the LENRD board is Thursday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the LENRD office in Norfolk and on Facebook Live.

Wonderful World of Water program held in Pierce

The 33rd annual Wonderful World of Water Festival was held September 21 at Gilman Park in Pierce.  Fourteen teams of ninth and tenth grade students from 7 schools across Northeast Nebraska descended upon the park for a day of outdoor hands-on activities and a chance to compete for championship honors. 

The day began with registration at Gilman Park followed by the teams competing in a track of hands-on activities focusing on water quality and other natural resources related issues.  The teams were then quizzed regarding those sessions to accumulate points for the competition.  Following the educational sessions, the teams were given one last chance to extend their point totals by participating in the Dripial Pursuit Trivia Game.  Then while the final totals were being calculated each team was given the opportunity to participate in the Wonderful World of Water special project.

The special project was Water Rockets, which is, a program taught through the Jr. Academy of Sciences.  Each school was invited to build water rockets and demonstrate their knowledge of mass, velocity and engineering.  The rockets were judged on distance and creativity.  Several rockets were launched Wednesday with Allen High School first for Farthest Distance Traveled; Wausa High School recognized for Shortest Distance Traveled; and, Pierce High School Team 2 with the Most Creative Design.   

Following the presentation of the special projects, the winners of the 2022 Northeast Nebraska Wonderful World of Water were announced.  The winner of Track 1 was Pierce High School Team 1 consisting of Skylar Scholting, Elijah Streff, Aubrey Hanson, Natalie Kosch and Taydym Koch.  The winning team from Track 2 was Pope John High School Team 2 consisting of Quinn Hoefer, Harlie Tyler, Tessa Barlow, Camy Kittelson, Reese Stuhr, Jovie Vaisvllas, Haley Parks and Stephanie Gutierrez.  Both First Place teams were awarded Wonderful World of Water T-shirts.   

Schools participating in this year’s event included; Niobrara High School, Pierce High School, Elgin High School, Wausa High School, Allen High School, Norfolk Catholic High School and Pope John High School. 

The Wonderful World of Water program would not be possible without our many natural resources professionals from across the area who volunteer their time each year to share their expertise; and, work with students who might be interested in a career related to natural resources.  They come from a variety of agencies including:  The Natural Resources Conservation Service; UNL Nebraska Extension; Nebraska Game and Parks; Papio-Missouri River NRD; Upper Elkhorn NRD, Lewis & Clark NRD, Lower Niobrara NRD and, Lower Elkhorn NRD.  The Wonderful World of Water was sponsored this year by:  the Upper Elkhorn NRD; Lower Elkhorn NRD; Lower Niobrara NRD; and, Lewis and Clark NRD.

The winner of Track 1 was Pierce High School Team 1 consisting of Skylar Scholting, Elijah Streff, Aubrey Hanson, Natalie Kosch and Taydym Koch.

The winning team from Track 2 was Pope John High School Team 2 consisting of Quinn Hoefer, Harlie Tyler, Tessa Barlow, Camy Kittelson, Reese Stuhr, Jovie Vaisvllas, Haley Parks and Stephanie Gutierrez.

Water conservation is urgently needed as the drought intensifies

The impacts of the drought are becoming even more serious for the citizens of northeast Nebraska as the dry conditions continue to escalate.  The attached map shows the comparison across the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) over the last few weeks, with most of the district moving from an extreme drought to an exceptional drought (D4) designation.

During the drought of 2012, many private well owners found themselves lowering their pumps to provide water in their homes for their families.  Not only did domestic wells suffer, but there were also irrigation and livestock wells that failed to function properly during the drought.

LENRD general manager, Mike Sousek, said, “Imagine coming home after work to find you have no water in your home.  Or you turn on your pivot to water your crops and there’s no pressure, or your livestock well runs dry.  These are the times we are in, and we must come together, collectively, to protect the resource that we all share.”

An exceptional drought is a critical situation, and water conservation is at utmost importance.  The average person uses 80-100 gallons of water each day.  Sousek said, “We can all use at least 20 percent less water by being more mindful of our actions, checking for leaks, installing water-saving appliances, and managing our sprinklers more efficiently.”  Cities and towns across the district have water conservation measures in place, encouraging residents to limit their water use on their scheduled days.

Farmers are also bound to certain power restrictions limiting their usage during scheduled times throughout the irrigation season.  Economics also play a large role in limiting water usage.  Sousek added, “Even with restrictions in place, we can all work harder, as individuals, to do our part in protecting the resource.  We can’t wait for the cities to tell us when to conserve or wait until our well fails and we can’t pump water for our crops, we need to save water today and prepare for what happens next, if conditions don’t improve.”

To keep groundwater levels stable and protect supplies long-term, the LENRD has allocations in place for any irrigation wells installed after 2017.  Sousek said, “We would like to remind landowners, with newer wells, to plan accordingly with their irrigation scheduling and to be aware of the current 9-acre inch allocations.  All water users need to be cognizant of the amount of water being used and be accountable to our neighbors by assuring them that we’re doing all we can to share the resource with everyone around us, especially during a drought.”

There are also allocations in the Groundwater Quantity Management Subareas across the district.  In those areas, an additional 2-acre inches are available, after September 15th, for producers who are planting a cover crop.  Sousek said, “If someone abuses this allocation, it’s not only hurting the producer, but it’s hurting all groundwater users who share the resource and could affect future management decisions by the board.”

The drought is being closely monitored by the district, with possible drought mitigation actions being considered.   These actions will be determined by the board of directors and the district’s Drought Mitigation Response Team.  Any actions the district puts into place for the 2023 growing season must be decided by Nov. 1st.

Sousek added, “It’s important to adopt the mindset that the current dry cycle could be part of a multi-year weather pattern.  There’s value in preparing ourselves for what’s ahead and conserving our groundwater to help resolve present and future water quantity issues, to protect all groundwater users.”

The next LENRD board of directors meeting will be Thursday, September 22 at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Public Open House slated for August 18th for Battle Creek Watershed Plan

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold a public open house to provide an update on the Battle Creek Watershed Flood Risk Reduction Plan. The meeting will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Battle Creek Community Clubhouse, 804 South 2nd Street in Battle Creek. All are welcome to attend and provide comments or questions to the project team. The meeting will be an open house event, with a short presentation at 5:00.  Attendees are welcome to drop-in anytime between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

This public meeting will provide an update on the planning process and review the proposed flood mitigation alternative within the Battle Creek Watershed, which spans more than 57,000 acres in Madison and Boone counties. During the public meeting, attendees will be able to learn more from project personnel, as well as ask questions and provide feedback.

Since beginning the planning process in 2020, the team has developed hydrologic and hydraulic models to show existing flooding conditions, reviewed various flood risk reduction alternatives, and have started drafting the watershed plan and environmental assessment. Current planning efforts are being led by JEO Consulting Group and will be completed by spring 2023.

The Battle Creek watershed has a long history of flooding, dating back to the 1940s, causing extensive damages and disrupting the economy of the region. Major flooding events throughout the 2000s, including Nebraska’s historical flooding event in 2019, has resulted in extensive damage worth millions of dollars. Following the catastrophic March 2019 flooding, the LENRD applied for Watershed Flood Prevention & Operations (WFPO) program funding from the NRCS, with a focus on mitigating flooding impacts within and near the City of Battle Creek.

As part of the WFPO program, the LENRD will work with the NRCS to develop the Battle Creek Watershed Work Plan – Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA). The Plan-EA will be used to help document existing problems, evaluate alternative, and identify a preferred alternative for future federal funding. 

The Plan-EA is being prepared to fulfill National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) responsibilities pertaining to federal financial assistance received through the NRCS’s WFPO Program. Part of this project includes an evaluation of environmental resources and impact considerations, and all information gathered during the public meeting will help guide the planning process. 

For more information, please contact Curt Becker, Projects Manager for the LENRD, at 402-371-7313 or cbecker@lenrd.org

Assistance available for Nebraska farmers and ranchers impacted by wildfire

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has funding available to assist agricultural producers whose land was impacted by recent wildfires. Landowners have until August 19 to apply.

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding is available to help producers plan and implement conservation practices on farms and ranches impacted by natural disasters. EQIP funding is available to assist in this wildfire recovery effort by planting cover crops on impacted cropland and to defer grazing on rangeland.

“Numerous fires have impacted farmers and ranchers across Nebraska leaving ground vulnerable to erosion,” said Rob Lawson, state conservationist for NRCS. “We can assist landowners with installing conservation practices to help prevent any further damage to their agricultural land and aid in the recovery of rangeland productivity and soil health.”

Lawson encourages landowners whose agricultural operations were impacted by wildfire to visit their local NRCS field office.

“NRCS can help with recovery efforts,” Lawson said. “Our staff works one-on-one with landowners to assess the damage and develop approaches that lead to an effective recovery of the land.”

The application signup for this wildfire assistance is happening now and will run through August 19, 2022. Applications will be assessed, and even though some lands may be eligible for assistance, it is not guaranteed that all acres will receive financial assistance due to limited funding.

Interested landowners and operators should contact their local NRCS office in the USDA Service Center for applications and more information.

Groundbreaking held for Riverfront Project

By Nick Stevenson, City of Norfolk - Communications Manager

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday morning in Johnson Park, officially recognizing the beginning of the North Fork Riverfront Project after six years of planning and fundraising.

At its core, the North Fork River Restoration project includes the removal of a 6’ drop structure and a 6’ spillway at the bridge on First Street and the incorporation of eight, 18” drop points between the railroad bridge and the take-out point immediately south of the newly, redeveloped Norfolk Avenue bridge. The drop points will introduce white water characteristics to the river, provide beautification along the bank corridors, and enhance aquatic habitat including fish passages at each drop restoring the ability for fish to easily move upstream.

“One of the largest quality-of-life investments in Norfolk’s history, this project reenergizes the very place that first gave life to our community, utilizes our natural resources to promote outdoor recreation and tourism, and acts as a catalyst to private reinvestment that is already transforming downtown Norfolk into one of the state’s most unique, vibrant mixed-use environments,” said Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning. 

The Johnson Park revitalization plan focuses on the rehabilitation of a park that was once considered an integral part of Norfolk’s economic and cultural identity. The plan includes varying degrees of grading to provide safe, ADA access to the river, introduces additional parking, provides for enhanced festival space, and cultivates the expansion of youth amenities. The introduction of an amphitheater with a permanent stage and grass seating for hundreds will establish another unique, outdoor venue for concerts, plays, and ceremonies in Norfolk.

“What we’re trying to do is attract young people that live in communities throughout Northeast Nebraska, to give them an option to come to Norfolk and start their career in the hopes that they’re able to move back to the family farm and raise their grandkids in Randolph, in Neligh, in Wayne, and in Humphrey. This is bigger than Norfolk this is about the area. Norfolk is investing in our core, we are putting money to the place that our community started,” said Nebraska First District Congressman Mike Flood. 

The project is being funded by a combination of grant resources, keno funds, and private sector donations.

Left to Right: Traci Jeffrey, Executive Director of Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau, Andy Colvin, Norfolk City Administrator, Steve Rames, Norfolk Public Works Director, Lt Governor Mike Foley, Darrel Novacek, Riverfront Fundraising Committee Member,. Angie Stenger, Executive Director of Growing Together, Joe Ferguson, Riverfront Fundraising Committee Member, Mayor Josh Moenning, Nebraska First District Congressman Mike Flood, Mike Sousek, General Manager of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Jason Love, Riverfront Fundraising Committee Chair, & Nathan Powell, Norfolk Parks and Recreation Director.