Lower Elkhorn NRD promotes Arbor Day with end-of-season tree sales

In Nebraska, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated on the last Friday in April.  The 148th Anniversary of Arbor Day will be celebrated Friday, April 24th.

Since Nebraska is the birth state of Arbor Day, it’s only appropriate that the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) promotes tree-planting programs each year.  The LENRD will have tree seedlings available for purchase next Friday in celebration of Arbor Day, at the Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, north of Stanton.  From Norfolk, the lake is located 10 miles east on highway 275 and then 2 miles south on Ridge Road.  Signs will direct you to the LENRD Tree Distribution Center (approximately 2 miles north of Stanton).

The Center will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Arbor Day.  Seedlings must be purchased in bundles of 25 for $22 plus tax.  Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician, said, “We’ll be cleaning out the cooler on Arbor Day, quantities are limited, but there’s still enough variety if you’re looking for trees or shrubs to fill in your windbreak.  Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ll be using a drive thru lane for tree purchase and pickup at the distribution center at Maskenthine.”  Stewart added, “Plant a tree to protect your property and the future.  Our parents did it for us, and we should return the favor for future generations.”

Contact the LENRD office if you have questions about the trees or if you need further assistance.

Trees available for purchase on Arbor Day

More information

Senior Scholarships now available

This year, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will be offering two $500 scholarships to graduating High School Seniors within the district.  These scholarships are available for students who are planning to further their education in a natural resources or agriculture related field.  Seniors who are interested should contact their guidance counselor or the Lower Elkhorn NRD office in Norfolk for further information, eligibility requirements, and applications.  Scholarship information has been sent to all schools within the district boundaries and is also available below. The deadline for all scholarship applications has been extended to Friday, May 22, 2020.

Scholarship Criteria

Application Form

Norfolk to plant 2,020 trees in 2020 beginning this weekend

The City of Norfolk plans to plant 2,020 trees in 2020 begin in full force this week in advance of Arbor Day on Friday, April 24.  A number of tree-planting initiatives, featuring partnerships with local and state organizations, kick off in the coming week. 

“2020 in 2020 is an ambitious yet achievable goal, and we hope that families spending time together on home improvement projects will help us reach it,” said Mayor Josh Moenning.  “Increasing our tree canopy, in both public and private spaces, benefits everyone.  Trees save money on heating and cooling costs, mitigate runoff and infrastructure degradation, improve air quality, and help beautify the city.” 

The “2020 in 2020” effort includes partnerships with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), the Norfolk Public Schools Aftershock Program, and area schools and businesses to provide free trees, planting tips, and educational packets to the community.

In March, Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s statewide afterschool and summer learning network, announced it’s statewide “Tree-a-thon” which challenges youth across the state to collectively plant over 20,000 trees in 2020, starting on Arbor Day weekend. The LENRD is donating 1,500 Ponderosa Pine seedlings for the Norfolk Tree-a-thon.  The seedlings will be available, free to the public, for pickup at the following locations:

• Saturday, April 18th NorfolkNow Curbside Cruise Locations

• Monday, April 20th- Friday, April 24th Norfolk Public Library (must call to reserve 402-844-2100)

• Monday, April 20th- Friday, April 24th Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce (in the front foyer)

• Wednesday, April 22nd at the Zone 11:30-1:00 PM

• Thursday, April 23rd at the Norfolk Middle School 3:00-6:00 PM

• Saturday, April 25th at the Salvation Army parking lot 7:00 PM

“It’s important to maintain our connection with nature during these uncertain times,” said Julie Wragge, Information & Education Specialist for the LENRD.  “We are proud to partner with community leaders to provide these trees and to provide this opportunity for families to strengthen their connection with nature through tree planting.”

In addition, as part of the “2020 in 2020” initiative, 250 free trees will be distributed to families on a “first come, first served” basis through a grant the city received from the Arbor Day Foundation.  This distribution begins Saturday, April 25, and more information on obtaining free trees can be found at https://norfolkne.gov/government/departments/communications-office/news/free-tree-distribution-dates-set-for-end-of-april.html. The City of Norfolk also has plans to plant up to 300 trees across the city on public lands, some of which were donated by the LENRD, to help reach the 2,020 goal.

“We need trees to keep our communities healthy and resilient.  We're so excited to see the next generation of tree stewards make an impact in their community while learning to plant and care for trees,” said Austin Casselberry, Project Director for Aftershock.

The Lower Elkhorn NRD is partnering with the City of Norfolk to provide 1,500 trees for giveaway during the Tree-a-thon.

LENRD closes area campgrounds until further notice

During these times of uncertainty, it’s important to stay informed about the COVID-19 pandemic and remain vigilant.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is closing their public campgrounds at their recreation areas near Stanton and Leigh effective from April 1st until further notice.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “Social distancing must be enforced to save lives.  Therefore, we are closing our campgrounds at Maskenthine Lake near Stanton, and the Maple Creek Recreation Area near Leigh.  The health and safety of the citizens across our district is our top priority.”

The recreation areas currently remain open for day use, fishing, and recreation.  Sousek said, “Our recreation areas and trails provide adequate room for proper social distancing, offering opportunities for physical activity which can alleviate stress and promote mental health.  However, the restrooms, shower houses, and campgrounds are closed, and overnight camping is prohibited.  The recreation area playgrounds and play structures are also closed until further notice.”

Sousek added, “We will provide updates as they become available.  Please take precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including social distancing even in outdoor spaces.”

More Information

LENRD Board moves forward with watershed study

For the first time in 47 years, the board room at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) office was empty as the board held their March meeting online via audio/video conferencing.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The world is navigating through uncharted waters as the coronavirus pandemic continues.  As we practice social distancing, the office remains closed to the public until further notice.  Even though the office doors are closed, most of our staff are working off-site to ensure that we continue to offer a high-level of public service to the citizens of our district.”  He continued, “Our online meeting went very well and I anticipate that we’ll need to continue to use the video conferencing format until things drastically improve.”

During the March 26th meeting, the board approved the contract with JEO Consulting Group for the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan.  This contract will allow for an environmental assessment of the watershed as well as developing an approved Watershed Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) plan with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Sousek said, “After nearly a year in the making, all the necessary paperwork with the USDA has been signed and approved to secure the WFPO grant with NRCS.  This grant in the amount of $390,000 will complete a watershed study in the Battle Creek area and offer further information for a flood prevention plan for the entire watershed.  This study will take approximately 18 months to complete.”

The board also instructed staff to apply for a new WFPO grant through NRCS to develop a watershed plan for the Maple Creek Watershed.

In other action, the board approved the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Scribner and Dodge County for the Elkhorn River Bank Stabilization Project to repair damages from the 2019 flood.

Sousek added, “Don’t hesitate to reach out to us during these uncertain times.  We are returning phone calls and emails and meeting virtually, it’s business as usual for us here.  We also have a drop box located at our main entrance on the west side of the building.”

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, April 23rd at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Lower Elkhorn NRD office in Norfolk closes to the public until further notice

Beginning March 18th, the LENRD office in Norfolk is closed, to ensure a healthy and safe environment for their employees and the public. While the office doors are closed to the public, the LENRD staff will continue to answer phone calls, reply to emails, and proceed with spring field work. There is a drop box at the main entrance (west door) for those wanting to drop off reports, etc. Please visit our website or follow our Facebook and Twitter feeds for further updates. As we navigate through these uncertain times, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 402-371-7313. We continue to closely monitor the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, along with implementing the latest recommendations from federal, state and local authorities.

Summer internships available at LENRD

Do you know someone who is working towards a career in natural resources? Are they looking for a summer internship? Below is the job description and more information on how to apply. There will be at least 2 summer internships available with the district from May until August. Contact the LENRD with any questions at 402-371-7313 and ask for Brian.

Water Resources Internship

Citizen Advisory Meetings planned in the Bazile Groundwater Management Area

Three citizen advisory meetings have been scheduled in the Bazile Groundwater Management Area.  The goal of these meetings is to have everyone who lives, works or farm within the Bazile Groundwater Management Area that includes the communities of Brunswick, Bazile Mills, Creighton, Foster, Orchard, Osmond, Plainveiw, Royal, Wausa and Winnetoon.  These meetings are an opportunity to voice your opinion and concerns regarding the groundwater contamination issue.  The goal is to develop a group of citizens who are interested and committed to lead the work need to develop a solution. 

Meeting Locations and Dates

·         Orchard – Rex Theatre (223 Windom St) on March 10th 6:30-8:30 PM

·         Creighton – Creighton Golf Course (87190 Hwy 13) on March 17th 1:00-3:00 PM

·         Osmond – St. Mary’s Elementary School Basement (302 E 5th St) on March 19th 6:30-8:30 PM

Free nitrate testing will be available on site.  Bring a water sample in a small, clean bottle and determine the nitrate level in your well.

Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. Questions contact the Lower Elkhorn NRD 402-371-731.

Event Flyer

LENRD board approves funding to repair Wakefield levee

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) held their board meeting in the Niobrara Room at Wayne State College on Thursday, February 27th at 7:30 p.m.

The City of Wakefield requested financial assistance from the district to help fund the cost of repairs to their flood control levee which sustained significant damages during the March 2019 flood.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, reported that the city’s request is 50% of the local costs to repair the levee.  He added, “Wakefield was not able to get fully funded for this project through the Corps of Engineers or through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, so they’re requesting our assistance on the local level.”

The City of Wakefield paid the Corps about $780,000 for its share of the cost of the repairs, which is approximately 20% of the total cost of the project.  The board voted to cost-share with Wakefield on the project for up to $390,000.

In other action, the board voted unanimously to approve the next phase of development for the district’s hydrogeologic groundwater model.  The LENRD was awarded a grant from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) Water Sustainability Fund (WSF) to assist with 60% of the expenses associated with Phase 2B of development, which is a continuation of Phase 2A and is the final phase of the hydrogeologic groundwater model.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The purpose of the next phase is to create the graphic user interface that will allow us to calculate different scenarios and ultimately see and evaluate the impacts that new water uses have on existing water users.  The model will give us the science-based tools we need to understand the resource and make better management decisions for the future of our district.”

The board has accepted an agreement with JEO Consulting Group for Phase 2B of the Groundwater Model for a total not to exceed $336,000.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future.  The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, March 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.

Local Working Group meeting planned for March 12th

Local meetings open to individuals interested in setting natural resources goals for Nebraska:

A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet March 12, 2020 at 5:30 PM at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District office in Norfolk.

The public is encouraged to attend and express their natural resource concerns.  Ideas generated from the public will help the U.S. Department of Agriculture tailor their natural resource programs to meet the needs identified locally. 

There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD).  Membership on the Local Working Group includes Federal, State, county, Tribal or local government representatives according to Robin Sutherland District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) whose agency guides the Local Working Group. 

“The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), or Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) would be used most effectively in their area.  This recommendation can include special target areas, cost share rates on conservation programs, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed,” said Robin Sutherland.  This work group allows local input into how Federal dollars are spent, she said.

Typically Nebraska NRCS obligates anywhere between $45 million to over $75 million dollars to farmers and ranchers statewide through NRCS conservation programs.  These programs helped landowners and operators make natural resource improvements to their land, water, or wildlife.  This funding was allocated according to the priorities set by the Local Working Group.

For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services they provide, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov

The No-till, Cover Crop, and Planned Grazing Workshop is Feb. 12th

Join us for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area - No-till, Cover Crops, & Planned Grazing Systems Workshop. The meeting will be held at the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk on Wednesday, February 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click below to see the full agenda. RSVP for the meal to the LENRD or your local NRCS office by February 4th. See you at the workshop!

Conservation efforts recognized at Lower Elkhorn NRD Awards Banquet

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board honored outstanding conservationists at their annual awards banquet on Thursday, January 9th, 2020.  The event was held at the Stables Event Center in Norfolk.

Outstanding Partnership Award – Steve Rasmussen of Wayne

LENRD Board Chairman, Gary Loftis of Craig, presented the partnership award.  Loftis said, “The District works with various agencies and partners each year as we strive to improve the quality of life for the citizens across Northeast Nebraska.  The Outstanding Partnership Award recognizes excellence in community outreach efforts that highlight our mission of protecting our natural resources for future generations.”

Loftis said, “We want to recognize Steve Rasmussen of Wayne, District Forester with the Nebraska Forest Service, for his outstanding partnership with us, in promoting our projects and programs across our 15-county district.”

For the past 37 years, Steve has held a strong partnership with the NRDs across the state.  He started with the Nebraska Forest Service in 1982 working as the NFS Forester and the NRD Forester for the Lower Loup NRD in Ord.

In 1984, he became the Nebraska Forest Service – Northeast District / Extension Forester at Concord.  In 2007 he became the Coordinator for the four-state Great Plains Forestry Initiative until 2010.  He then returned to the Nebraska Forest Service as the Northeast District Forester from 2010 to the present.  He has also been a member of the Society of American Foresters for 30 years.

Steve’s work involves providing professional forestry assistance to 15 counties in 5 NRDs across northeast Nebraska.  He works primarily with the design and management of conservation tree plantings as well as riparian forest and woodland management.  He also deals with the marketing and utilization of wood resources.  Educating our youth and the public about the importance and care of trees is also a large part of Steve’s work.  He has partnered with the NRDs to bring education programs to the schools and communities across 5 districts.  He continues to promote our programs to community leaders and presents Arbor Day and other tree celebration programming.  Working with communities with tree resources and tree planting grants is also a highlight of Steve’s career.  Promoting and assisting with local arboretums and overall technical assistance to tree owners on the care and management of trees takes much time and effort.

Loftis added, “Steve has always been a strong supporter of the NRDs and our mission.  He has worked side by side with us to inform the public of our programs and to assist in tree planting projects across the area.  In the aftermath of the 2019 flood, Steve assisted with many calls and visits to producers across our district.  We appreciate Steve’s support of our projects and his willingness to jump in and assist us.  Thank you, Steve, for your partnership in protecting our natural resources for future generations.”

Sustainable Agriculture Award – Dan & Melinda Stelling & Family

The Lower Elkhorn NRD’s Conservation Honor Farm awards were first presented in 1973.  The winners are selected for their demonstrated excellence in soil & water conservation.  Dan & Melinda Stelling & Family of Pierce were honored at the banquet for their outstanding conservation work as the 2019 Sustainable Agriculture Award winners.

Dan Gillespie, NRCS No-till Specialist for Madison County, nominated the Dan Stelling Family for this award.  Gillespie said, “Over the past 40 years, Dan Stelling has utilized innovative techniques to conserve soil and water in his farming practices.  Dan describes his journey in conservation and regenerative agriculture as a series of steps taken that culminated in the systems he now operates on his farms.”

Dan’s first step was starting to no-till all crops in 2004.  He gives no-till the credit for starting his transition to regenerative agriculture on his farms.  The no-till stopped soil erosion from water and wind on his Valentine sands and reduced evaporative losses from the cropland.

Step two came in 2006 when Dan flew cereal rye on his soybean ground as a participant in the LENRD Cover Crop Incentive Program.  He grazed the cereal rye cover crops in the spring with the cow calf herd, then would remove the cows and plant the corn right away, terminating the rye a week or two afterwards.  After a few years of trials, they have been planting green since 2009.  Planting green allows the cover crop to grow more biomass in the soil and allows for a friendly soil biological environment for the newly germinated seedlings.

In 2019, Dan diversified his crop rotation to include small grains on one quarter.  After planting cereal rye as a cover crop in soybean stubble and terminating it, he planted half the quarter to oats and peas that were later harvested as hay.  He followed that with a mix of BMR Sorghum, mung beans, guar, buckwheat and black oil sunflowers.  Dan will utilize that half quarter for winter grazing for the cow herd.  The other half quarter was planted to a grazing corn, cowpeas, forage soybeans, and sunflower mix, and was chopped for silage.  The field was then planted to a mix of grazing popcorn, spring peas, spring oats, cereal rye, forage collards, purple top turnips, and radishes.  That mix will be grazed in the spring with cow calf pairs.  The implementation of small grains into their crop rotation has enabled them to plant multi-species cover crops that provide quality forage for their cowherd to graze, while providing opportunities to take pressure off pastures.

Dan farms two quarters in the Bazile Groundwater Management Area and has plans to implement cover crops on them next year.  The implementation of continuous no-till with cover crops will keep soil out of the creek and nitrates out of the groundwater.  Planting cover crops also sequesters nutrients unused by the cash grain crops, making them available to the next cash crop.

Gillespie added, “Dan and Melinda have been leaders ‘in the field’ by adopting soil health practices and implementing regenerative agriculture systems.  The diverse crop rotations and diversified ag enterprises they enlist on their farms are modeling the way to reduce expenses and increase profitability.  The time savings that no-till farming provides also allows them to be active in their community.  Dan and Melinda are Huddle Group Leaders for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Pierce High School.  Congratulations to the Stelling family as the recipients of the 2019 Sustainable Agriculture Award.”

Staff Awards

Staff awards were also presented during the banquet by Chairman Loftis, and General Manager, Mike Sousek.

Char Newkirk of Stanton – Conservation Aide in the Stanton County NRCS office – 20 years of service

Valissa Tegeler of Battle Creek – Programs Assistant in the Madison County NRCS office – 20 years of service

Danny Johnson of Decatur –  Logan East Rural Water System Technician in the Oakland office – Danny recently retired after 25 years of service.

Julie Wragge of Pierce – Information & Education Specialist in the Norfolk office - 25 years of service

Vickie DeJong of Pierce – Administrative Supervisor in the Norfolk office – 40 years of service

Request for Qualifications to repair streambank stabilization project on the Elkhorn River near Scribner

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is seeking a qualified engineering firm to guide us as we repair damages suffered from the March 2019 flood event. The repairs consist primarily of streambank erosion on the Elkhorn River near Scribner, NE. The LENRD needs to hire an engineer to provide the necessary engineering services required by FEMA to repair the project.

If your firm is interested, has the qualified staff to take on the work immediately, and feels they know our District needs, please submit your qualifications to the LENRD. One hard copy and an electronic copy of your qualifications/proposals must be submitted to:  Lower Elkhorn NRD, C/O Curt Becker, 1508 Square Turn Boulevard - Norfolk, NE 68701 by the end of business day on January 31st, 2020.

Submittal Requirements & Scope of Work can be found by clicking the button below, or by contacting the LENRD. Questions regarding the RFQ can be addressed to the LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, at 402-371-7313 or cbecker@lenrd.org

LENRD supports Watershed Dynamics Program with Norfolk High School

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) recently awarded Norfolk Public Schools with a grant to get their Watershed Dynamics Program started. The science and agriculture departments at Norfolk High are teaming up to partner with the City of Norfolk and the LENRD to collect data and analyze the water quality of the Elkhorn River.

Jonathan Anderson, FFA Advisor with Norfolk Public Schools, presented his proposal to the LENRD Board of Directors at their December board meeting. The group put together a list of equipment needs to get the project up and running.  Anderson also presented some of their ideas for the future.  The board voted to award $1,756 to the school for their equipment needs.

The Watershed Team will focus on three locations on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River and will collect samples at different times of the year to help with analysis.  LENRD Information & Education Specialist, Julie Wragge, said, “The data will be important as the district works closely with the city in the development of the Riverfront Project that will promote further recreation opportunities for the Norfolk Area.”

Order your tree and shrub seedlings from the Lower Elkhorn NRD

Landowners who incorporate trees and windbreaks into their landscape increase agricultural productivity, protect soil and water, and enhance environments for people and wildlife.  Have you considered updating your windbreak or planting a new one?

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has 40 varieties of trees and shrubs available through their Conservation Tree Program.  The trees and shrubs will be 1-2 year old, bare-root seedlings that will average in height from 10-18 inches tall.  The cost for a bundle of 25 seedlings is $22 plus tax.  This year a “Small Acreage Package” is also available with 5 different species included.

“This is an affordable way to start a windbreak, provide wildlife habitat, or even start a privacy hedge made of shrubs,” said Natural Resources Technician, Todd Stewart.  “We offer evergreens, hardwood or deciduous trees, and shrubs which together make an efficient windbreak for your homestead or for livestock protection.”

Technical assistance on designing your windbreak or tree planting is available from the LENRD or your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office.   Landowners may also want to inquire about the LENRD’s Agroforestry Cost Share Program or Windbreak Renovation Program.

“Trees and windbreaks provide many benefits,” Stewart added.  “They can increase your property value, reduce soil erosion, and attract wildlife.  Order your trees today, and they’ll be available for pickup in April.”

The LENRD also provides a tree planting service for seedlings purchased through the program.  The minimum charge for this service is $275 and a tree and shrub planting plan must be developed by LENRD staff or through your local NRCS office.

Tree order forms are available at the LENRD office in Norfolk, at your local NRCS office, or online at: 

For more information contact the LENRD at 402.371.7313 or your local NRCS office.

NDEE offers rebates for diesel irrigation engine replacements

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is offering rebates for Nebraska residents to replace diesel trucks and ag irrigation pump diesel engines. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 17, 2020. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/y3kndpnq

LENRD Board approves applications for new irrigated acres

Earlier this fall, landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries, had an opportunity to submit applications to expand irrigated acres.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The board voted to accept applications for standard variances in some portions of the District.  We received 123 applications for new irrigated acres during the sign-up period, which was open from October 1st through October 31st, 2019.”  Eligible applications were processed using the District’s scoring and ranking process, which integrates several categories that are each assigned different score values within the subcategory.  Each eligible application was given a total score, and subsequently the applications were ranked from highest to lowest score.

The board voted at their December 2nd meeting to allow up to 292.24 acre-feet of new peak season streamflow depletions in the LENRD’s Hydrologically Connected (10/50 Area), which calculates to 2,795 new irrigated acres.  The board also voted to allow for the development of 2509.92 new irrigated acres in the LENRD’s Non-Hydrologically Connected (Non 10/50 Area).  These approvals were determined from the final rankings as provided by District staff, and a cut-off was established to determine the number of acre-feet of new depletions, and the number of new irrigated acres that would be made available for each respective management area.

Bruckner continued, “Staff will now go through the process of contacting the landowners in writing, for both approved and non-approved applications.”  After the landowners have been properly notified, the approved list will be made available by submitting a request for public records to the District.

In other action, the board approved the annual groundwater allocations for the Quantity Management Subareas subject to allocations for the 2020 growing season.  Bruckner, said, “Each year, the board must determine the annual groundwater allocation amounts for the Wayne and Eastern Madison County Quantity Management Subareas for the upcoming crop year.”  The board voted to establish the 2020 allocation amounts at:  18 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 14 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Eastern Madison County Quantity Subarea, and 17 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 12 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Wayne County Quantity Subarea.  These groundwater allocation amounts have remained unchanged since first being imposed for the 2013 pumping season.

In other business, the board approved 5 Community Forestry Incentive applications for a total cost of $13,719.69.  The communities receiving grants this year include:  the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Public Schools, the Village of Pilger, the City of Wakefield, and the City of West Point.

The board also voted to approve the memorandum of agreement between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the LENRD.  LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The NRCS and LENRD share a rich history of collaborating to deliver comprehensive technical and financial assistance to landowners and other entities to protect, restore, and enhance natural resources.  This agreement reinforces the partnership between both agencies and will be in effect until mutually modified or terminated.”

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 Thursday, December 19th 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.

Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan available for public review

In November 2018, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) began the process of updating the hazard mitigation plan. One of the benefits of completing this plan update as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is that participating communities within the district will remain eligible for mitigation grant programs. This plan examines regional and local vulnerabilities to a range of hazards (i.e. flooding, severe winter storms, drought, etc.) and identifies strategies and projects that can be implemented to reduce risk posed by these phenomena. Throughout the planning process, officials and staff from the LENRD, counties, communities, and school districts have provided insights regarding vulnerabilities, completed projects that have increased local resilience, and future opportunities to further reduce risk.

A draft of the plan has been completed and is available on the project website (https://jeo.com/lenrd-hmp) for public review. We encourage community members to review the plan, provide comments, and ask any questions they may have during the official comment period. The public review period will end on December 27th. Please submit comments and questions to Karl Dietrich via email at kdietrich@jeo.com. 

Funding approved for watershed projects across Nebraska

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that four Natural Resources Districts received over $2.5 million in Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations funding. This funding will be directed towards developing watershed plans in the following NRDs: 

• The Lower Platte South NRD received funding to complete the Little Salt Creek Watershed Plan in northern Lancaster County. This plan will help improve habitat for the endangered Salt Tiger Beetle by protecting saline wetland habitat, providing wetland rehabilitation, and erosion and sediment control.

• The Lower Elkhorn NRD received funding to complete the Battle Creek Watershed Plan. This plan aims to reduce the overall flood risk potential in the area as well as provide flood resiliency for surrounding agricultural land.

• The Central Platte NRD received funding to complete the Spring and Buffalo Creek Watershed Plan. This effort is focused on reducing flood damages to irrigation canal infrastructure and agricultural land. Goals include identifying solutions to reoccurring flooding issues, soil erosion, and evaluate multi-beneficial projects which can benefit endangered and threatened species within and downstream of the watershed.

• The Central Platte NRD also received funding to complete the Lower Wood River Watershed Plan. The goal is to establish a recommended plan to address ongoing flooding events. This includes implementing structural and non-structural projects to create resiliency against future flooding, reduce flood related damages, and protect the local economy.

• The Lower Loup NRD received funding to complete the Mud Creek Watershed Plan. This plan will focus on reducing flood related damages to communities and agricultural land, improve flood resiliency, improve recreation opportunities and enhance groundwater recharge.

Nebraska State Conservationist Craig Derickson said, “We look forward to working with these Natural Resources Districts on these new watershed projects. We saw how established watershed projects sprang into action this past spring following the bomb cyclone reducing flood damages and protecting natural resources. These new projects plan to provide more benefits to more areas across Nebraska.”

Harvesting Crop Residue: What's it worth?

Harvesting crop residue has increased in recent years and demand is likely to increase. Decisions about how much crop residue can be harvested sustainably are based on the following:

• Soil nutrient availability

• Soil organic matter

• Water erosion and runoff

• Wind erosion

• Soil water availability

• Yields and economics

For more information, visit your local NRCS office or click on the link below:

Harvesting Corn Stover