Public Open House Sept. 15th for the Maple Creek Watershed Plan

Your watershed could experience over $10 million in flood damages in the next 5 years.  FYRA Engineering will facilitate a Public Open House regarding the Maple Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan - Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA).  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the work plan.  Join us for the open house to talk about possible solutions at the Howells Ballroom, 515 North Street in Howells, on Wednesday, September 15th beginning with a presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Personnel from the project team will be available to answer questions and receive comments.  The Maple Creek Watershed Improvement Project is located in Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties in Nebraska.

USDA-NRCS provides federal funding to local project sponsors so that they may work together to develop solutions for watershed issues such as erosion, floodwater and sediment damage, water quality and habitat improvements, and others.  This funding has been provided to the LENRD to create a watershed plan for the Maple Creek watershed.  The Plan-EA is scheduled to be finalized in late-2022 by FYRA Engineering.

Please visit the project website to learn more:  https://fyra.mysocialpinpoint.com/maple-creek.  Written comments or requests should be submitted to Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager at cbecker@lenrd.org or contact the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk for more information.

Register today for the Rangeland Tour!

Board members reaffirm their commitment to locally led conservation

At their August board meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board of directors approved a resolution reaffirming their commitment to the management of our natural resources for the future and the importance of local control.

Recent water quality data indicates elevated concentrations of nitrate in portions of the LENRD, reaching levels that could pose health threats to humans and the environment.  It’s during these times when the LENRD board members are put in tough situations.  Mike Sousek, LENRD general manager, said, “This resolution simply reaffirms to the public that we care about the quality or our water and the health of our communities.”

The board also discussed the Scrap Tire Partnership Program with the Loess Hills RC&D and the Papio-Missouri River NRD.  The board instructed the staff to submit a letter of commitment for the program through the Nebraska Environmental Trust.  If awarded, the grant could provide funding for collections for 3 consecutive years.

Staff presented changes to the conservation cost-share docket and the board approved the updates for fiscal year 2022.  Changes to the Community Forestry Program and the Forestry Incentive for Public Facilities Program were also presented.  These updates will simplify the administration of the programs as well as create more flexibility for the participants.

An update was given on the Willow Creek Artesian Pressure Mitigation Project.  The production wells will be installed this fall.  This is the first step in the process of reducing the artesian pressures near the dam.  The board approved the bid with Dietz Well for $95,510 to complete the project.

A presentation was given by JEO and Long Spring Consulting Group’s on the LENRD’s hydrogeologic groundwater model along with the graphic user interface (GUI) which will be the cloud-based tool used by district staff to evaluate proposed uses of groundwater.  Phase 2B of the project is nearing completion and project partners are reviewing the model calibrations.  This phase of the project was facilitated by a grant from the NeDNR Water Sustainability Fund which paid for 60% of the project.  When completed, the groundwater model will allow the district to complete simulations that will help to illustrate the changes to groundwater and surface water systems.  The model also will benefit the district by allowing for the ability to utilize a sophisticated hydrogeologic grid constructed on tight gridlines and integrates the aerial electromagnetic flight data, which is a first of its kind in the United States.  The board reviewed the proposed contract for the GUI web-based program with Long Spring and voted to accept the terms of the agreement.

The board approved a proposal with Hollman Media to improve and update the district’s database.  This will help to improve the system and make it more user-friendly for the staff and the producers.  It will also be a more secure solution for the district’s records.

The board also approved an additional 1% increase in restricted funds authority for fiscal year 2022 and set the budget hearing Thursday, September 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the LENRD office in Norfolk.

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 meeting will be Thursday, September 23rd at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Thanks to our summer interns!

The Lower Elkhorn NRD board and staff would like to take this opportunity to thank our interns for the dedication they showed this summer.  They jumped in with both feet and learned as much as possible while keeping everything moving forward out in the field.

Jerin TeKolste (left) was raised outside a small town called Roca, located just south of Lincoln.  He always enjoyed helping out on the family acreage and his grandparent’s farm.  He graduated in 2020 with a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Economics from UNL and will be returning for a graduate degree in Agricultural Economics this fall.  Jerin said, “Some standout moments from my summer with the LENRD would have to be working on the water resources team to focus on groundwater quality in northeast Nebraska.  I’m very thankful for the opportunity the LENRD has given me and cannot thank everyone at the district enough for being overly friendly and inclusive.”

Colton Krusemark (right) grew up on a small acreage near Ponca.  He is currently a senior at Wayne State College and will graduate in 2022 with a degree in Conservation Biology.  He plans to use his degree in helping educate people about our natural resources.  Colton said, “I have appreciated the experience in talking with producers about our water issues, and educating myself on these issues as well.  I am thankful for the LENRD staff for helping the interns as much as possible.”

Thanks Jerin and Colton for all your hard work!  Good luck in your future endeavors!

LENRD has an opening for a Grant Coordinator

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has an opening for a Grant Coordinator.  Candidate should possess social, organizational and teamwork skills;  have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to handle multiple tasks.  Excellent benefit package.  Review of resumes to begin August 25, 2021.  Send to:  LENRD, 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk, NE  68701.

Job Description

LENRD discusses a resolution to reaffirm their commitment to locally led conservation

One of the responsibilities of the NRDs is the development, management, utilization, and conservation of groundwater.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) monitors the quality and quantity of our groundwater annually.  This monitoring program has provided evidence that nitrate concentrations are continuing to increase in some areas.  Most recently, the data indicates elevated concentrations of nitrate in portions of Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties, reaching levels that could pose health threats to humans and the environment.  It’s during these times when the LENRD board members are put in tough situations, dealing with resources that are shared among all citizens.

At their monthly committee meeting, the LENRD board of directors discussed a proposed resolution that would reaffirm their commitment to water quality management.

Mike Sousek, LENRD General Manager, said, “This resolution reaffirms the board’s commitment to the management of our natural resources and the importance of local control.  We are accountable for carrying out the responsibilities given to us by the Legislature.”

State Senator Tim Gragert of Creighton, representing District 40, addressed the board about the resolution and his personal commitment to the protection of our natural resources.  Senator Gragert said, “Water is the most important resource we have on this planet, it’s even more important than oil.  This resolution is an acknowledgement to the citizens of this district that you’re committed to protecting our natural resources.  We are fortunate to have this unique NRD system in Nebraska and I support local control 100%.”

He continued, “By increasing healthy soils, we can increase the quality of our water.  Soil health is a win, win, win - a win for producers, a win for consumers, and a win for the environment.”  He added, “We have a nitrate problem.  We are past the point of being proactive, we are now in the reactive mode.”

Senator Gragert presented his own resolution at the meeting.  He said, “I support your resolution and I hope it gets passed.  I want to work with you guys, but I will take this resolution to the Legislature myself, if I have to.”

A high concentration of nitrate in drinking water is being linked to adverse health risks, such as:  colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, stomach and kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and Parkinson’s Disease.

Birth defects in Nebraska are on the rise, and within the LENRD evidence indicates that these health implications are increasing at a faster rate than the rest of the state.  Health researchers are also gaining additional insight on the potential link between nitrate contamination in drinking water and Nebraska’s high rate of pediatric cancer.  A study out of the University of Nebraska Medical Center has found that counties with groundwater nitrate concentrations between 2.1 and 5 mg/L have higher incidence of pediatric brain cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma.

The LENRD has evidence of multiple townships within its boundaries with average concentrations of nitrate over 10 ppm.

Sousek said, “As the growing body of science on the potential risks expand, the discovery of areas with elevated concentrations of nitrate becomes even more concerning.  The long-term implications demand our attention.”

He continued, “This resolution simply states that we’re here to protect our natural resources and we’re up for the challenges ahead.  We care about local control, we care about water quality, we care about human health.”

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 meeting will be Thursday, August 26th at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Register today for the Rangeland & Wildlife Tour!

Elevated nitrate concentrations in groundwater could pose health risks; water quality resolution tabled by LENRD board

Nebraska’s farmers are growing more with less water and fewer chemicals than ever before.  And yet, we still struggle with the quality of our water in some areas.

Nitrate levels in Nebraska’s groundwater are on the rise, especially in portions of northeast Nebraska.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has analyzed the nitrate data gathered from their Groundwater Quality Sampling Program and have found some troubling trends across their 15-county district.

LENRD General Manger, Mike Sousek, said, “An evaluation of water quality data collected over the past 40 years reveals that nitrate concentrations are continuing to increase in some areas.  Most recently, the data indicates elevated concentrations of nitrate in portions of Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties, reaching levels that could pose health risks to humans and threaten the environment.”

During their July meeting, the board discussed the proposed water quality resolution.  This resolution would serve as a statement of commitment from the board to follow when encountering tough issues, such as high nitrate levels in the groundwater.

The agriculture industry depends on clean water, healthy soil, and pure air to supply a growing world with food, feed, and fuel.  Farmers meet daily challenges as they work to protect our resources for future generations.

Sousek said, “We want to work together to make a positive impact on the health of our soils and the quality of our groundwater.  This resolution compliments our 12 responsibilities and shows that this board is supporting local control and supporting the protection of our natural resources as the NRDs have for the past 49 years.”

The board voted to table the resolution until next month.  The discussion will continue at the August 12th committee meeting and the August 26th board meeting.  Visit www.nitrateinwater.org to learn more about high nitrate levels in our groundwater and what you can do to help.

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, sign up for our monthly emails.  The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, August 26th at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Bazile Groundwater Management Area Field Day coming soon!

https://bgma.nebraska.gov

Celebrating 49 years of Conservation!

July 2021 marks 49 years of protecting lives, protecting property, and protecting the future of natural resources for Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs).  NRDs are unique because they are governed by locally elected boards and Nebraska is the only state to have this system.

Senator Maurice Kremer introduced and the Nebraska Legislature enacted Legislative Bill (LB) 1357 in 1969 to combine Nebraska’s 154 special purpose entities into 24 Natural Resources Districts by July 1972.  The original 24 NRDs’ boundaries were organized based on Nebraska’s major river basins which allows for better management practices to be applied to similar topography.  In 1989, the Middle Missouri NRD and the Papio NRD were merged into one, becoming the Papio-Missouri River NRD which resulted in the current 23-NRD system.

“Nebraska’s 23 NRDs have been involved in a wide variety of projects and programs to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources since 1972,” said Julie Wragge, Information & Education Specialist for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) in Norfolk.

Wragge added, “NRDs are charged under state law with 12 areas of responsibility including flood control, soil erosion, and groundwater management.  While all NRDs share the 12 main responsibilities, each district sets its own priorities and develops programs to best serve local needs, protecting Nebraska’s natural resources for future generations.”

 NRDs are local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect our natural resources.  Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond best to local conservation and resource management needs. To learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs visit www.nrdnet.org or your local NRD website.

Healthy soils positively impact groundwater quality

Soil is one of the most essential natural resources.  It affects every part of our day, from the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.  Soil health is the capacity of the soil to function as a living ecosystem, nourishing plants and sustaining animals and people.

At their June meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors learned more about soil nutrients through a presentation from the University of Nebraska’s Dr. Chittaranjan Ray, Professor and Director of the Nebraska Water Center and Michael Kaiser, Assistant Professor of Soil and Water Sciences.  The pair discussed many soil chemistry concepts and answered questions.

Soil becomes healthier when organic matter levels increase (carbon sequestration), water infiltration rates improve (reducing erosion, runoff, and flooding), and the soil biological life is diverse and plentiful.

Soil nutrients exist as positively charged or negatively charged ions when dissolved.  The positively charged ions are known as cations and the negatively charged ions are known as anions.

Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is a soil chemical property.  It is the ability of the soil to hold or store cations.  When soil particles are negatively charged, they attract and hold on to cations (positively charged ions) like calcium, potassium, and sodium, stopping them from being leached down the soil profile.  On the other hand, negatively charged soil particles repel anions (negatively charged ions).  The implication of this is that negatively charged nutrients such as nitrate, sulphate, and chloride are vulnerable to leaching down the soil profile.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “It is often assumed that the CEC value can generally be utilized when considering the timing and amount of nitrogen that can be applied as fertilizer, but as Professor Kaiser illustrated in his presentation, there are a host of variables outside of our control which influence the soil’s ability to retain the nitrogen within the rootzone for later utilization by plant roots.”

In other action, the board rejected all bids for the Willow Creek Dam Pore Pressure Mitigation – Phase 1 Project and authorized the general manager to sign a contract with Dietz Well for completion of 2 test holes and 2 production wells at the Willow Creek Dam, southwest of Pierce, not to exceed $92,240.00.

The board also ratified the LR23 report for the Nebraska Legislature.  The progress report was requested from the LENRD board and was submitted on June 21st.

In other business, the board accepted the proposal from the University of Nebraska to conduct certain research related to the characterization of groundwater nitrate using stable isotope analysis within the district and authorized the general manager to sign the project agreement, not to exceed $17,712.00.

The board also approved the salary adjustments for the cost of living at 5.60% and approved the step and grade changes proposed by management for Fiscal Year 2022.

Anthony Wisnieski of Norfolk was sworn in to fill the vacant seat in Subdistrict 3, due to the retirement of Bob Huntley of Norfolk.  Anthony is originally from Dodge and moved to Norfolk in 1996.  He is part owner of Building Green Structures and is currently on the Energy Panel Structures Dealer Advisory Board.  Anthony’s priorities include providing clean and safe drinking water for future generations.

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 meeting will be Thursday, July 22nd at LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Anthony Wisnieski of Norfolk takes the Oath of Office at the June Board Meeting. Anthony fills the vacant seat in Subdistrict 3, due to the retirement of Bob Huntley of Norfolk.

Bazile Groundwater Management Area receives grant from Nebraska Environmental Trust

Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) will receive $209,500 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) for the “Development of Research and Demonstration Sites in the BGMA for Groundwater Nitrate Reduction” project. The project is one of the 113 projects receiving $18,350,515 in grant awards from the Nebraska Environmental Trust this year. Of these, 42 were new applications and 71 are carry-over projects.

Located in northeastern Nebraska, the BGMA was formed collaboratively between the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), Upper Elkhorn NRD, Lower Niobrara NRD, Lewis and Clark NRD, and Department of Environment & Energy to address high nitrate levels in the area. Since its formation in 2013, the BGMA has been dedicated to increasing education of agricultural producers and increasing the implementation of best management practices. To further this effort, the BGMA has partnered with the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension and the Nebraska Water Center, part of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska to design the proposed project. This project will develop three advanced nitrogen and water management research and demonstration sites, conduct annual field days and educational meetings, and provide an analysis of the success of various water and nitrogen application methods utilized. Through innovative education and demonstration, this project will encourage widespread adoption of improved practices, positively impacting ground and surface water quality and soil management. This project is a vital step forward in stabilizing, and eventually reducing, nitrate levels within the BGMA as experts in natural resource management, with the help of NET, target this serious issue.

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $349 million in grants to over 2,400 projects across the state. Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska. The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations.

Lower Elkhorn NRD receives grant from Nebraska Environmental Trust

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will receive $8,750 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust for the “Establish Baseline Vadose Zone Sampling - Pierce County” project. The Trust Board announced funding for the project, which is one of 113 projects receiving $18,350,515 in grant awards from the Nebraska Environmental Trust this year. Of these, 42 were new applications and 71 are carry-over projects.

Within the LENRD, citizens rely on groundwater as the primary source of water for all uses. Maintaining a safe drinking water source is one of the most important priorities of the LENRD. This has been increasingly difficult within areas of Pierce County, as groundwater nitrate levels in many areas have remained above safe levels, and in some areas, continue to increase. This is supported by over 40 years of groundwater sampling by the LENRD. Through this project, the LENRD will expand its groundwater monitoring program by establishing baseline vadose zone nitrate data. Through the collection of a minimum of 11 cores spread throughout the area of Pierce County designated as the Phase 3 Groundwater Management Area, the LENRD will be able to determine the nitrate load moving through the soil profile, and will monitor the nitrate load in response to best management practices being implemented by producers. After establishing this baseline data, the LENRD intends to return to the sample location sites every 5 years for additional monitoring. The LENRD requests the Nebraska Environmental Trust to fund a portion of this project, which is being led by the LENRD.

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $349 million in grants to over 2,400 projects across the state. Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska. The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations.

"Stars, Strolls, & S'mores" events taking place this summer

Do you like s’mores?  What about moonlit walks?  How about heading out for an adventure as the sun goes down?  The Norfolk area is full of opportunities to explore nature.  The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, and the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau want to help you discover your area trails, lakes, and wild places while highlighting the unique opportunities nighttime offers with our FREE Moon Walk events, “Stars, Strolls & S’mores.”

“The purpose of the moon walk is to provide a family-oriented activity that introduces people to the wonders that can be found in their neck of the woods,” said Julie Wragge, Information & Education Specialist for the Lower Elkhorn NRD.  She added, “Our local lakes and rivers provide countless opportunities to discover and learn more about our water, soil, and wildlife.”

The Moon Walks will be held on Wednesday evenings close to the full moon and begin at 7:30 p.m. Most Moon Walks last for 1-2 hours.  Participants will walk an average of 1 mile round trip. Each Moon Walk starts with a short introduction of that evening’s program, followed by a hike to a designated area where we enjoy presentations.  Presenters are experts in their field and are from our local community. The evening wraps up with FREE s’mores!  

The first event will be held on Wednesday, June 23rd at the Yellowbanks Wildlife Management Area, 3 miles north and 2.5 west of Battle Creek.  Presentations will include an interesting view of the Elkhorn River, as we learn about how rivers can move and change.  There will also be a nature scavenger hunt. 

The second “moon walk” will be Wednesday, July 21st at Skyview Lake in Norfolk.  Presentations will include Kayaking 101, and Mothing:  the nighttime addiction. 

The final night will be Wednesday, August 25th at Red Road Herbs Retreat & Learning Center on 835 Road near Stanton.  Presentations will include beginner Dutch Oven cooking, and Worthy Weeds. 

Wragge added, “Since the events take place close to home, we encourage everyone to join us and bring your friends and neighbors.” 

Event Brochure

Applications being taken for board vacancy

Due to a vacancy on the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District’s Board of Directors, applications are being taken to fill the first two years (2021-2022) of a four year term  for Subdistrict 3. Applicants must be registered voters and reside within the boundary of the Subdistrict shown below.  A more detailed map is available at the Lower Elkhorn NRD office.

Interested persons should contact the Lower Elkhorn NRD, 1508 Square Turn Blvd, Norfolk NE 68701, 402-371-7313 or email General Manager, Mike Sousek: msousek@lenrd.org

A resume’ should be submitted to the Lower Elkhorn NRD by June 18, 2021.

Subdistrict 3 Map

This position was held by Bob Huntley of Norfolk since 2005. Bob has resigned to spend more time with his family. He was a dedicated board member and will be greatly missed by the board, staff, and the people he represented. Best wishes always Bob!

Bob Huntley - Former Director - Subdistrict 3

High levels of nitrate in our groundwater pose challenges for the future

The effects of groundwater contamination can be felt across the state, with most of the pollution sources pointing to commercial fertilizers.  Applying the right form at the right time at the right rate in the right place - this method of nitrogen management is referred to as the “4Rs”.  By using this method, producers can save time and money, all while protecting our groundwater.

One of the responsibilities of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is the development, management, utilization, and conservation of groundwater.  At the LENRD’s May board meeting, the members discussed ways to work together in managing resources for the future.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “We have a rich history of agriculture in this state.  We want to work with producers to proactively manage our resources and secure the future that we desire for our children and grandchildren.”  He added, “As we continue to assess the nitrogen contamination across northeast Nebraska, we’ll be working to develop management plans as we challenge each other to improve the ways we protect our groundwater.”

The LENRD launched a website, bringing to light the concerns that are plaguing northeast Nebraska.  Visit www.nitrateinwater.org to find out more about the rising levels of nitrate in our groundwater and the steps that are being taken to address the environmental and health issues associated with this problem.

Also, during the meeting, the board denied the additional funding request from the City of Randolph for Phase 2 of their flood control project in the amount of $356,952.25.  Phase 1 construction is underway and almost completed.  The Phase 2 design is nearing completion, with the estimated total costs coming in higher than the original estimate.

The LENRD has been partnering with the city on this project for the past 18 years and have contributed over $1.97 million to date.  The LENRD also assisted with the costs to study the project area for a total of $165,319.53.  Through the studies, it was determined the most cost-effective option was the widening of the Middle Logan Creek channel that runs through Randolph.  This project will allow for a large portion of the city to be taken out of the 100-year flood plain.

The board approved a bid from Unkel Construction to repair or replace the living room window at the superintendent’s residence at Maskenthine Lake, not to exceed $8,000.

The board also approved the Wellness Program for staff for a total of $3,220.  The Program encourages employees to take advantage of the wellness benefits available through the NARD health insurance, especially blood screenings.  Flu shots are also provided for the staff as well as incentives for increasing physical activity and healthy eating.

In other action, the board accepted, with regret, the resignation of fellow board member Bob Huntley of Norfolk.  In a letter to the board Bob said, “I was proud to represent the people of Subdistrict 3 and hope my replacement will be as dedicated as I have been over the years.”  Bob served on the board since 2005.  The board will advertise to fill the position.

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 meeting will be Thursday, June 24th at LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

We're ready to design your next project!

Whether you’re putting in a new windbreak around your homestead, to protect your livestock, or to enhance wildlife habitat, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has a cost share program to help with the purchasing of conservation grade trees, planting those trees, and also putting down the conservation weed barrier mulch. Do you need assistance with picking out the trees or shrubs and what spacing they should be within the row?  No problem, the LENRD staff are here to help you design and develop your windbreak.  Contact LENRD Natural Resources Technician, Todd Stewart at: tstewart@lenrd.org

DID YOU PURCHASE SEEDLINGS FROM US THIS YEAR?

IF NOT, IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR! WE'LL BEGIN SELLING TREES AGAIN IN NOVEMBER. GIVE US A CALL AND LET'S DESIGN YOUR PROJECT TODAY!

Chemigation permits due June 1st

Farmers planning to chemigate during the 2021 growing season must renew chemigation permits by June 1st to meet state deadline requirements, according to Josh Schnitzler, Water Resources Coordinator for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

Chemigation is the application of any chemical, fertilizer or pesticide through an irrigation system. To legally chemigate in Nebraska, an operator must be certified to apply chemicals and obtain a chemigation permit from their local NRD.

"Farmers holding chemigation permits, even if they are uncertain whether they will chemigate later this year, should consider renewing their permits by June 1," Schnitzler said.  Schnitzler is encouraging area producers to reapply by the state-required deadline to avoid the increased cost and possible delays of an inspection.

An irrigation system that has not been renewed prior to the June 1 deadline cannot apply chemicals through the system until a new permit is obtained.  Chemigation renewal permits cost $20.  New chemigation permits cost $50, and the applicant cannot use the system until it passes a mandatory inspection.  All permits must be submitted to the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.

By renewing a permit by June 1, a producer may proceed with chemigation. An inspection does not have to be performed prior to chemigation for a renewal application, Schnitzler said.  However, a random chemigation inspection may be necessary later in the season as part of the LENRD's routine summer inspections as required by state law.

Applicants must have the signature of a certified applicator on their application form.  Schnitzler stated, “In order to be certified, a person must complete a chemigation safety course and pass an exam once every four years.”

If chemigating is necessary, on short notice, emergency permits can be obtained at a cost of $250.  Irrigation systems meeting chemigation law standards will then be allowed to operate within 72 hours.

Approximately 1,963 chemigation permits were approved by the LENRD in 2020.  For more information on renewing or obtaining chemigation permits, call the LENRD office in Norfolk at 402-371-7313.

More Information

Using the Hazard Mitigation Planning Process for Hazard-Specific Action

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Region 7, Hazard Mitigation Planning Spotlight: Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Nebraska

Challenge: Multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation planning can be an effective process to build partnerships between communities that face common hazard risks, leading to shared solutions. It can also help build a foundation to shift priorities as risks and vulnerabilities change. Since 2008, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has coordinated hazard mitigation planning for its planning area, which covers more than 2.5 million acres; this includes 47 cities, towns, and villages across 15 counties, and vast areas of agricultural land.

The highest priority hazard identified by communities in LENRD’s 2012 hazard mitigation plan was flooding, but that all changed after the plan was adopted. That same year, Nebraska experienced a severe drought - what would eventually be categorized as a D4: Exceptional Drought (the most severe rating on the U. S. Drought Monitor [USDM] intensity scale).

The largely rural area was hit hard, as many wells didn’t perform, and groundwater became limited for agricultural production and community use. Due to the size of LENRD’s planning area, there are a variety of stakeholders with differing needs, including farmers, ranchers, industry, rural residents on individual wells, and urban residents and business owners on municipal water systems. The impacts of the drought were not experienced equally across the entire planning area, leading to tension between stakeholders in different parts of the watershed. Coordination and planning were needed to identify and to implement the array of solutions required to address the shared problem in a timely manner. As with any natural disaster, emotions can run high in a drought, often leading to irrational responses. Advanced planning can help public agencies and stakeholders develop a decision-making strategy for the onset of a disaster. 

Solution: Fortunately, the 2012 drought began to ease after one year, although parts of the region would continue to experience some level of drought until 2014. However, the event gave LENRD the impetus it needed to launch a planning effort to address future droughts. It responded by using the networks it had used for hazard mitigation planning to address this new, high-priority natural hazard.  

LENRD staff kicked off drought planning in 2016, inviting stakeholders from across the district to a Drought Tournament. Participants were divided into teams and given a multi-year drought scenario to address. Early in the scenario, drought was a relatively easy problem to manage, but as the hypothetical drought intensified, players soon realized the scope and negative impacts that drought can have across a region.

The tournament educated stakeholders about the reality of drought and was used as a brainstorming session to identify community-level solutions to a regional problem. The resulting drought plan was finalized in January 2017 and incorporated as an annex of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. It identifies a common language for talking about, and for triggering, responses to drought based on the USDM scale created by the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It also recommends responses for different stakeholders, including suggestions for limiting water use based on observed drought conditions from the NDMC.  Continual education is important to make sure all stakeholders are aware of the effects of drought.

Lessons Learned

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, advised other organizations with large planning areas not to try to tackle projects alone. Getting input from a full range of stakeholders is critical, but it can be challenging over a large area. He advised planners to engage with experts, including university resources, and to use consultants who can help with the logistical aspects of outreach and planning.

The five-year cycle of the hazard mitigation planning process provides an opportunity to keep the impacts of natural hazards in front of stakeholders, even when the hazards have not occurred recently. However, LENRD doesn’t rely on this effort to keep hazard awareness at the forefront. LENRD also actively uses social media to remind residents about the realities of drought and other hazards, and to remind them that they must be united in reducing and facing hazard impacts.

Planning for Action

LENRD is one of 23 watershed-level Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) within the state of Nebraska. Many NRDs have taken on the responsibility of hazard mitigation planning in their watershed. The LENRD drought plan was the first of its kind in the state, but it sparked similar projects in several other districts.

The LENRD Drought Management plan is a mitigation action that was launched through the hazard mitigation planning process. LENRD’s planners used the public interest generated by a disaster event to mitigate the impacts of that event in the future. LENRD’s success reminds us that the purpose of mitigation planning is mitigation action.

This graphic from the NDMC shows the height of the 2012 drought. These observations are produced weekly and are a valuable tool for local planners.

Scholarships awarded to area graduates

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) awarded four scholarships to area High School graduates.  The $500 scholarships were given to graduating seniors, within the district, who are planning to further their education in a natural resources or agriculture related field.

The four graduates selected to receive the scholarships were:  Abygail Streff of Pierce, Nathaniel Timmerman of West Point, Aspen Lund of West Point, and Mason Mink of Meadow Grove.

Abygail Streff is a graduate of Pierce High School.  She plans to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and major in Natural Resources and Environmental Economics.  Abygail is the daughter of Carla and Tobin Streff of Pierce.

Nathaniel Timmerman is a graduate of Guardian Angels Central Catholic in West Point.  He plans to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and major in Agricultural Economics.  Nathaniel is the son of Anne and Jeff Timmerman of West Point.

Aspen Lund is a graduate of Guardian Angels Central Catholic in West Point.  She plans to attend Chadron State College and major in Rangeland Management.  Aspen is the daughter of Nicole and Casey Lund of West Point.

Mason Mink is a graduate of Battle Creek High School.  He plans to attend Northeast Community College in Norfolk and major in Mechanized Agriculture.  Mason is the son of Lori and Todd Mink of Meadow Grove.

LENRD Information & Education Specialist, Julie Wragge, said, “We’re happy to support students across our district who are furthering their education in the field of natural resources.  We encourage all graduates to continue to protect and effectively manage our natural resources for the future.”