Dry conditions can affect water quantity

Keeping groundwater clean and safe for citizens across the 15-county district is a top priority for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).  Maintaining groundwater quantity is just as important, especially during dry conditions.

After the drought of 2012, the LENRD board made the decision to establish allocations on groundwater pumping for irrigation wells located in areas where the aquifers experienced acute in-season groundwater level declines. “Each year, the board determines the annual groundwater allocation amounts for the upcoming year for the Quantity Management Subareas,” said, Brian Bruckner, LENRD assistant general manager. “We use these allocations to manage the resource, providing a level of protection for all users.”

The board voted to establish the 2022 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.

The board also approved the adjusted LENRD Subdistrict Boundaries delineated by the data provided by the 2020 U.S. Census update.  Slight adjustments to the boundaries were necessary due to the population changes in some portions of the district.

In other action, the board voted to accept the bid of $9,663.75 to place riprap along the west shoreline at the Maple Creek Recreation Area, just west of Leigh. They also instructed staff to prepare bidding documents for the Willow Creek Streambank Stabilization Project downstream of the Willow Creek State Recreation Area, southwest of Pierce.

The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, January 27th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund established to promote regenerative agriculture

Battle Creek no-till farmer and advocate Dan Gillespie sought to leave any land he farmed in better condition than he found it. Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, today announced a new NCF affiliated fund to ensure Gillespie’s philosophy continues to inspire farmers in Nebraska and surrounding states for years to come.

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund is dedicated to promoting soil health and regenerative agriculture, including but not limited to no-till farming, water conservation, tree conservation and planting cover crops. A volunteer Fund Advisory Committee (FAC) composed of industry professionals and dedicated family members who share Gillespie’s vision aims to make impactful grants to support educational events, youth programs, farmers, ranchers, and others involved in regenerative agriculture.

The seed for the Fund took root in June when Gillespie approached his sister, Rebecca Evert, about his making a $5,000 donation to a young farmer following good soil health practices.

“Being a longtime supporter of Dan’s work in shifting the culture of farming towards no-till I thought I could do that too,” Evert said. “My brother Tim joined in and agreed to add another $5,000. We feel this is not only a way to recognize Dan’s contributions to soil health but to continue his and others’ efforts in supporting the growth of regenerative agriculture.”

Gillespie started using no-till practices in 1986 after an early spring rainfall event on frozen soil resulted in extensive erosion. He joined the National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) in 1987, where he helped develop a cost-share No-Till Incentive Program. Gillespie served as NRCS’ No-Till Specialist from 2004 until his retirement in December 2020 after 33 years of service. Notably, at 53%, Nebraska currently leads the nation in percentage of no-till cropland.

“Dan was the obvious perfect choice for a no-till specialist,” said FAC member and retired Nebraska NRCS State Conservationist Steve Chick, who created the No-Till Specialist position for Gillespie. “He was a respected long-term practicing zero tiller who passionately and effectively communicated the soil quality benefits of managing crop residue through workshops, tours and direct technical assistance.” 

As the importance of no-till farming increased, Gillespie actively participated in multi-state meetings. His passion for soil health was evident. He was always willing to share his experience and spread the message about conservation by giving speeches and demonstrations at conferences and gatherings.

“I learned in 2005 that Dan was just as passionate as I was about no-till farming and enhancing soil health in Nebraska,” said UNL Emeriti Extension Educator and FAC member Randy Pryor. “I invited Dan as a guest speaker to several Southeast Nebraska Soil Health Conferences and he did not disappoint me or his farmer and ag industry audience. His enthusiasm for educating others about his own farm experiences was infectious.”  

Gillespie was often greeted as “Dan the Tree Man” in his hometown of Battle Creek. For over 30 years he took seeds (some harvested from oak trees on his farm), potting soil and grow boxes into fourth through sixth grade classrooms. Students loved the hands-on planting exercise, as well as the accompanying conservation talk about trees, healthy soil, and natural resources. Gillespie’s annual visits resulted in 3,000 trees being planted over the years.

Shortly after retirement, Gillespie was diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a terminal neurodegenerative disease. By establishing the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund, Gillespie’s family, friends, and soil health enthusiasts across the nation can carry on his work indefinitely.

To learn more and support the work of the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund, please visit www.nebcommfound.org/give/dan-gillespie-soil-health-fund.

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About Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund honors Dan Gillespie, a life-long farmer and long-time no-till farming practitioner and advocate, by raising funds and making grants to support soil health. The fund is dedicated to education and educational practices related to soil health and regenerative agriculture, including but not limited to no-till farming, water conservation, tree conservation and planting cover crops. 

Grants from this Fund may support educational events and programming for youth, current farmers and ranchers and others involved in agriculture. The geographic focus of the Fund is Nebraska and surrounding states. A volunteer Fund Advisory Committee works actively to increase charitable giving and award grants to causes and projects that are addressing emerging needs and future opportunities to educate, inform and support healthy soil practices. Established in 2021, the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund is an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.

About Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors, and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education, and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving over 270 communities.

In the last five years, 45,915 contributions have been made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $423 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

Position open for Conservation Planner in Pierce/Madison Counties

Portions of Pierce and Madison Counties, in northeast Nebraska, have high levels of nitrate in the groundwater. Some of these locations have developed into Phase 2 & 3 Areas of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District’s (LENRD) Groundwater Management Plan. The LENRD and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are targeting these counties by promoting Best Management Practices (BMPs) that could aid in decreasing nitrate levels.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “To deal with the increased workload and to successfully achieve our goals, an additional conservation planner is needed. This employee will provide vital assistance in promoting and creating nutrient management and irrigation water management plans. The planner will also assist with other BMPs that promote water quality and soil health and provide necessary assistance in getting BMPs on the ground.”

This professional position is being funded by the LENRD with grant funding provided by the National Association of Conservation Districts. The conservation planner will be headquartered at either the Pierce County NRCS office located in Pierce or the Madison County NRCS office located in Norfolk. The LENRD will receive applications until the position is filled.

 Position Opening

Job Description

What is the Maple Creek Watershed Plan and how does it affect me?

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), is working with the federal government, local communities, and property owners in a planning exercise to address the flooding concerns in the Maple Creek Watershed covering Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties in northeast Nebraska.

The LENRD submitted a proposal through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) program for the evaluation and planning process and was awarded the grant in 2020.

The LENRD is currently working through the process of the WFPO Plan which is 30% completed. LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “It’s important to understand that this Maple Creek Watershed Plan is simply a ‘planning document’ to evaluate what is technically and economically feasible, and socially acceptable across the area.”

Sousek said, “Because the district is spending time in this effort, we would then be eligible for funding to install flood prevention measures and work on projects that are ACCEPTABLE within the watershed, and to help communities with their flood prevention needs.”

He added, “The major point of developing this plan is to provide both flood protection and property tax relief. The property tax relief comes by securing federal dollars rather than raising local property tax dollars to do the same work that has been given to us by the Nebraska Legislature. NRCS could provide 100% of the financial commitment for design and construction of projects within the plan.”

Another component to the Maple Creek WFPO plan is the LENRD’s continued commitment to help communities in the watershed. The district has been working with the Village of Clarkson for over 10 years to bring their levee system to standards for accreditation. In the past, the district has helped communities with 50% of the local cost to accomplish such projects. By incorporating this project into the WFPO plan, neither the Village of Clarkson nor the LENRD would need to use valuable financial resources because the federal government could potentially cover 100% of this cost.

The Village of Nickerson sits at the very eastern, tail end of the Maple Creek Watershed. This community has continually asked for help with flood reduction. By incorporating a project to redesign or remove altogether a bridge that seems to be a bottle neck in the system, this project could also be covered under this plan.

Letters from the LENRD have been sent to the citizens across the Maple Creek watershed, requesting ideas to formulate this plan. The LENRD is asking for your help in developing your ideas and working together to research ways to reduce flooding.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “While not everyone is interested in doing something, we do have individuals expressing their willingness to place small flood control structures on their property, whether it be a detention cell, wetland development, a small dam, or other flood reduction projects.”  He continued, “These ideas are being documented and worked into the WFPO plan to help the LENRD board of directors determine what level of flood reduction we are willing to tackle and help secure the dollars needed for the approved plan.”

Once the evaluation and planning process is completed, a public meeting will be held for gathering any remaining input from the public followed by a presentation to the LENRD board for approval.

There is not a Maple Creek Watershed Project

Letter to the Editor:

How big is the Maple Creek Watershed Project, and what are the expansion plans for the Maple Creek Watershed Project? These are the questions being asked of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board and staff. The LENRD needs to make a very important clarification here by stating that there is NO Maple Creek Watershed project.

The LENRD is currently working through the process of the Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) Plan which is 30% completed. It’s important to understand that this Maple Creek Watershed Plan is simply a ‘planning document’ to evaluate what is technically and economically feasible, and socially acceptable across the area. It is not a project.

We are working with landowners in the watershed and having conversations about what they would like to see for flood protection and about what they are willing to do to help with flood reduction. While not everyone is interested in doing something, we do have individuals expressing their willingness to place small flood control structures on their property, whether it be a detention cell, wetland development, or a small dam. These ideas are being documented and worked into the WFPO plan to help the LENRD board of directors determine what level of flood reduction we are willing to tackle and help secure the dollars needed to implement the approved plan.

Extreme Weather Cycles - How often do flood events occur?

Over the last 12 years, we have had watersheds experience a 100-year storm on average every four years. While some of these storms surpassed the 100-year threshold and peaked past the 500-year storm, the most recent 500-year storm was in 2019 during the March bomb cyclone.

This may come as a surprise, but during the March 2019 flood, the City of Norfolk had as much water in the bypass channel running through the city that is usually flowing in the Missouri River. This amount of water stressed the diversion channel to its limit, and the only reason it survived was due to the LENRD flood control structure 15 miles upstream which held back 18,000-acre feet of water (5.8 million gallons). Willow Creek Reservoir has a normal conservation pool of approximately 700 acres, but during that event swelled to over 1,200 acres (which is how it was designed) and helped to significantly alleviate downstream flood impacts, most notably to the communities of Pierce and Norfolk. Think about this for a moment… a tributary to the Elkhorn River two hours west of Omaha became the size of the Missouri River as the flood waters were flowing and gaining volume, navigating, and destroying the region from the Elkhorn River to the Platte River and ultimately ending in the Missouri River.

During this same 12-year period, we have experienced the most extreme flash drought in the last 70 years, which occurred in 2012. This extreme drought brought to the forefront the vulnerability in our agriculture system that has such a reliance on groundwater for irrigation. The spike in demand from all groundwater users, most notably from municipal, irrigation, livestock, and domestic well owners, provided evidence that the natural system has limits, and in-season groundwater shortages were documented throughout the district. Should that drought have lasted another year or more (as has occurred in other parts of the United States), catastrophic environmental and economic ramifications would have been realized. The extremes we are experiencing in weather cycles is unprecedented. For example, this flash drought followed two years that were plagued with flooding along the Elkhorn River.

What’s next for the Maple Creek Plan?

By going through this planning process, the LENRD would then be eligible for funding to install flood prevention measures and work on projects that are ACCEPTABLE within the watershed, and to help communities with their flood prevention needs.

The major point of this exercise is to provide both flood protection and property tax relief. The property tax relief comes by securing federal dollars rather than raising local property tax dollars to do the same work that has been given to us by the Nebraska Legislature. NRCS could potentially provide 100% of the financial commitment for design and construction of projects within the plan.

The LENRD is asking for your help in developing your ideas and working together to research ways to reduce flooding in the Maple Creek Watershed. Once the evaluation and planning process is completed, a public meeting will be held for gathering public input followed by a presentation to the LENRD board for approval.

Please remember this is NOT a project, but rather a planning document to evaluate ideas to reduce flooding.

Respectfully,

Mike Sousek, General Manager, on behalf of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Board of Directors

LENRD board approves applications for new irrigated acres

Landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries recently had an opportunity to apply for new irrigated acres. The LENRD board has the responsibility to develop, manage, and conserve our groundwater. Each year they look at ways to assist landowners in protecting the resource for their livelihood and that of future generations.

At their November meeting, the LENRD board voted to allow up to 292 acre-feet of new peak season streamflow depletions for the LENRD’s hydrologically connected (10/50 Area), which calculates to approximately 2,782.10 new groundwater irrigated acres. The board also voted to allow for the development of 2,542.15 new irrigated acres in the LENRD’s non-hydrologically connected (Non 10/50 Area). An approved variance from the district is required to expand groundwater irrigated acres either from an existing well, or a newly constructed well.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The variance applications are evaluated using the district’s scoring and ranking process which evaluates several factors, and provides a transparent process from which approvals are determined. The LENRD is committed to working with producers to expand acres while continuing to protect our groundwater for the future.”

Staff will be 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 public records request to the district.

In other action, the board approved 8 Community Forestry Incentive Program applications for a total cost of $31,795.13. The communities receiving grants to remove and plant trees this year are Beemer, Norfolk, Oakland, Randolph, Wausa, West Point, West Point Schools, and Wisner.

LENRD Natural Resources Conservation Technician, Todd Stewart, said, “If you need trees for your community, your acreage, or your backyard, give me a call, I’d be happy to come out and help design your project.”  Conservation tree order forms are now available at the LENRD office, your local NRCS office, and online at lenrd.org.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement programs to protect our natural resources. The next LENRD board meeting will be Tuesday, December 21st at 7:30 p.m. Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Flood reduction measures evaluated in Maple Creek Watershed Plan

Protecting northeast Nebraska from flood events is the responsibility of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), given to them by the Nebraska Legislature. The LENRD board and staff work continually to study areas where flooding occurs.

Areas in the Maple Creek watershed have been prone to flood events for decades, impacting families for generations. Citizens and community members from the watershed have asked the LENRD to assist with flood reduction projects and conservation programs to help prevent damages from flood water/sediment and minimize future flood events.

In 2020, the LENRD was awarded a grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) program to complete the Maple Creek Watershed Plan & Environmental Assessment. FYRA engineering is working on the plan which aims to evaluate potential flood reduction projects to reduce overall flood risk and support the largely agricultural economy in the Maple Creek Watershed. Leigh, Clarkson, Howells, and Nickerson are the four communities located within the watershed.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “The Maple Creek plan is a planning document to evaluate what is technically and economically feasible and socially acceptable. For example, the Clarkson levee and a bridge near Nickerson, can be further evaluated with this plan.”

Becker, added, “We are trying to come up with solutions to reduce flooding in the area. Most dam structures have not been adequately supported, and we’re looking for other options which can benefit these communities and rural areas.”

Letters were sent out to the public as the LENRD continues to request ideas to formulate this plan. Becker continued, “If dams are not fully supported, then we can work together on other flood reduction plans, including detention cells, wetland enhancement, and levee and channel improvements. If you have poor producing soils next to a stream channel, creating a flood water retention area could benefit your land and the watershed. We’re asking the public to bring their ideas to the table.”

More efficient nitrogen use is the goal of LENRD's new cost-share program

The protection of our groundwater is one of the main responsibilities given to Nebraska’s NRDs.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board and staff work diligently to come up with ways to develop, manage, and conserve our water now and for future generations.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “We are always striving to find programs that fit our mission and to encourage citizens to stop and think about how they can take the next steps to reach their management goals.”

At their October meeting, the LENRD board of directors approved a chemigation equipment cost-share program.  This program is intended to introduce landowners to, and provide a one-time cost assistance for, equipment needed for application of fertilizer through irrigation systems.  This program is designed to spoon-feed fertilizer to the crop at the optimum time, reduce fertilizer losses, and reduce the risk of nitrogen leaching into the groundwater.

Becker continued, “Our goal with this program is to provide a tool for producers to apply their nitrogen more efficiently.  One of the requirements of the program is that the applicant has not previously done chemigation.”

The eligible components would include LENRD approved chemigation equipment needed on irrigation systems for applying liquid nitrogen fertilizers, including the mainline check valve and the fertilizer injection pump and/or chemical injection valve.

“The cost-share will be 50% of the total cost of the equipment, not to exceed $1,500, and is a one-time use program,” said Becker.

In other action, the board accepted a bid to complete concrete work at the shop and shower house at Maskenthine Lake, and the sidewalk project at the Maple Creek Recreation Area.  The board also accepted a 3-year lease contract for a skid steer loader and approved the trade-in of the Chevy Tahoe.

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 Tuesday, November 23rd at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Watersheds receive funding to improve water quality

Acting State Conservationist John Wilson announced today that the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the National Water Quality Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to improve water quality in three impaired watersheds located in eastern Nebraska. Interested participants have until Nov. 19, 2021, to apply.

The selected watersheds are:

• Bazile Creek – located in Antelope, Pierce, and Knox counties

• Big Sandy – located in Thayer and Fillmore Counties

• Turkey Creek – located in Saline County

Wilson said, “USDA is committed to working hand-in-hand with farmers, ranchers, and landowners to address water quality issues and provide the tools necessary to ensure clean, safe water for communities and wildlife. This latest investment is yet another example of how voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs are benefitting both producers and our natural resources.” 

The targeted watersheds were identified with help from state agencies, partners, and the USDA State Technical Committee. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is working with the local Natural Resources Districts in these watersheds through the Nonpoint Source Water Quality Grants-Section 319 Program.

Wilson said, “Including these watersheds in the National Water Quality Initiative will strengthen the overall effort to improve water quality in impaired streams in Nebraska. Through this initiative, eligible producers in these watersheds will invest in voluntary conservation practices to help provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities.”

NRCS will provide funding and expertise to farmers and ranchers interested in installing conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips, terraces, no-till, and other erosion control practices to improve water quality. NRCS staff will work with individual landowners to develop a conservation plan to apply practices that work best for their farming operation in each watershed.

Individuals interested in applying for conservation funds may do so at any time, but applications need to be submitted by Nov. 19 to be considered for this year’s funding.

Additional information about the National Water Quality Initiative, and detailed maps of the sign-up areas, are available at www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

MAP of the sign-up area

Funding available from USDA to protect groundwater

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has funding available to assist landowners in source water protection priority areas to install conservation practices. Interested landowners have until Nov. 19, 2021, to apply.

John Wilson, acting state conservationist for NRCS in Nebraska said, “Since nearly all Nebraskans get their drinking water from groundwater, it’s important we work together to help protect this resource from contamination.”

Agricultural land located in the source water protection priority areas (see map) may be eligible to receive financial assistance.

Nebraska NRCS is now accepting applications for source water protection funding. Approved applicants can receive funding to install conservation practices used to address water quality that include:

• Nutrient management

• Irrigation water management

• Cover crops

• Conversion of flood to pivot or subsurface drip irrigation systems.

NRCS field office staff can determine if applicants are eligible for source water protection priority area financial assistance.

 Applications are accepted anytime, but to be considered for funding in 2022, applications must be received by Nov. 19, 2021. Visit your local NRCS field office to learn more.

Nebraska Source Water Protection - Priority Area MAP

Wisner-Pilger High School takes first place at the Northeast Area FFA Land Judging Contest

The Northeast Area FFA Land Judging Contest was held Tuesday, October 5th near Howells.  532 students from 27 high schools registered that morning at the Howells Ballroom before traveling to the testing site.  The contest was held on ground owned by John Doerneman, four miles east of Howells.

A team from Wisner-Pilger High School finished first with the top score of 1251 points.  Team members are:  Sydney Porter, Spencer Batenhorst, Taylor Scholting, and Beau Ruskamp.

A team from Howells-Dodge High School placed second with a score of 1191.  Third place went to Allen with a score of 1152.  Teams from West Point, Pender, Oakland-Craig, and Stanton also brought home top honors.  The top 7 teams will participate at the State competition in the Holdrege area on October 20th.

The top individual award went to Sydney Porter of Wisner-Pilger with a total score of 326.  Levi Belina of Howells-Dodge was second with a score of 325, Spencer Batenhorst of Wisner-Pilger was came in third with 321 points.  Ellee Hall of North Bend and Taylor Scholting of Wisner-Pilger came in fourth and fifth.

The site provided good diversity in soils and landscape positions for the students.  The contest helps the students make informed decisions regarding soil utilization in the future.  Scoring was completed the following day at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) office in Norfolk.

The high schools participating were:  Allen, Bancroft-Rosalie, Battle Creek, Blair, Clarkson, Elkhorn Valley-Tilden, Emerson-Hubbard, Howells-Dodge, Leigh, Logan View, Lutheran High Northeast, Lyons-Decatur Northeast, Madison, Newman Grove, Norfolk, North Bend, Oakland-Craig, Osmond, Pender, Pierce, Randolph, Scribner-Snyder, Stanton, Tekamah-Herman, Wayne, West Point-Beemer, and Wisner-Pilger.

The LENRD, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Howells-Dodge High School, and the Nebraska FFA Land Judging Committee organized and sponsored the contest.

Public hearing to certify irrigated acres is October 28th

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will conduct public hearings and certify irrigated acres on October 28, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. These hearings will be held at the LENRD office located at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.  The attached list of individuals are those who have fields in the Certification Hearing.  If questions arise, please contact Mike Murphy at 402-371-7313.

Fields to be Certified

Public Hearing Policy

Contested Hearing Form

Sign-up begins October 1st for new irrigated acres

One of the primary responsibilities of Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) is to manage groundwater to protect both its quality and quantity for all Nebraskans.  To achieve its management goals, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) continues to invest resources to study the geology, storage capacity, quality, and connection of groundwater to surface water.

At their September meeting, the LENRD Board of Directors approved a sign-up period for Standard Variances, for new irrigated acres, between October 1st, 2021, and October 31st, 2021.

Some discussion was held about postponing the signup until the completion of the LENRD’s Hydrogeologic Groundwater Model in 2022.  When the model is completed, it will allow the board and staff to complete simulations that will help illustrate the changes in groundwater and surface water systems. In the end, the board decided to move ahead with this year’s sign-up.

The LENRD board approved up to 295.00-acre feet of new stream water depletions for new groundwater irrigation development in the Hydrologically Connected Area in the LENRD, and up to 2,500 acres of new groundwater irrigation development in the Non-Hydrologically Connected Area.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “A minimum soil score of 85 must be met in the soil conservation category for any standard variance application to be considered for approval, regardless of the total score.  Geographic portions of the district that are eligible to be considered for standard variances will remain the same as the 2020 classification map.”

Applications and a map of the eligible locations are available at the LENRD office in Norfolk and on the district’s website.  Excluded from consideration for this sign-up period will be any parcel of land located in any Quantity Management Subarea or Phase 3 Area.

Also at the meeting, the board engaged in further discussion on the proposed Phase 2 groundwater management area in parts of Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge counties.  The board is seeking more information from vadose zone and isotope sampling in that area and have postponed their decision until a later date.

The board also accepted the scope of work and Flow Meter Maintenance Agreement from Derek and Austin Becker which outlines the requirements for the completion of flow meter preventative maintenance services within the LENRD.

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, October 28th at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.  Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Map for 2021 Sign-up

Standard Variance Form

Open House held to gather input from stakeholders for the Maple Creek Watershed Plan

An open house was held September 15, 2021, at the Howells Ballroom for the Maple Creek Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment.  The improvement project area spans across parts of Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge counties in northeast Nebraska.

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the plan with the goal of identifying palatable options for providing flood damage reduction to the watershed.  The open house was hosted by the LENRD to provide landowners and other stakeholders with information about the plan, but most importantly, it was a time to gather input from the public and receive their ideas to help protect the watershed.

The event drew a large crowd with LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, welcoming nearly 250 attendees to the open house followed by a brief overview of the effort.  Sousek reminded the audience that the LENRD has not taken any steps towards the initiation of any project in the watershed and that the planning effort needs to be driven by the stakeholders.  He said, “We are not promoting or pushing any specific project, especially if it’s unaccepted by the landowners.  This plan is yours to develop.  We want to hear your thoughts and work with you to put your ideas into action to protect the watershed.”

A presentation on the project was given by several team members from FYRA Engineering, who is the hired consultant preparing the plan.  Time was provided after the conclusion of the formal presentation for general question and answers from the audience, which was proceeded by breakout sessions which allowed attendees to visit stations around the ballroom to discuss specific project and planning process questions. An important component of this planning effort is to obtain feedback from landowners and stakeholders in the watershed.  While many in attendance took advantage of the opportunity to engage in oral conversations with LENRD and FYRA representatives, written comments carry equal weight and comment cards were available for attendees who opted to leave written comments.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “We are requesting your ideas and want to work with you to formulate this plan.  Dams are not the only option.  We can work together to get other flood reduction and conservation practices on the land, including buffer strips, detention cells, wetland enhancement, and levee and channel improvements.”

The LENRD is requesting that any landowner who is interested in supporting a project of any type on their property reach out to LENRD Project Manager, Curt Becker, at 402.371.7313 or cbecker@lenrd.org

A recording of the presentation and the group question and answer session is provided on the project website along with example project locations: https://fyra.mysocialpinpoint.com/maple-creek

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USDA-NRCS provides federal funding to local project sponsors so 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.

Board meeting postponed

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District will NOT hold their monthly board meeting tonight in Norfolk. It has been moved to Wednesday, September 29th at 7:30 p.m. The Public Meeting Notice was not published, therefore, the Board of Directors cannot meet tonight. We're sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

Hall of Fame and Conservation Award Winners recognized for success

Natural resources stakeholders and experts will be in Kearney for the annual Nebraska Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) Conference at the Younes Conference Center Sept. 26-28.

The conference brings together NRD employees, directors and others integrally involved in conservation, technology and policymaking. The event kicks off with the Ron Bishop Memorial Golf Outing and trap shoot on Sunday, Sept. 26, to raise money for the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Foundation. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Topics include an overview and discussion of successful natural resources programs, new technologies and research for future programs. Panelists at the forum will also provide insight on water quality, groundwater management, and flood mitigation.

Recognizing citizens for their conservation efforts, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts also will present awards during the noon luncheon Monday, Sept. 27. Due to the pandemic, both 2020 and 2021 awardees will be recognized. Winners include:

• 2020 Tree Planter of the Year: Terry Hoit – Red Cloud, Nebraska

• 2021 Tree Planter of the Year: Diamond Bar Ranch – Stapleton, Nebraska

• 2020 Grassland Conservation Award: Star Cattle Company – North Platte, Nebraska

• 2021 Grassland Conservation Award: Chris Larsen – Lexington, Nebraska

• 2020 Community Conservation Award: City of Norfolk – Norfolk, Nebraska

• 2021 Community Conservation Award: Curt Arens – Crofton, Nebraska

• 2020 Soil Stewardship Conservation Award: Dan & Melinda Stelling – Pierce, Nebraska

• 2021 Soil Stewardship Conservation Award: Jeff & Jolene Steffen – Fordyce, Nebraska

• 2020 Director of the Year: Terry Martin, Upper Republican NRD – Benkelman, Nebraska

• 2021 Director of the Year: Ed Kyes, Central Platte NRD – Central City, Nebraska

• 2020 Educator of the Year: Boyd Bowder, St. Paul High School

• 2021 Educator of the Year: Sharla Hanzlik, Niobrara High School

Monday evening includes a silent auction for the NARD Foundation, which support youth programs involved in natural resources and agriculture, followed by a dinner banquet.

During the banquet, four NRD Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized including: W. Eugene Haarberg, Imperial, Nebraska (2020 Board Member); Leon “Butch” Koehlmoos, Ord, Nebraska (2020 NRD Employee); Doug Bereuter, Alamo, California (2020 NRD Supporter); and Ted Hughes, Neligh, Nebraska (2021 Board Member). The Omaha World-Herald will also present the Agriculture Master Conservationist Award to Russ and Kay Edeal of Loomis, Nebraska.

More than 300 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference. Online registration and a detailed agenda are available on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ website.

The annual NRD Conference is presented by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors.

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.

Wonderful World of Water is held at Gilman Park in Pierce

The 32nd annual Wonderful World of Water Festival was held September 15 at Gilman Park in Pierce.  Thirteen 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 Pierce High School Team 1 first for Farthest Distance Traveled; Madison High School Team 2 recognized for Shortest Distance Traveled; and, Wausa High School Team 2 with the Most Creative Design.    

Following the presentation of the special projects, the winners of the 2021 Northeast Nebraska Wonderful World of Water were announced.  The winner of Track 1 was Pierce High School Team 1 consisting of Brayden Kuper, Kaden Froehlich, Zach Meier, Emma Risinger and Madelyn Hanson.  The winning team from Track 2 was Pierce High School Team 2 consisting of Caleb Newman, Travis Emory, Amber Shefl, Maggie Painter and Peyton Wieting.  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 Consolidated, Norfolk Catholic High School and Madison 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 Cooperative Extension; Game and Parks; Northern Prairies Land Trust; Papio-Missouri River 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.  

Pierce High - Team 1: Brayden Kuper, Kaden Froehlich, Zach Meier, Emma Risinger, and Madelyn Hanson.

Pierce High - Team 2: Caleb Newman, Travis Emory, Amber Shefl, Maggie Painter, and Peyton Wieting.

WWW 2021

Students joined in hands-on activities, learning more about how to conserve and protect our natural resources. In the photo at left, Groundwater Management Area Specialist, Connor Baldwin, teaches the students about Groundwater contamination and prevention.

Husker Harvest Days includes free trees and water testing

Questions about trees, erosion, flood control or water quality? Stop in to visit with Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts during Husker Harvest Days Sept. 14-16.

“This is a great opportunity for producers to meet with conservation agencies all in one place and learn more about cost-share programs that can benefit their operation and Nebraska’s natural resources,” said Jim Eschliman, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD).

Located in the Natural Resources Hub (39E), Nebraska’s NRDs are stationed with various organizations that offer conservation assistance, cost-share opportunities and producer programs. Attendees can visit with the Nebraska Forest Service, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA Farm Service Agency, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program, the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture and Central Platte NRD’s Native Prairie and Pollination Awareness Program.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Water Well Standards Program will also be on site to provide free water testing and screen for nitrates in minutes. Private well owners should bring a cup-size sample of water in a clean container.

In addition, the Natural Resources Districts will announce four individuals to induct into the NRD Hall of Fame during a press conference at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, on the Hospitality Tent Stage (SE Quadrant, #33). These Hall of Fame inductees have made significant contributions to protect our state’s natural resources through the NRDs. Hall of Fame categories include: 

• Natural Resources District Board Member

• Natural Resources District Employee

• Natural Resources District Supporter

During the three-day event, Husker Harvest attendees also will receive a free Colorado Blue Spruce tree seedling from the NRD Conservation Tree Program. All 23 Nebraska NRDs administer tree planting programs to provide trees and shrubs for local landowners. Each district varies, but possible services include: planting, weed barrier installation or weed control, and drip irrigation. Free prairie grass seed will also be available as part of the Native Prairie and Pollinator Awareness Project.

For more information on the Conservation Tree Program and other conservation resources, visit www.nrdnet.org.

LENRD manages a conservative budget while protecting the future of northeast Nebraska

Do you know who to turn to when you’re ready to update your windbreak?  Who do you call when the quantity of your groundwater is limited?  When your soil is unhealthy and you’re looking for ways to improve your land’s profitability, who can you trust to help?  Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) were created almost 50 years ago to conserve, develop, and manage our natural resources.

Each of the 23 NRDs manage a conservative budget with 12 main areas of responsibility to protect our future.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) covers all or parts of 15-counties in northeast Nebraska, with its headquarters office located in Norfolk.

LENRD General Manger, Mike Sousek, said, “Our board and staff work diligently to leverage local tax dollars as efficiently as possible.  By bringing in grants and other funding for our projects, we continue to save taxpayers millions of dollars all while managing and improving the quality of the resources we use every day.”

The LENRD’s total operating budget for fiscal year 2022 is estimated at $11.5 million, with only $4.3 million in revenue from the property tax levy.

Sousek continued, “We’re using less than ½ of our taxing authority.  That means the citizens of this district receive almost a 70% return on their investment.  We’re working hard to keep the levy low, year after year, for our local taxpayers.”  Sousek added, “We’re here to protect you and your resources, but keeping your taxes low is another part of our job.”

The operating budget was approved by the LENRD Board of Directors at their September 9th meeting with a tax request of $4,382,016.  The estimated levy, based on the property tax request, is 2.3236 cents per $100 of valuation, which is a decrease of 5% from the fiscal year 2021 levy of 2.4367 cents per $100 of valuation.  For example, if a person owns a $300,000 house, the taxes owed to the LENRD would have been $73.10 in 2021 and will be approximately $69.70 in 2022.

Some of the major expenditures for FY 2022 are:  Levee and Flood Protection Projects - which include the City of West Point’s Flood Control Levee, the City of Randolph’s Flood Risk Management Project, the City of Pender’s Flood Control Project, and the Elkhorn River Jetty Project near Scribner - $1,620,500;  the North Fork River Restoration Project - $1,032,000; Water Resources Programs - $514,700; Project Construction, including flood related repairs and the Willow Creek Artesian Pressure Mitigation Project - $847,500; and Conservation Cost-Share programs, including the Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project and Willow Creek Best Management Practices - $425,000.

The LENRD is also moving ahead with the Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the Maple Creek Watershed Plan to evaluate potential flood prevention, watershed protection, and agricultural water management projects.  Four communities are located within the watershed:  Leigh, Clarkson, Howells, and Nickerson.

The LENRD received a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) to expand groundwater monitoring in Pierce County.  Maintaining a safe drinking water source is one of the most important priorities of the LENRD.  The Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) also received a grant from NET for year 3 of their demonstration sites for the groundwater nitrate reduction project.  This project is a vital step forward in stabilizing, and eventually reducing, nitrate levels within the BGMA.

Through a grant from the Nebraska Association of Conservation Districts, the LENRD was able to hire a Conservation Planner to operate out of the Pierce NRCS office and assist in working with landowners to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs). The LENRD also has received a Section 319 grant from the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy to provide supplemental cost share for select BMPs within the Willow Creek Watershed.

Sousek added, “We’re proud to give the funds back to the local taxpayers through our projects and programs.  We’re working responsibly within our budget as we continue to meet the challenges of protecting our natural resources for the future.”

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.

Vickie DeJong retires from the Lower Elkhorn NRD after 42 years of service

Vickie (Meyer) DeJong, of Pierce, NE, will retire this week from the job she started over 42+ years ago.  DeJong has worked in Norfolk at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) since 1979.

After graduating from business school, DeJong returned to the Norfolk area.  She worked 4 years at Andrews Van Lines, and in May of 1979, she landed a job at the LENRD and jumped in with both feet.  She began her career as the receptionist/fiscal secretary for the district.  In 2018 she was promoted to administrative supervisor.

She started working in the main office on south Hwy 81 with a total of 5 employees.  Since then, the district office has moved three times, finally settling in their current location on Square Turn Boulevard.  There are now 14 employees in the Norfolk office.

When asked about her tenure here at the LENRD, DeJong shared, “It’s gone by very quickly.  I have seen a lot of things change over the years, especially in the world of technology.  I taught myself along the way.  I could write a book about that!  I have grown right along with the NRDs – the districts will celebrate their 50th Anniversary next year!”

She added, “If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t!  But seriously, I have enjoyed my time here and my co-workers are like family to me.  My proudest moments over the years are the planting of over 4 million trees across our 15-county district, the development of our 2 rural water systems, and the construction of the Willow Creek project to protect Pierce and downstream landowners from flooding.  I hope future generations continue to work hard at conserving and protecting our natural resources.”

LENRD General Manger, Mike Sousek, said, “Vickie will truly be missed.  She has dedicated her life to this job and has kept everything running like a well-oiled machine for 42+ years.  Thank you, Vickie, for your service.  We sincerely hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement!”

The LENRD will host an Open House in her honor this Friday, September 10th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.  The public is invited to attend.

DeJong resides in Pierce with her husband, Lyndon.  They have two children, Jeff and wife Ariel of Omaha, and Kellie and husband Jeromy of Rapid City.

Vickie DeJong retires after 42+ years of dedicated service!