Lower Elkhorn NRD promotes Arbor Day with tree sales

This year marks the 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day and will be celebrated Friday, April 29th.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will commemorate this special day with “last chance tree sales” at their Tree Distribution Center at the Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, north of Stanton.  The center will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Arbor Day, and seedlings can be purchased in bundles of 25 for $25.  Quantities and species are limited.  From Norfolk, the lake is located 10 miles east on highway 275 and then 2 miles south on Ridge Road.  Signs will direct you to the pick-up location.

LENRD Natural Resources Technician, Todd Stewart, said, “There are so many benefits that trees provide for us, from reducing soil erosion, to adding value to your property, to filtering the air.  Planting trees is a gift for future generations.  Our parents and grandparents did it for us, and we should return the favor for our kids and grandkids.”

Contact Stewart at the LENRD office, 402-371-7313, if you have questions about your trees or if you need further assistance.

History of Arbor Day

Nestled in the hills of Nebraska City, is the legendary Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, the original home of the J. Sterling Morton family.  It was there in 1872, that Morton’s idea began – for a special day set aside to encourage people everywhere to plant trees that were so desperately needed across the state.  Morton was a newspaper editor and politician who was very passionate about trees and agriculture.  His dream became known as Arbor Day, and on that very first celebration, nearly one million trees were planted across Nebraska.  Nebraska, the birth state of Arbor Day, celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday of April each year.

Accomplishing more with less use of local property taxes is goal of NRDs

Photo Description:  Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), enabling districts to respond best to local needs.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, all or parts of 15 counties in northeast Nebraska, strives to accomplish more while keeping local property taxes low.

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are a unique form of local government when compared to other parts of the nation, as Nebraska is the only state that addresses natural resource management concerns using this political structure.  Given the fact that NRDs are granted the authority to generate revenue by levying property taxes provides them with a consistent source of revenue that can sustain critical programs and projects, but also heightens the need to be fiscally responsible with local tax dollars.

In response to that scenario, the NRDs have utilized multiple strategies to generate revenue that can supplement and soften the impact to local property owners by opening multiple avenues of funding provided by other local, state, and federal government entities, in addition to the development of innovative partnerships with private sector interests.

Mike Sousek, general manager for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), said, “We are constantly looking for ways to partner with other agencies to get practices and projects on the ground.  Most of our project funding comes from leveraging collected property tax dollars to obtain grants, which account for 50% of our expenditures and sometimes more.”

One example is the grant the LENRD received from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) which will allow them to expand their groundwater quality monitoring programs in Pierce, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties.  Through this project and in cooperation with the University of Nebraska’s Water Science Laboratory, the LENRD will expand their monitoring efforts to include baseline vadose zone nitrate data.  Vadose core sampling is taken from the area extending from the top of the land surface down to the area located just above the water table (which is variable throughout the area).  Groundwater nitrate levels in many of these areas exceed the maximum contaminant level to be considered safe sources of drinking water (MCL), and, unfortunately, continue to increase.  The vadose zone sampling will provide information, by depth, regarding the residual concentrations of soil nitrate, which is useful information regarding where the nitrate is occurring and can help scientists estimate when contamination events might have occurred, and if or when additional contributions of contaminants might occur.  Sousek continued, “Absent the supplemental revenue from the grants, funding for these programs would fall entirely onto our general fund, which is supported by local property taxes.”

When securing a grant, a list of criteria must be met to obtain critical funding.  If the criteria are not met, the funding eligibility is eliminated, which makes leveraging outside resources nearly impossible.  Sousek said, “Locating supplemental funding sources to help communities control flooding is a high priority, and in most cases a necessity.  Reliable revenue is needed to complete these projects, which often cost millions of dollars, while maximizing the efficient use of local tax dollars.  We are working hard to manage this district like a private business, watching our bottom line and being responsible with the funding available.”

To provide an example, let’s look at the Battle Creek Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment, which was initiated to secure potential options for funding to remediate flooding concerns.  The LENRD is working with stakeholders to address flooding issues in and around the City of Battle Creek.  Sousek said, “Without the possible access to the federal funds, paying for a recommended project would mean that our property tax asking authority would be pushed to the maximum level of 4.5066 cents per $100 of valuation for 7 years or more.”  When examining the amount of revenue generated by the LENRD’s portion of the total property tax levy this would calculate to approximately $135.20 in taxes for a $300,000 house (currently, at 2.3236 cents per $100, a $300,000 house would have a tax assessment of $69.70).  If you own 160 acres of irrigated farmland, at the assessed value of $5,375 per acre, the taxes would be $199.83, using the 2021 levy rate.  With an increase in the tax levy, to support unfunded projects, the taxes would be around $387.57 for those same 160 acres.  Sousek said, “We can go that route, but we would have our local tax dollars tied up in one project until the financial obligations have been repaid and if an emergency arises during those years, we will not have the financial resources to help any other communities or landowners in our district.  Our levy would be at its max.”

Yet another example of the efficient use of local property taxes involves community partnerships.  During the flood of 2010, flooding caused significant damage along the Elkhorn River, and caused the collapse of a railroad bridge which spanned the river just west of Norfolk, which negatively impacted area businesses and industry.  In 2017, the LENRD board approved an interlocal agreement to move forward with a bank stabilization project to protect the railroad and US Highway 81 from future flood events.  The bank stabilization project brought together public and private partners, including:  the Madison County Railroad Transportation Safety District, Nebraska Central Railroad, Nucor, Vulcraft, Elkhorn Valley Ethanol, Norfolk Iron & Metal, along with the LENRD, all sharing the cost which will provide economic benefits for the entire region and saving local property taxes in the process.

“Our district is always working to limit the impact of local property taxes by offsetting the costs of our programs and projects through any option possible. This strategy allows us to stretch our dollars farther, which leaves money in the pockets of residents who contribute to our local economy.  Even with property valuations increasing, our responsibility is to the local taxpayer and working diligently to maintain a low budget footprint,” said Sousek.  “Keep in mind that we are just one taxing authority out of a handful who generate revenue from property taxes.”  On average, the LENRD accounts for approximately 1.5% of your total property taxes.

Sousek said, “Nebraska’s NRDs have been focused on protecting our future for 50 years, working diligently on the responsibilities given to them by the Nebraska Legislature.  Our goal is to accomplish more with less use of our local property taxes.”

Summer internships available at LENRD

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

Job Description

April showers bring May flowers...water your trees!!!

April may be here, but the showers have forgotten to come along for the ride.  If you have young trees, you should be actively watering them.  The fall was dry, and that trend has continued through the winter and into the spring.  The trees are breaking dormancy and need this water to actively grow and compete with the grass.  The recommendation is to water each tree twice, one week apart.  A few gallons each time should be enough to give them a jump start.  After that continue to monitor the situation if the rain fails to show up.

LENRD board votes not to study a bypass channel for Battle Creek

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is currently working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and JEO Consulting Group (JEO) to complete a study of the Battle Creek Watershed.  At their March meeting, the LENRD board members discussed whether to sign an additional contract with JEO to further study a diversion channel to protect the City of Battle Creek.  The diversion channel was being revisited to give the board members more information about this alternative.

“It comes down to, what is this board comfortable with spending.  No matter which way you go, there will be tough decisions and people’s lives are going to be affected,” said Mike Sousek, LENRD general manager.  He continued, “We have always remained fiscally conservative with our tax levy.  If this is the direction you want to go, you need to know how that decision will affect the local taxpayers.”

The diversion channel is estimated to cost over $26 million.  The costs for this alternative would outweigh the benefits, which would make grant funding unavailable for this option.  Another flood control option is available for $6 million, with the use of grant funding.  Sousek says, “The real decision before this board is how much do we burden the local taxpayers when multiple projects provide flood protection to the city of Battle Creek.  The financial considerations warrant further board discussions.”

Chad Korth of Meadow Grove, who represents subdistrict 1, said, “The people of Battle Creek deserve to be protected.  That’s why we’re here, to help them.”

After hours of discussion, the board voted not to pursue a study of the bypass channel that would have cost approximately $80,000.  The board will continue to investigate options to protect the city and the watershed.  Continued discussion of the flood reduction possibilities will be held at upcoming board meetings and other public meetings.

The board also accepted the terms of amendment 7 to the Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) Interlocal Cooperative Agreement.  This project is sponsored by 6 NRDs, along with other cooperating agencies including the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Conservation and Survey Division, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, and the U.S. Geological Survey.  “The ENWRA project is a progressive step forward in the way we approach groundwater management,” said, Brian Bruckner, LENRD assistant manager.  He added, “This project offers an opportunity to stay ahead of potential future problems by joining together and pooling resources.  By continuing with this agreement, we hope to avoid the pitfalls of overdevelopment and improper management as well as provide lasting benefits to our mutual economic and environmental interests.”

The Interlocal Cooperative Agreement for the Lower Platte River Basin Water Management Coalition was also accepted by the board.  The seven NRDs in the Lower Platte Basin along with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources have signed the agreement to adopt, implement, and maintain a basin-wide water management plan.  Bruckner said, “The plan focuses on water use policies and practices that contribute to the protection of existing surface water and groundwater uses while allowing for future water development.  The agreement is intended to provide flexibility for NRDs in the basin to work cooperatively in ways they would not be able to individually.”

In other action, the board approved two motions to accept the bids to purchase mowers for the Maskenthine Lake and the Maple Creek Recreation Areas.

The next LENRD committee of the whole meeting will be held Thursday, April 14th at 7:00 p.m. with the board meeting to follow on Thursday, April 28th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails at lenrd.org.

Project Coordinator needed for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is accepting applications for the full-time position of Project Coordinator for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area.

The Project Coordinator will work independently to educate and encourage the adoption of best management practices in an attempt to improve groundwater quality and quantity within the Bazile Groundwater Management Area of Pierce, Knox and Antelope Counties. The Coordinator will be headquartered at the LENRD office in Norfolk.

To apply for this position, send a letter of application and current resume to: Mike Sousek; General Manager, Lower Elkhorn NRD, 1508 Square Turn Blvd., Norfolk NE 68701 or email: msousek@lenrd.org. Applications will be reviewed beginning on April 15th. The position is open until filled.

Job Description

Hansen elected to 2022 Executive Committee

The voting members of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Board of Directors elected new officers during their board meeting March 7, 2022.

The NARD Board consists of representation from each of the Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs). The board meets five times throughout the year and helps guide the association and NRDs in decision making that protects lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. The NARD Risk Pool Board governs the health insurance program for NRD employees. Since its inception in 2007, the program has held the average annual cost increases for health premium rates below 4.5 percent.

Dr. Orval Gigstad, NARD President (Syracuse, Nebraska)
The NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board elected Dr. Orval Gigstad from the Nemaha NRD as president. Gigstad has served on the Nemaha NRD Board since 1993 and the NARD Board since 1996. He also serves as chair of the National Association of Conservation Districts Northern Plains Region. Previously, Gigstad served as NARD president from 2002-2004. A practicing veterinarian for more than 45 years, he operates the Arbor Valley Animal Clinic in Syracuse. Gigstad and his wife Carolyn have two children, Grady and Amber.

Marty Graff, NARD Vice President (Ainsworth, Nebraska)
Marty Graff of the Middle Niobrara NRD was elected as vice president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Graff has served on the Middle Niobrara NRD Board 27 years and on the NARD boards since 2018. He farms with his wife, Brenda, and sons near Ainsworth. Off the farm, Graff serves on the East Woodlawn Cemetery Board (Johnstown, Nebraska) and is active in the Elks Club helping with youth baseball and wrestling.

Joel Hansen, NARD Secretary-Treasurer (Wayne, Nebraska)
Joel Hansen of the Lower Elkhorn NRD was elected secretary-treasurer of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Hansen brings a unique perspective to the board as the Street & Planning Director for the City of Wayne where he has worked for more than 27 years. He has served on the Lower Elkhorn NRD board 15 years and represents the board on the Wau-Col Regional Water System Advisory Committee. Hansen also manages his family’s farm, which includes row crops, a restored prairie, and several tree plantings.  The farm serves as an outdoor classroom for Wayne State College and Wayne Community Schools.

Jim Eschliman, NARD Past President (Ericson, Nebraska)
Jim Eschliman from the Lower Loup NRD moves into the immediate past president role of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. He served as president since 2020 and has been on the boards since 2016. Eschliman has served on the Lower Loup NRD Board 16 years, is the current vice-chairman, and has also served on the program and projects committee. Eschliman also serves on his local co-op board and the Cattleman’s Beef Board. After selling his dairy cows in 2018, he considers himself retired and resides near Ericson with his wife, Deb.

In addition to the president, vice president, secretary-treasurer and past president, the NARD Board executive committee includes Jim Meismer, Legislative Committee chair representing the Twin Platte NRD, and Jim Johnson, Information and Education Committee chair representing the South Platte NRD.

Throughout 2022, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation these past 50 years. To join in the anniversary celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.

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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.

The 2022 NARD Executive Committee from left, I&E Committee Chair Jim Johnson (Dix, Neb.), Vice President Marty Graff (Ainsworth, Neb.), Secretary-Treasurer Joel Hansen (Wayne, Neb.), Past President Jim Eschliman (Ericson, Neb.), President Dr. Orval Gigstad (Syracuse, Neb.) and Legislative Chair Jim Meismer (Paxton, Neb.).

NRDs celebrate 50 years of natural resources partnerships

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) have worked hand-in-hand with conservation partners to support landowners for 50 years to accomplish the mission of protecting lives, property and the future.

NRDs deliver several state and federal programs including many projects with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) and the University of Nebraska. These partnerships equate into real dollars for Nebraska agriculture and communities.

“Nebraska policymakers had incredible foresight when creating the NRDs realizing that our strength lies in collaboration with partners to champion conservation,” said Jim Eschliman, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “Our partnerships with local, state and federal agencies have helped deliver conservation to millions of acres across Nebraska to reduce soil loss and improve water quality and quantity.”

Last year alone, NRCS applied over 11,000 conservation practices on more than 865,000 acres across Nebraska. These conservation practices leverage the work of the NRDs by helping Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers improve soil health, increase irrigation efficiency, and make grazing land more productive.

“NRCS and the NRDs have been working hand-in-hand for the past 50 years,” said Stacy Riley, acting state conservationist for Nebraska NRCS. “Nebraska’s landowners are fortunate to have the strong partnership between NRCS and the NRDs. Through this partnership, more conservation opportunities are available to farmers and ranchers to help improve and conserve their natural resources. And that benefits all Nebraskans.”

When it comes to protecting Nebraska’s water quality, NRDs work closely with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to improve surface water, groundwater and drinking water through projects that target non-point source pollution.

In 2018, two Nebraska watersheds – Antelope Creek and Shell Creek – were removed from the impaired waters list thanks to collaborative efforts with many state and federal agencies including NDEE.

Antelope Creek is an urban stream that lies entirely within Lincoln and is part of the Lower Platte South NRD. NDEE listed Antelope Creek as impaired for E. coli bacteria in 2004. Collaborative efforts over 20 years with multiple partners and implementation of numerous projects resulted in significantly reduced E. coli levels and Antelope Creek was removed from the impaired waters list.

Shell Creek includes more than 300,000 acres, stretching from Newman Grove to Schuyler in the Lower Platte North NRD. The Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group (SCWIG) is a group of landowners and farmers who worked collaboratively with NDEE, Lower Platte North NRD, and other project partners in promoting no-till farming, filter and buffer strips, cover crops, and other best management practices to help improve the quality of water draining into Shell Creek. As a result of these conservation efforts, the atrazine level significantly declined and the creek was removed from the impaired waters list, and now supports aquatic life.

“These delistings show how multiple partners have come together to significantly improve water quality in Nebraska,” said Jim Macy, director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. “This is an extremely difficult and rare thing to accomplish resulting from the implementation of a comprehensive watershed management plan. We look forward to continuing our work with Nebraska’s NRDs to provide safe, quality water for our state.”

As the No. 1 irrigated state in the nation, managing Nebraska’s water to ensure there is enough for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes is essential. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources works with NRDs to develop local and basin-wide integrated management plans to sustain a balance between water supplies and uses and protect the rights of existing water users.

In the Upper Platte Basin, the rehabilitation of irrigation canals for conjunctive water management efforts has allowed for groundwater recharge and kept more water in the state. Proactive management and the creation of a water tracking program in the Lower Platte Basin helps water managers evaluate supplies and demands. In the Republican Basin, a water balance forecasting system allows producers to plan for the irrigation season. Across the state, NeDNR works closely with NRDs to ensure existing water users are protected now and into the future.

“Working together, the Department of Natural Resources and the NRDs continue to build on the strong foundation of using water-use and water-supply data for decision-making and informing policymakers and citizens alike,” said Tom Riley, NeDNR director. “Together we create resilient programs to balance Nebraska’s water use and supply.”

To ensure producers have the latest research and understanding of best management practices, NRDs work with the University of Nebraska on demonstration plots, educational workshops, data collection and more.

“The Nebraska Water Center has long appreciated the NRDs commitment to partnering with the University to support research and education statewide,” said Dr. Chittaranjan Ray, Director of the Nebraska Water Center, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. “These partnerships connect cutting-edge research to local challenges, benefiting all Nebraskans. Most importantly, our collaborations support students to become the next generation of conservation leaders.”

Eschliman noted that the Natural Resources Districts have numerous partners around the state that contribute knowledge, funds and time to help conserve Nebraska’s resources for future generations.

“Our work would not be as successful without the support of these valued partners,” Eschliman said. “We’re excited for what we will accomplish together in the next 50 years.”

Throughout 2022, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation. To join in the celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.

Bazile Groundwater Management Area winter meeting is March 16th

The Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) will be hosting a Winter Meeting on March 16th, 2022.  The meeting will be from 10 am to 2 pm at the Plainview Library.  Lunch will be provided.  This meeting will be held in-person and online.  To register for this class go to https://go.unl.edu/2022-bgma-winter-meeting

This year's meeting will cover the topics on the UNL BGMA Demo Site data results, from the 2021 growing year, presented by Dr. Javed Iqbal, Jeremy Milander, and UNL Grad Students Victor de Sousa Ferreira and Jamie Duan.  Leslie Johnson will by presenting on Animal Manure Management and Jeremy Milander will be discussing the Nitrogen Cycle and the use the N calculator.

Nitrogen Certification Credits will be available for all four Natural Resources Districts in the BGMA Area.

This winter meeting is free to attend.  If you have any questions contact Whitney Gappa, BGMA Coordinator at 402-371-7313 or call your local NRD office at Lower Elkhorn NRD 402-371-7313, Lewis and Clark NRD 402-254-6758, Upper Elkhorn NRD 402-336-3867, or Lower Niobrara NRD 402-775-2343.

Flood reduction plan extended for Battle Creek Watershed

Prevention of damages from flood water and sediment is one of the 12 responsibilities of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

The LENRD is currently working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and JEO Consulting Group (JEO) to complete a study of the Battle Creek Watershed.  A motion to extend the contract with JEO was on the LENRD’s February meeting agenda.

Concerned citizens from the Battle Creek Watershed packed the board room to voice their opinions about the plan and the contract extension.  Many submitted photos and letters to express to the board their desire to see something done to protect their town.  Others expressed concern about their farmland and if the potential projects would impact their future in agriculture.

Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager, said, “This planning process is an important step in looking at potential flood reduction projects across the watershed.  To meet federal funding guidelines, the study will look at every alternative and will evaluate the benefits and cost of each potential project.”

Kurt Janke, LENRD board member from Wayne, said, “The city of Battle Creek came to us asking for help.  I think we owe it to them to finish this study.”

The consensus of the crowd was for everyone to work together to come up with a solution, and not to pit agriculture against city and city against agriculture.  Jeremy Grant, a farmer in the watershed, said, “When the engineers make these maps and look at it and say, well there’s no farm places there, there’s no buildings, there’s nothing there, well, that nothing is me, that nothing is my livelihood, and my business.  I just ask the board to consider all the options.”

Rod Zohner, LENRD board member from Battle Creek, said, “I will not support any dam on the Battle Creek.  I’m interested in seeing more about the other alternatives.”

After a lengthy discussion, and after hearing the testimonies and the presentation from the city of Battle Creek, the board voted to extend the contract with JEO.  The reason for the extension is due to changes in the NRCS requirements of the plan.  Therefore, NRCS will pay the total cost of the contract extension.  The extension will provide additional project management and coordination, wetland delineation, cultural resources, and economic evaluations for a total of $149,500.

The 90% study completion update will be given by JEO at a board meeting later this year.

In other action, the board approved the 2021 crop damage agreement near the Willow Creek Lake in the amount of $3,194.97.

The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, March 24th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Conservation efforts recognized at awards banquet

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board honored outstanding conservationists at their annual awards banquet on Thursday, February 10th, 2022.  The event was held at the Stables Event Center in Norfolk.

2021 Outstanding Tree Planter Award – The Brian Moes Family

Jordan, Ashley, Jace, Jolene, Brian, Carissa, Nixon, and Tyler

The Outstanding Tree Planter Award is presented to individuals within the district who have shown a strong commitment to the planting and care of trees.  This year’s recipient is the Brian Moes Family of Osmond.  Brian, his wife Jolene, their sons Tyler, and Jordan, along with their families have more than demonstrated this commitment.

LENRD Natural Resources Technician, Todd Stewart, presented the award to the family.

Stewart said, “This journey for the Moes family, began in 2006 with the purchase of 100 Colorado Blue Spruce.  They have planted almost every year since, planting over 7,000 trees in various locations on their farm.”

Brian and his sons operate a grain and livestock operation northeast of Osmond.  They have seen the benefit of trees on their cow herd and have no problem giving up a little farm ground for trees.

Award recipient, Brian Moes, said, “For every tree a person removes, they should replant one.  We know the benefits of trees and we need to continue to plant for the future.  When people drive down the road and notice a nice shelter belt or tree all they have to do is have a place to plant them and get started.”

Jolene's, father, George Schulte, of Newcastle was very concerned about protecting the land and its development.  He passed down his knowledge to his family and future generations.  George was a member of the Watershed Project in Dixon County in the 1950s.  He also helped with the startup of the Buckskin Hills State Park near Newcastle where Jolene grew up.

Stewart added, “One of the things that separated the Moes family from other tree planters is their understanding that not all trees will survive.  Every year they spend time, effort, energy, and money replacing trees.  This determination has helped to create success.  The passing down of this understanding and determination to Tyler and Jordan is rare and will ensure that trees will get planted on the Moes farm for many years to come.  Thank you to the Moes family for protecting our natural resources for the future.”

2021 Educator of the Year – Jonathan Anderson – Norfolk High School

Jonathan Anderson - Norfolk High School Instructor and FFA Advisor

The LENRD partners with schools across their district, encouraging students to become good stewards of our natural resources.  This year they recognized a teacher who has demonstrated excellence throughout his career – Jonathan Anderson, Instructor and FFA Advisor, at Norfolk High School.

LENRD Information & Education Specialist, Julie Wragge, said, “It has been a pleasure to work with Jonathan.  He has been an educator and advisor at Norfolk High since 2014.  He is an enthusiastic FFA Advisor, bringing speakers, hands-on activities, animals, and more into his classroom.”

His students participate in the FFA Land Judging Contest each year, with one team going all the way to Nationals.  The chapter also participates in the Regional Envirothon competition, and the Conservation Poster Contest sponsored by the Lower Elkhorn NRD.

Wragge added, “Jonathan’s students have been very instrumental in the planning for the LENRD’s Elkhorn H2O Daze water festival.  This festival for 5th graders in Antelope, Madison, Pierce, and Stanton counties provides hands-on learning sessions about water, soil, and wildlife.  Again, this year, we will have presenters and assistants for the festival from Jonathan’s classes.”

Jonathan began the Watershed Dynamics program a few years ago.  With the help of grant funding and support from the LENRD, Jonathan has been able to expand the group to 4 students, and interest is growing.  They test the water on the north fork of the Elkhorn River in 4 different locations.

Jonathan received a National FFA and NPS Foundation Grant to build a water catch to water the school garden.

He is also doing a watershed pen pal group with a school from North Carolina this year. 

Jonathan has also worked with UNL in the development of an Invasive Species Education Series.  You can check it out online at neinvasives.com

Another interesting project that Jonathan is involved with is recycling and composting.  They vermi-compost over 150 pounds of classroom waste every year.

They recycle 250 pounds of paper wastes for classroom animal bedding with the help of the Special Education Department.  This saves on expenses and is a very cool partnership.

They also recycled 100 pounds of plant wastes for classroom animal bedding.

They have donated 117 packages of lettuce grown in the classroom this semester to the Norfolk Rescue Mission.

Jonathan also had a National FFA Runner-up with an Agri-Science Fair Project that had students making ethanol from apple juicing wastes.  And National FFA top 10 Finalists with an Agri-Science Fair Project that had students measuring CO2 levels in DEF vs non-DEF diesel emissions and a group doing a project on pH levels in Vermi-composting.

Wragge continued, “Whenever I stop by Jonathan’s classroom, he always has a new project in the works and there are always students working.  They are not sitting in desks waiting on him.  They dig in and get dirty and do the work.  It’s always a joy to see the creativity coming out with these kids.  They want to learn and they’re having fun doing it!”

Jonathan and his wife, Sarah, have two children Eli and Isabelle and reside in Battle Creek.

He said, “These students are the future.  It’s my job to invest my time and energy into preparing them.  Partnering with the Lower Elkhorn NRD makes it that much easier.”

Staff and Director Service Awards

Staff and director service awards were also presented during the banquet by Chairman Mark Hall, and General Manager, Mike Sousek.

Dallas Dorey of Wayne – Water Resources Technician – 5 years of service

Patty Martens of Norfolk – Administrative Assistant – 5 years of service

Laurie Schold of Oakland - Logan East Rural Water System Secretary - 15 years of service.

Vickie DeJong of Pierce – Administrative Supervisor – Retired after 42 years of service 

Bob Huntley of Norfolk – Dedicated director for 16 years (Retired)

Gary Loftis of Craig – Dedicated director for 30 years

Flooding challenges in Battle Creek Watershed have been discussed for over 50 years

The city of Battle Creek, in northeast Nebraska, is located on the right descending bank of the Battle Creek, approximately two miles upstream from the confluence with the Elkhorn River.  The city lies on low, flat, terrain which is prone to flooding during rainfall events.  Significant damages to residences, businesses, agricultural land, and public infrastructure have occurred over the past 20 years.  A look at the history of the planning in this watershed will help answer some of the questions recently raised.

Potential flood reduction projects in the watershed were first discussed by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) in the 1970s as envisioned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Elkhorn River Basin Recon study.  In 1975, Madison County’s Comprehensive Plan included a proposed flood control structure in the Battle Creek Watershed.

The city of 1,200 suffered major flood damage from storms on May 31, 2007, estimated at over $2 million, with more than 400 of the 600 homes within the city flooded.

An official request came from the Battle Creek City Council to the LENRD Board of Directors at their September 2007 meeting.

Battle Creek City Administrator, Mike Fleer, said, “Our city council approached the LENRD for help.  We asked them to investigate our options and give us some direction.”

He continued, “Whether it be a diversion channel, a dam, or something else, we have to do something.  It comes down to, what is the best option for this location and can we get someone to help us pay for it.  We cannot do it alone.”

The LENRD, in cooperation with the city of Battle Creek, then completed several evaluations of flood risk reduction alternatives for the watershed above the city.

In 2009, the evaluation process began with JEO Consulting Group, identifying multiple alternatives for the watershed including a diversion channel, a levee, and a reservoir.  Included in these evaluations was a survey of a dam site, size of dam, and cost-estimates.

In 2011, preliminary geotechnical investigations for alternative projects began, along with the modeling of downstream impacts and investigating grant options.

In 2014, JEO determined the primary flood risk reduction alternatives included a potential overflow diversion channel or a potential flood risk reduction dam.  The 2 reservoirs proposed for the area, south of Battle Creek, were a 160-acre pool for approximately $17 million and a 1,200-acre pool for $36 million.

After the 2014 study, the LENRD board asked the Battle Creek City Council to prioritize a specific project and to identify the amount of financial contribution the city could provide.

After another devastating flood in March 2019, Battle Creek’s City Council met and voted to explore options for a 1,200-acre flood-control reservoir on the south side of Battle Creek.

The city of Battle Creek again approached the LENRD board, asking if the potential flood-control projects that were deemed feasible in 2014 could be revisited.

Fleer said, “Not long after flooding occurs, we tend to forget about it, until the next flood event.  We can go for many years with dry conditions, but when that flood happens again, then we hear people say, ‘we have to do something, we should have taken care of this the last time this happened.’  So, the question remains, what are we going to do to protect Battle Creek?”

In May 2019, the LENRD Board voted to move ahead with the process of securing funding for a flood-control project, and to file a letter of intent with FEMA/NEMA for flood protection for Battle Creek.  The board also voted to direct staff to contract with consulting firms to prepare all the necessary documentation and complete a grant application to the USDA Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) program.

In November 2019, the LENRD received the WFPO grant of $390,000 to complete the Battle Creek Watershed Plan.  This plan aims to reduce the overall flood risk potential in the Battle Creek Watershed, which includes the city of Battle Creek, and provide flood resiliency for surrounding agricultural land.

Battle Creek City Council member, Eric Kraft, said, “We’re working to find a feasible project to protect this area.  We have to do something to reduce damages to homes, businesses, and ag land due to the frequent flooding from the creek.”

He continued, “The city can’t afford to do this on its own.  We are asking for help to pay for studies to help us address the problems with minimal impact to the landowners.”

The city of Battle Creek has tried to remediate some of the problems occurring within the city limits.

Kraft, said, “We tried doing some of these things ourselves.  We attempted to clean out the creek with volunteers and realized we needed to hire a contractor.  We did what we could, but it wasn’t financially feasible to continue.  We reconstructed the intersections and created more drainage and a way to get the water moving out of town.  We mowed and dug out the ditches where we could and even on some of the county’s property.”

Kraft explained there is only 18 inches of fall from the northwest corner of town to the southeast edge of town.

“We can attempt to manage the east side of town, because we’re only dealing with the drainage of about 700 acres.  When you look at the flooding from the creek itself, it’s massive.  That’s 91 square miles of flooding that cannot be controlled,” said Kraft.

Kraft added, “I’ve been in Battle Creek 18 years, and in 5 years it flooded 3 times.  Sometimes just the east side and sometimes just the west side.  It’s crazy what nature can do.  Unless you’ve seen it with your own eyes, it’s hard to imagine.  Some of the residents here don’t ever want to see it again, they are horrified.”

“It’s a tough decision.  I have good friends who would be affected by this.  The voters elected me to do what’s best in the city of Battle Creek, and that’s what I need to do,” Kraft said.

Fleer says he’s just as torn.  “It’s been a struggle.  Trying to find a solution to protect the property in town and worried for the landowners south of town,” he said.

“I know the LENRD directors weren’t all on board for a dam, because of taking farmland.  I understand that, I grew up on a farm.  It’s an ongoing struggle of how are we going to protect Battle Creek with the least amount of impact to the citizens of the area,” said Fleer.

The city of Battle Creek is currently not in a FEMA declared flood plain.  If it gets labeled as such, then valuations would go down and homeowners would be forced to buy flood insurance.

Fleer said, “I’m looking forward to seeing the 90% study completion update later this year from JEO.”

Based on the preliminary evaluation, the construction of three flood risk reduction dams located upstream of Battle Creek were identified as viable alternatives to address the city of Battle Creek’s flooding problems.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “There are multiple benefits to think about when considering a flood reduction project of any size.  First and foremost is flood reduction.  Along with that comes the benefits of recharge and retiming as well as improved water quality and recreation.”

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The majority of the Battle Creek Watershed is in Madison County with small upstream portions located in Boone County. The city of Battle Creek is situated in the lower portion of the Battle Creek watershed; nearly the entire watershed contributes flows to the stream channel adjacent to the city. The watershed of the Battle Creek upstream of the city is approximately 91 square miles and consists of mostly agricultural land uses.

One of the LENRD’s 12 responsibilities includes flood prevention and control as well as prevention of damages from flood water and sediment.

Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Flooding in Battle Creek - 2007

Officers for 2022 announced

Anthony Wisnieski of Norfolk was elected the new treasurer the January meeting of the Lower Elkhorn NRD’s Board of Directors. 2022 officers pictured here from left are: Joel Hansen of Wayne - Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Delegate; Anthony Wisnieski; Roger Gustafson of Emerson - Vice-Chair; Jerry Allemann of Wayne - Secretary. Not pictured Mark Hall of Norfolk - Chair, and Scott McHenry of Norfolk - NARD Alternate.

Open House Feb. 16th for the Maple Creek Watershed Plan

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will facilitate a public Open House regarding the Maple Creek Watershed Plan - Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) on Wednesday, February 16th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Howells Ballroom in Howells, NE.  This open house will be focused on flood reduction projects like linear corridors (detention cells) and wetland development or enhancements.

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.  This funding has been provided to the LENRD to create a plan for the Maple Creek Watershed, with the primary purpose of floodwater reduction.

“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 projects on the land, including detention cells, and wetland enhancement, among other possibilities,” said Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager.  He added, “We’ll be talking with stakeholders about the locations that work best for these types of projects at the open house.”

The Maple Creek Watershed is located in Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties in Nebraska.

Visit the planning 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.

Applications for Conservation Incentive contracts being accepted now

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is providing Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers financial and technical assistance to plan and implement conservation practices through Conservation Incentive Contracts. Agricultural producers have until March 11, 2022, to apply for 2022 funding. 

Contract Incentive Contracts are an option available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that offers producers financial assistance to adopt conservation management practices on working landscapes. Conservation Incentive Contracts are available nationwide and help producers address priority resource concerns, like sequestering carbon and improving water quality.

Producers may use incentive contracts as a “steppingstone,” from correcting resource issues on specific land units, to achieving sustainable stewardship on their entire operation. Conservation Incentive Contracts:

• Have an initial length of five years.

• Require producers to address at least one priority resource concern during the contract period.

• Offer two types of payments:

  • Practice Implementation Payments, which are paid after completion and certification of a conservation practice.

  • Management Practice Payments, which include management practices that will serve as annual payments and are paid as soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal year.

For more information on Conservation Incentive Contracts, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center, or click here for more information.

Funding available for farmers to establish soil health demonstration projects

Farmers encouraged to apply for funding to establish demonstration projects to compare and evaluate soil health practices by Feb. 18, 2022.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service  is continuing an effort to enhance the adoption of soil health practices through the establishment of Soil Health Management Demonstration Projects. Landowners interested in applying for funding to establish a soil health demonstration project should submit their application to NRCS by Feb. 18, 2022.

According to NRCS, the purpose of this initiative is to demonstrate and validate soil health management systems applicable across Nebraska. The goal is to support the adoption and continued application of the NRCS Soil Health Principles; 1.) Use plant diversity to increase diversity in the soil. 2.) Manage soils more by disturbing them less. 3.) Keep plants growing throughout the year to feed the soil. 4.) Keep the soil covered as much as possible.

NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will be used to fund this initiative. Producers selected can receive EQIP funding for 3-5 years. Funding will compensate producers for conducting strip trials of cover crops vs. no cover crops within a diverse crop rotation using no-till planting and other soil health management techniques. Producers will receive $1,800 per treatment comparison unit, up to a maximum of $7,500 per year, to conduct these strip trials, develop case studies, and host field days. 

For more information on Soil Health Management Demonstration Projects, contact NRCS at the local USDA Service Center.

Natural Resources Districts reflect on 50 years

Throughout 2022, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) will celebrate 50 years of protecting lives, property and the future. During the next 12 months, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation.

“In the past 50 years, NRDs have adapted while facing changes in technology, funding, legislation, agencies and society,” said Jim Eschliman, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “Nebraska’s locally led conservation model has been a successful legacy because of our ability to adapt to the local needs of our communities.”

After the devastation of the Dust Bowl, special purpose districts were developed to solve local soil and water-related problems. But the puzzle of overlapping authorities and responsibilities provided confusion at best.

In 1969, Senator Maurice Kremer introduced legislative bill 1357 to combine Nebraska’s 154 special purpose entities into 24 Natural Resources Districts by July 1972. In 1989, The Middle Missouri Tributaries NRD and the Papio NRD merged to become the Papio-Missouri River NRD resulting in today’s 23 Natural Resources Districts.

Today, Nebraska’s unique system of locally controlled, watershed-based conservation is widely admired throughout the nation. In recent years, at least 11 states ranging from Washington to Arkansas and Illinois to California, have inquired about applying a similar system for natural resources management. Despite being the No. 1 irrigated state in the nation, Nebraska’s statewide groundwater levels have been sustained at levels less than a foot below pre-irrigation development in the 1950s. In many areas, groundwater levels are higher.

“Many states are facing massive groundwater declines with almost depleted aquifers,” Eschliman said. “NRDs work with irrigators to monitor water use, establish groundwater recharge projects, and implement water-wise programs. Depending on rainfall, Nebraska’s groundwater levels often rise above pre-development levels.”

Across the state, NRDs construct projects, implement programs and offer a major source of assistance to landowners in conservation and natural resources management. When necessary, they enact regulations to protect our resources. While all NRDs share the 12 main responsibilities, each district sets its own priorities and develops its own programs to best serve and protect Nebraska’s natural resources.

Eschliman noted that Nebraska’s NRDs will continue to build upon, refine, and adapt as they look to the future.

“Conservation is something that impacts us all and we need to pitch in and be good stewards of our land and water,” he said. “Locally elected NRD boards across the state are uniquely positioned in their communities to help manage our natural resources for future generations.”

To join in the 50th anniversary celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.

Legislative Signing: In 1969, the 80th Unicameral created the Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) with the passage of legislative bill 1357. From left, Chester Ellis, President of Nebraska Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Sen. Maurice Kremer, Chairman of the Nebraska Legislature’s Agriculture and Recreation Committee; Gov. Norbert Tiemann; Warren Patefield, Immediate Past President of Nebraska Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Milton Fricke, Director of the National Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; and Warren Fairchild, Executive Secretary of the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Original LB 1357: In 1969, Sen. Maurice Kremer introduced legislative bill 1357 to combine Nebraska’s 154 special purpose entities into 24 Natural Resources Districts by July 1972. In 1989, the Middle Missouri Tributaries NRD and the Papio NRD merged to become the Papio-Missouri River NRD resulting in today’s 23 Natural Resources Districts.

Public health and water quality webinar series offered in January/February

Have you ever wondered if the water you are drinking is safe?  Who studies the impacts of contaminates on my health?  These are questions commonly asked throughout the state especially when there are stories continually discussing contaminates in the water we drink.  The “Public Health and Water Quality Webinar Series” is a series that is trying to provide an opportunity to learn how water contamination occurs, and how health impacts are determined.  The last part of the series goes into more discuss about atrazine and nitrate contaminates and impact on human health.  Webinar series concludes on how these big issues are being addressed by multiple government agencies and partners throughout the state but the nation.

This FREE series will be offered in January and February with the live presentation occurring from 11 AM – 12 PM CST with the opportunity to view the recording up to 14 days following the live presentation. 

2022 Series Schedule

• Jan 10th - What is Public Health and How It Impacts Me? Dr. Jesse Bell - UNMC

• Jan 17th - How Does Water Become Contaminated? Becky Schuerman - Extension Educator

• Jan 24th - Impacts of Atrazine

• Jan 31st - Impacts of Nitrate+ Dr. Martha Rhodes - UNL

• Feb 7th - Responses to Water Quality Issues

To register to participate in one or all five presentations please go to https://go.unl.edu/Health-Water.

Questions regarding the webinar series can be directed to Amy Timmerman (atimmerman2@unl.edu) at the Holt County Extension Office 402-336-2760.

Testing your private well water is important

Water that looks and tastes good may not necessarily be safe to drink. If your water comes from a well, annual testing is an important part of maintaining a safe source of drinking water. Regular testing helps well owners identify contamination problems and make informed decisions about how the water will be used, especially if it’s being consumed by humans and animals.

David Miesbach, groundwater section supervisor with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, said, “The only way to tell if your drinking water is safe is by having it tested by a certified laboratory. Harmful bacteria are invisible to the naked eye.”

The quality of a water source may change over time or sometimes suddenly. Annual testing will help the owner track these changes.

“Frequent water testing will identify unsafe water,” Miesbach said. “Certain chemical contaminants that are sometimes found in a water source can cause long term health problems that take years to develop.”  

If a well owner has a treatment system in place, yearly checkups are also needed to ensure the system is treating the water to a satisfactory level. “The upper limit for nitrate is 10 milligrams per liter in drinking water,” added Miesbach. “Your local health department can assist in selecting the appropriate test kit for your well and can refer you to a certified laboratory in your area.”

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is also able to test your domestic well water. “We recently started working with the University of Nebraska Medical Center to test domestic wells for nitrate, pesticides, uranium, and arsenic,” said Julie Wragge, LENRD information and education specialist. “It’s so important to know if your water is safe.”  Contact the Lower Elkhorn NRD, in Norfolk, if you’re interested in getting your well water tested.

Even those who get their water from a municipal source should be aware of nitrate levels in their drinking water, said Wragge.  “If you don’t own a private well, it’s still very important to know what’s in your water. Contact your city office or visit their website to find out what they test for and what they do locally to protect the resource.”