Norfolk Tree Advisory Board to host Community Tree Information Meeting

The Norfolk Tree Advisory Board will host a Community Tree Information Meeting that is open to all tree board members and anyone interested in promoting tree projects within their community throughout northeast and northcentral Nebraska.  The meeting will be on Thursday, March 31 at the Elkhorn Lodge at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Norfolk from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  The afternoon meeting will be divided into three sessions that will assist community tree boards with planning tree planting projects, what goes into doing a community forestry inventory and the data that is collected, and a question and answer session.

The first session will involve four communities in northeast Nebraska, telling what they learned from successful tree projects and what they would have done differently.  Steve Rasmussen, District Forester with the Nebraska Forest Service, will moderate the discussion of what their projects are and how they’ve made an impact on their communities.

The second session will shift from project ideas to learning about having an inventory completed in your community.  Graham Herbst, Community Forestry Specialist with the Nebraska Forest Service, will go step by step on how a community forestry inventory is accomplished and how the data collected from the inventory can help your community take the best management action to enhance your urban forest.  For communities that are interested in doing an inventory on the trees within the community and on public land, this is a session you don’t want to miss.

The third session will consist of questions and answers with Steve Rasmussen, Graham Herbst, and Pam Bergstrom, Forester with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, moderating the session and putting in their own advice to communities.  All communities who come are encouraged to bring questions of their own and also bring their own advice on what has happened in the past within their own community.

“All communities are invited to attend the tree meeting, bring their questions and also share ideas on how to promote trees,” said Dr. Tom Surber, chairman of the City of Norfolk Tree Advisory Board.

Directions to get to the Elkhorn Lodge: Go to Ta-Ha-Zouka Park on Highway 81 south of Norfolk. Turn into main drive with sign, follow road east to McKinley Avenue. Elkhorn Lodge is the first building on the left on McKinley.

You must register to attend this meeting by contacting Diane Becker at dbecker@ci.norfolk.ne.us or 402.844.2034.

Flow meter installation certification training dates announced

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors approved changes to its Groundwater Management Area rules and regulations that now require LENRD approved flow meters on all active irrigation wells within the LENRD by January 1, 2018.

This change also incorporates a certification process for flow meter installers, which requires anyone who wants to install a flow meter within the LENRD to attend an installation training session.  The training dates will be held in late March.  There will be five training sessions held each day, one for each of the five types of meters on the approved flow meter list.  Please attend the training session of the meter you want to install.  The list of training dates are below.  Additional training sessions will be held as needed.

Currently, the LENRD has approved five different meters for installation.  They are listed below, along with the list of LENRD Certified Flow Meter Installation Contractors.  These contractors have already completed the required flow meter installation training.  Anyone that does not want to install their own meter(s), may select a certified installer from the list.  This list could change as additional contractors become certified by the LENRD and will be updated when necessary on this website.

If you have any questions, please contact Curt Becker at 402-371-7313 or email cbecker@lenrd.org

Flow meter training schedule and approved flow meter list

List of Certified Flow Meter Installation Contractors

Irrigated acre certification hearing to be held March 10th

The next irrigated acre certification hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District office.

This is one of several hearings as the LENRD continues to certify irrigated acres across the district.  The parcels to be certified can be found by clicking below, or you are invited to view maps at the LENRD office.

Parcels to be certified on March 10

Hearing Policy

A farmer from Cornlea appointed to LENRD Board

Bob Noonan, a farmer from Cornlea, was appointed as the newest member of the LENRD Board of Directors at last night’s board meeting.  Noonan fills Cory Beller’s seat.  Beller recently moved outside of his subdistrict boundaries and could no longer serve.

Noonan teaches agronomy and diversified agriculture at Northeast Community College in Norfolk.  He was selected from among four applicants to serve the nine-month term.  He has also filed for election to a two-year term to the board to complete Beller’s four-year term.  The other three applicants were:  Gene Hemmer of Humphrey, Dave Kathol of Norfolk, and Bob Lueninghoener of Stanton.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said "The three unsuccessful candidates have also filed for election for the two-year term.  They can remain candidates for that position, or withdraw from that race and file instead for a four-year term to replace Director Tim Tighe of Humphrey, who has chosen not to run for re-election."

The deadline for candidates to file for office or for the three unsuccessful candidates to change their filings is March 1st.

Osmond Tree Board to host tree workshop

The Osmond Tree Board will be hosting a tree care workshop at the Osmond Public Library Meeting Room on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 1 – 3:30 pm.  This workshop is open to the public with no registration necessary.

Pam Bergstrom, Forester for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), and Steve Rasmussen, District Forester for the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) will be discussing pruning, selecting trees for your sites, as well as disease and insect issues.  There will be time for a Question and Answer Session with the two foresters and the public is encouraged to bring in their questions, tree samples they have questions on, and photographs of trees they are worried about.

“The Osmond Tree Board has wanted to host a Tree Workshop for a while now and with spring right around the corner, this is a great time to have one with topics that concern most landowners, homeowners, and the public,” said, Pam Bergstrom, LENRD Forester.  "Nebraskans enjoy their yard and park trees.  With the benefits of trees including lowering heating and cooling costs, increase value of your land, and it has been proven that communities with a healthy urban forest have healthier citizens and even draws in new businesses and residents; it is really easy to enjoy trees.  This workshop is geared to helping homeowners/landowners with understanding how to care for their trees and informing prospective tree buyers what to think about buying.”

No registration is required.  Contact Pam Bergstrom at 402.371.7313, if you have any questions.

Workshop agenda

Lower Elkhorn NRD receives RCPP grant

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District received one of 6 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grants in Nebraska to fund area projects.

Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, the RCPP is a partner-driven, locally-led approach to conservation.  It offers new opportunities for USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to harness innovation, welcome new partners to the conservation mission, and demonstrate the value and efficacy of voluntary, private lands conservation.

In 2016, NRCS is investing up to $220 million in 84 high-impact projects that impact every state in the nation, including six in Nebraska.  This investment, which builds on the $370 million invested for 2014 and 2015, will help conservation partners and agricultural producers conserve natural resources, leading to cleaner and more abundant water, healthier soil, enhanced wildlife habitat and many other benefits.

NRCS State Conservationist Craig Derickson said “Nebraska’s conservation partnership is tailor-made to take full advantage of the RCPP. We put out a call for innovative projects, and our partners answered with creative, locally-led approaches to address natural resource challenges. NRCS has a long, successful history working with Natural Resources Districts and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. We look forward to working with these partners to help protect Nebraska’s natural resources.”

PDF of Nebraska Projects

Amended Groundwater Management Area Rules & Regulations become effective February 22

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) held a public hearing on January 14th to consider proposed amendments to the LENRD’s rules and regulations.  Following the public hearing, the LENRD adopted the proposed amendments to the Groundwater Management Area rules and regulations at their January 28th board meeting.

The amendments have modified the rules to require flow meters on all irrigation wells across the district.  LENRD Water Resources Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “Each irrigation well within the LENRD is required to be equipped with a properly installed and functioning flow meter by January 1, 2018.”

There are currently five flow meters on the approved list:  McCrometer Propeller Flow Meters (All Models);  McCrometer McMag 3000 Magmeter;  Senninger Flo-Wise Ag Rotor Sensor System;  Seametrics AG2000 Series Magmeter;  and the Growsmart by Lindsay IM3000 Magnetic Flow Meter.

The LENRD is developing a policy for flow meter installation and maintenance inspections, and will require any person wishing to install and/or maintain the flow meters to become certified by the LENRD as a Flow Meter Installer or a Flow Meter Maintenance Technician.  The Flow Meter Installation and Maintenance Certification Program will require technicians to report all installation and maintenance activities to the LENRD.

Curt Becker, LENRD Water Resources Specialist, said, "Local dealers are currently being trained to install the meters.  If individual producers are interested in becoming certified installers, please contact the LENRD and we will schedule the training for you."

The effective date of the Order of Designation and the Amended Rules and Regulations is Monday, February 22, 2016.  For more information, contact Rick Wozniak, Curt Becker or Brian Bruckner at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 402-371-7313.

Order of Designation and Amended Rules & Regulations - effective Monday, February 22

Lower Elkhorn NRD has a vacant seat on the Board of Directors

Due to a vacancy on the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors, the LENRD is now accepting applications to fill a term of approximately nine months for Subdistrict 4.  Applicants must be registered voters and reside within the bounds of the subdistrict.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “Cory Beller, who represents Subdistrict 4, has moved outside of the district boundaries and can no longer represent the citizens of that area.”

Since the vacancy occurred during the first year of a four-year term the appointment is only good until the next election cycle, at which time the position would be open for election to a two-year term.  Anyone interested in the position is also encouraged to file for election with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office for the Subdistrict 4 two-year term position prior to the incumbent filing deadline of February 16, 2016.

Interested persons should contact the LENRD at 402-371-7313 or email: msousek@lenrd.org

A resume’ should be submitted to the LENRD by February 19, 2016.

Map - Subdistrict 4

Receptionist/Secretary position open at Norfolk office

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is currently seeking a receptionist/secretary at their Norfolk office.  Candidates should possess social, organizational, and teamwork skills;  have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to handle multiple tasks.  Review of resumes will begin February 1st.  Resumes can be sent to the LENRD, P.O. Box 1204, Norfolk, NE 68702-1204 or email to lenrd@lenrd.org

Job Announcement

Job Description

Five flow meters now on the approved list for irrigation water management

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) voted in November to amend the Groundwater Management Plan to require flow meters on all irrigation wells across the 15-county district.  The Board is now preparing for the next public hearing that will take place on Thursday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m. to receive public testimony on modifications to the LENRD Rules and Regulations for Management of Groundwater that are necessary for implementation of this new requirement.

At their December board meeting, the board approved several additions to the flow meter list.  The following meters are approved for installation across the district:  McCrometer Propeller Flow Meters (All Models);  McCrometer McMag 3000 Magmeter;  Senninger Flo-Wise Ag Rotor Sensor System;  Seametrics AG2000 Series Magmeter;  and the Growsmart by Lindsay IM3000 Magnetic Flow Meter.

The board has not yet approved the deadline for when the meters need to be installed.  They are considering a January 1, 2018 deadline.  “The board will continue to work on the details of the rules and regulations and make further decisions after the public hearing in January,” said LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek.

The board also discussed groundwater allocations for the Quantity Subareas for 2016.  It was decided to keep the same allocations that were in place for 2015.

Whether or not to allow new irrigated acres was also on the agenda.  The board voted to allow no new irrigated acres under the standard variance process.  However, under the Expedited Variance Process, they did approve 250 acres in the hydrologically connected area and 250 acres in the areas where the groundwater is NOT hydrologically connected.  This would allow approval of applications of 10 acres or less if the addition of the requested acres will allow the applicant’s center pivot to finish its circle, or for qualified applications under the good cause variance process.  Both of these situations are considered under the expedited variance process and the application period for this specific process is now open for 2016.

 In other action, the Quantity Subarea education requirements were examined and the board voted to require producers to attend 4 hours of instruction over a four year period, with renewal every four years.  “This is a shift away from the annual education requirement and should provide greater flexibility for everyone involved,” said LENRD Water Resources Manager, Brian Bruckner.

Public Hearing Notice

Rule 11

Rule 11 - changes marked in red

Irrigated acre certification hearing to be held Dec. 10

The next irrigated acre certification hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District office.

This is one of several hearings as the LENRD continues to certify irrigated acres across the district.  The parcels to be certified can be found by clicking below.  Or you are invited to view maps at the LENRD office.

Parcels to be certified on Dec. 10th

Hearing policy

LENRD Board votes to require flow meters on irrigation wells

At their November meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted to require flow meters on all irrigation wells.  After many months of discussion, they voted 8 to 7 to amend the district's groundwater management plan to require the meters across the 15-county district.

General manager Mike Sousek said, "This is the first step in the process.  We need to know how much water is being pumped.  The meters will help us determine that."  He continued, "This tough decision highlights that your local leaders are discussing and addressing water challenges and preparing for the future.  The long term goal of the LENRD is to protect and maintain the longevity of the aquifer."

The State of Nebraska operates under the correlative rights doctrine - meaning each landowner is entitled to an equal and reasonable share as long as the water is being withdrawn for beneficial uses by its citizens.  The LENRD board has been tasked with protecting current users and developing more uses for groundwater, the economic engine supporting northeast Nebraska.

Sousek said, "This idea of an unlimited water supply has been deflated in recent years.  The board is making management decisions that protect all users, not just irrigation, and this includes domestic and livestock needs."

Sousek said that now that flow meters have been approved, there is a lot of work to be done.

“The next step is to start working on rules and regulations,” Sousek said.  A public hearing will be held in January.  Through this process, the board will continue to work out the details of the plan to address when the flow meters will be required, the type of flow meters that will be approved, and who will be able to install the flow meters.

District-wide flow meters to be discussed on Nov. 24th

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors recently tabled a decision on possible changes to their Groundwater Management Plan.  One of the proposed changes would require the installation of flow meters on all irrigation wells across the district.  Discussion of district-wide flow meters will be on the agenda at the Nov. 24th board meeting.

LENRD general manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The first priority for the meter program is sustainability; our main focus is water quantity.  This is a proactive approach from the LENRD to have the equipment in place to manage groundwater during times of drought.” 

Sousek continued, "Water meters are the only true way to measure pumping activities.  They will help protect current water users and allow for the development of new water users.  The meters provide a fair and equitable measurement that will allow the LENRD to manage groundwater and provide policies that concentrate on sharing our most precious resource among all users.”

Data collection from the meters will provide the district the information needed when working with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources when they determine whether or not our district is fully appropriated.

Sousek added, “Should allocations ever be needed, all stakeholders will be treated fair and equitable through the use of the meter program.”

He continued, “The board and staff are on the same page and recognize the common goal driving the changes before us:  the sustainability of the water resource.  The debate now centers around which comes first, the meter or the plan.  In the end both are going to be needed, but the plan will never be complete as it is a living document that will continue to evolve over time as the local conditions change.  The meter will remain a constant; acting as a data collection and management tool.”

The Board of Directors will be discussing whether or not to require flow meters district-wide at the next public meeting on Tuesday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk.

Public Hearing slated for October 15th

The LENRD will hold a public hearing to consider the amended rules of the district's Groundwater Management Plan on Thursday, October 15th at the Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m.  The district is considering amending the Groundwater Management Plan to require flow meter installation on all irrigation wells throughout the district.  Staff will present this information at the committee meetings on Thursday, October 8th.  The public hearing to address these proposed changes will then be held on October 15th at 7:30 p.m.

Public Hearing Notice

Groundwater Management Plan - Proposed Changes - Page 100

LENRD Groundwater Management Plan

View the hearing on Nebraska News Channel - 35

LENRD approves a lower levy for fiscal 2016 budget

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District’s levy is down for the 2016 fiscal budget.  The board of directors set the levy on Thursday, September 10th, at the rate of 0.024061; down from last year’s rate of 0.025105 due to an overall valuation increase of 12.39% across the District.  The property tax request is $6,4,224,679. Homeowners living in a home valued at $100,000 within the District will pay $24.06 in property taxes for water quality and water quantity benefits such as groundwater management, flood control, and nitrate management; as well as erosion control, recreation, cost-share to landowners who apply for conservation practices, and many other benefits that protect our natural resources and improve the quality of life.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “We have worked together to create this budget as a blueprint for the next fiscal year.  We have addressed our 12 responsibilities throughout the document and are focused on improving the quality of life for the citizens across our district.”

Water Meters: A management tool to protect existing users

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is discussing changes to their Groundwater Management Plan to more efficiently and effectively promote sound stewardship of groundwater.  These changes will help the LENRD in its mission to conserve, develop, and manage the water resources of northeast Nebraska.

While multiple changes to the Groundwater Management Plan are anticipated, the first proposed change is to require flow meters on all irrigation wells.  Once the meters are installed, the LENRD will consider allocations throughout the district.  Cost-share assistance for purchasing and installing flow meters is available this year.  The signup deadline is October 16th.  Producers are encouraged to visit their local NRCS office to take advantage of this opportunity.

Water meters are a valuable tool for the LENRD and producers for measuring water use.  The meters will provide data to better understand cropirrigation needs.  This data, along with UNL’s crop irrigation requirement research will be used to develop reasonable, allocations.  If allocations are in place, the meters will provide an equitable and impartial measurement for all irrigators.

Flow meters, allow for an accurate, standard measuring system from one producer to the next to measure groundwater use.  Meters willaccurately measure the volume of water being applied to help prevent over irrigation.

The goal of this program is to keep the district from implementing drastic changes to water policy during drought conditions.  The drought of 2012 prompted the district to make difficult decisions over a short period of time, addressing urgent water shortage conditions.  Having meters in place will allow the district to set allocations during times of drought.  Overall, this is the most fair and equitable management tool that  allows both producers and the LENRD to best manage our finite resource of water.  Water meters will allow the district to address water shortage concerns from year to year and keep the economic engine of northeast Nebraska running.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, "Using meters in not necessarily for managing groundwater under normal conditions, but planning for the infrequent challenges during extreme drought that will allow for protection of all existing uses, and in areas allow for the expansion of uses, providing continued economic benefit to the region, and maximizing the overall benefit for northeast Nebraska and improving the quality of life for its residents."

Tax levy hearing to be held Sept. 10

The LENRD will hold a Special Hearing to set the final tax levy for the 2015-2016 budget based on the budget approved at August meeting. The hearing will be held during the subcommittee meeting on Thursday, September 10th beginning at 7:00 p.m.  The proposed tax levy, based on the certified valuations of the district, is 2.40575 cents per $100 valuation. The previous 2014-2015 tax levy had been set at 2.51505 cents per $100 valuation.

Budget Hearing set for August 27th

The LENRD will hold its Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Hearing during its regular board of directors meeting this month.  The hearing is set for Thursday, August 27th beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Below are the draft copies of the budget documents.  The regular board meetings and hearings are always open to the public.

FY 2016 Budget - Draft

FY 2016 Supporting Documents - Draft

Acre Certification hearing to be held September 3

     On September 3 at 7:30 p.m. the LENRD will conduct its 4th Acre Certification hearing at the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk.

     The LENRD currently has 856 parcels for the hearing.  The Board will consider finalizing its determination of certified irrigated acres for those fields submitted.  Landowners do not need to be present at the hearing unless they feel the staff’s preliminary determination of the land is incorrect.

     The LENRD’s goal is to have Acre Certification completed in 2017 and after certification iscomplete, the LENRD will only allow irrigation on certified fields.  Staff will soon be mailing follow-up letters for those fields to be included in the hearing and a summary of the hearing process.  Staff is concentrating on the western half of the district and plans to have all certification letters sent out by May 2016.  If you have not received a certification letter do not be alarmed as staff are mailingletters one township at a time.  The LENRD intends to conduct hearings on a quarterly basis until the board has determined the final   certification for all irrigated land within the district

     The LENRD also has a new website to view all past certified acres and those preliminary certified acres that will be presented at the hearing.  You may view the parcels of land that will be included in this hearing by clicking on the link below.  The website has a map showing thelocations and information for each parcel.  Features include searching by map or tract information, Certification ID, Name, Parcel ID, and Well Registration.  Search results identify the owner contact information, Irrigation Source and Method, and the acres.

     If you have any questions, contact Mike Murphy at the LENRD office 402-371-7313.

Public Hearing Policy

Procedures for Groundwater Management Area Rule 8 Hearings approved on July 23, 2015

Several producers that applied for and were denied expedited variances for good cause shown have requested to have the District hold Groundwater Management Area Rule 8 Hearings.  The LENRD Board of Directors approved a rule of procedures for conducting public hearings under Rule 8 of the Groundwater Management Area Rules & Regulations.  These procedures will be similar to those used for hearings to certify irrigated acres.

Rules of Procedure for Rule 8 Hearings