Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop is Tuesday
/UPDATE - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Come learn about the most hardy and disease resistant fruit trees for northeast Nebraska and how to prune them on Tuesday, March 17th in Concord.
Summer internships available at LENRD
/Do you know someone who is working towards a career in natural resources? Are they looking for a summer internship? Below is the job description and more information on how to apply. There will be at least 2 summer internships available with the district from May until August. Contact the LENRD with any questions at 402-371-7313 and ask for Brian.
Water Resources Internship
Citizen Advisory Meetings planned in the Bazile Groundwater Management Area
/Three citizen advisory meetings have been scheduled in the Bazile Groundwater Management Area. The goal of these meetings is to have everyone who lives, works or farm within the Bazile Groundwater Management Area that includes the communities of Brunswick, Bazile Mills, Creighton, Foster, Orchard, Osmond, Plainveiw, Royal, Wausa and Winnetoon. These meetings are an opportunity to voice your opinion and concerns regarding the groundwater contamination issue. The goal is to develop a group of citizens who are interested and committed to lead the work need to develop a solution.
Meeting Locations and Dates
· Orchard – Rex Theatre (223 Windom St) on March 10th 6:30-8:30 PM
· Creighton – Creighton Golf Course (87190 Hwy 13) on March 17th 1:00-3:00 PM
· Osmond – St. Mary’s Elementary School Basement (302 E 5th St) on March 19th 6:30-8:30 PM
Free nitrate testing will be available on site. Bring a water sample in a small, clean bottle and determine the nitrate level in your well.
Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. Questions contact the Lower Elkhorn NRD 402-371-731.
Event Flyer
LENRD board approves funding to repair Wakefield levee
/The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) held their board meeting in the Niobrara Room at Wayne State College on Thursday, February 27th at 7:30 p.m.
The City of Wakefield requested financial assistance from the district to help fund the cost of repairs to their flood control levee which sustained significant damages during the March 2019 flood.
LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, reported that the city’s request is 50% of the local costs to repair the levee. He added, “Wakefield was not able to get fully funded for this project through the Corps of Engineers or through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, so they’re requesting our assistance on the local level.”
The City of Wakefield paid the Corps about $780,000 for its share of the cost of the repairs, which is approximately 20% of the total cost of the project. The board voted to cost-share with Wakefield on the project for up to $390,000.
In other action, the board voted unanimously to approve the next phase of development for the district’s hydrogeologic groundwater model. The LENRD was awarded a grant from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) Water Sustainability Fund (WSF) to assist with 60% of the expenses associated with Phase 2B of development, which is a continuation of Phase 2A and is the final phase of the hydrogeologic groundwater model.
LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The purpose of the next phase is to create the graphic user interface that will allow us to calculate different scenarios and ultimately see and evaluate the impacts that new water uses have on existing water users. The model will give us the science-based tools we need to understand the resource and make better management decisions for the future of our district.”
The board has accepted an agreement with JEO Consulting Group for Phase 2B of the Groundwater Model for a total not to exceed $336,000.
The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans to protect our natural resources for the future. The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, March 26th at 7:30 p.m. at the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk. Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.
Local Working Group meeting planned for March 12th
/Local meetings open to individuals interested in setting natural resources goals for Nebraska:
A Local Working Group that provides advice on the priorities for many U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs will meet March 12, 2020 at 5:30 PM at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District office in Norfolk.
The public is encouraged to attend and express their natural resource concerns. Ideas generated from the public will help the U.S. Department of Agriculture tailor their natural resource programs to meet the needs identified locally.
There is a Local Working Group in each Natural Resources District (NRD). Membership on the Local Working Group includes Federal, State, county, Tribal or local government representatives according to Robin Sutherland District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) whose agency guides the Local Working Group.
“The Local Working Group recommends to the NRCS State Conservationist how conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), or Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) would be used most effectively in their area. This recommendation can include special target areas, cost share rates on conservation programs, which conservation practices should have cost assistance, or how many dollars could be needed,” said Robin Sutherland. This work group allows local input into how Federal dollars are spent, she said.
Typically Nebraska NRCS obligates anywhere between $45 million to over $75 million dollars to farmers and ranchers statewide through NRCS conservation programs. These programs helped landowners and operators make natural resource improvements to their land, water, or wildlife. This funding was allocated according to the priorities set by the Local Working Group.
For more information about the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the programs and services they provide, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov
Maintenance internships available at our Recreation Areas
/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 for the Maintenance position. 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 Patty.
Job Description
NRDs sign agreement with NRCS to continue conservation efforts
/Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) collectively signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Jan. 28. This agreement is a renewal of a long-standing commitment between the NRDs and NRCS that reaches back to the Dust Bowl days.
“For more than 80 years Nebraska’s NRDs and the NRCS have been working side-by-side to provide natural resource management assistance to Nebraskans,” said David Eigenberg, Upper Big Blue NRD general manager. “We are committed to continuing our conservation efforts with NRCS to protect lives, property and the future.”
In 1935 President Roosevelt signed the Soil Conservation Act. The law was designed, “To provide for the protection of land resources against soil erosion, and for other purposes.”
A driving force behind the creation of the Soil Conservation Act was the severe drought that was occurring in the Great Plains. Beginning in 1932, persistent drought conditions caused widespread crop failures leaving soil exposed and vulnerable to wind. This period was prone to dust storms that would block out the sun.
The Soil Conservation Act formed the Soil Conservation Service, which today is called the Natural Resources Conservation Service. It didn’t take long for the newly-formed Soil Conservation Service to learn that they needed ways to extend conservation assistance to more farmers. There needed to be a locally-led approach, and the idea for the conservation district was born.
In 1937 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) drafted the Standard State Soil Conservation Districts Law, which President Roosevelt sent to the governors of all states. This law created Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
In 1938 the Papio Soil Conservation District became the first conservation district in Nebraska. By 1972 the Nebraska Unicameral created the NRD system, which combined the responsibilities of the 154 special-use districts into a modern network of 23 Natural Resources Districts established along river basins.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has 77 county offices in Nebraska divided into management areas that mimic NRD boundaries. This allows the NRD and NRCS staff to work together on the same, locally-identified natural resource concerns. Today, Nebraska’s unique NRD system of locally-controlled, tax-funded, watershed-based conservation is widely admired throughout the nation.
“The signing of this agreement is a symbol of our commitment to continue the legacy of our conservation partnership established more than 80 years ago,” said NRCS State Conservationist Craig Derickson. “It was true back in the Dust Bowl that the issues facing agriculture couldn’t be solved alone. That’s still true today. By working together, we are able to accomplish more for farmers and ranchers in Nebraska.”
“Through partnerships like this, we help Nebraska farmers and ranchers remain productive and profitable while ensuring our natural resources are protected for generations,” said Annette Sudbeck, Lewis & Clark NRD general manager.
Each of the 23 NRDs will sign an agreement with NRCS, which reinforces the partnership between the agencies and will be in effect until mutually modified or terminated.
For more information about Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts, visit www.nrdnet.org. To learn more about the programs and services available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov
PHOTO CREDIT: Sydney Norris, Twin Platte NRD
Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Jan. 28. The agreement is a renewal of a long-standing commitment between the NRDs and NRCS to protect and conserve Nebraska’s natural resources. Front row, from left: Lower Elkhorn NRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, shakes NRCS State Conservationist Craig Derickson’s hand after signing the agreement. Lower Elkhorn NRD Directors in the back row, from left to right: Roger Gustafson of Emerson; Scott McHenry of Norfolk; Dennis Schultz of Wisner; Joel Hansen of Wayne; Jerry Allemann of Wayne; and David Kathol of Norfolk.
LENRD board learns about the Northeast Nebraska Growing Together Initiative
/In 2018, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board of directors approved a motion to fund a portion of the riverfront development project to revitalize downtown Norfolk, paving the way for a brighter future for Northeast Nebraska.
At their January meeting, former state senator Mike Flood, and Norfolk mayor Josh Moenning updated the LENRD board on their $1 million investment to the riverfront project. The two also summarized the goals of the Northeast Nebraska Growing Together initiative, explaining the history and future of population loss in the area and how to change the downward trend. The Aksarben Foundation has organized and funded the initiative.
“It was a big commitment made by the board to join with the city to invest in this recreation project that is leading to new development and growth,” Moenning said. Flood added, “It’s important that the city and the NRD are on the same page. We’re all pulling in the same direction.”
Moenning said designs will be finalized for Johnson Park improvements, river restoration, and other downtown projects in the coming years. Some projects, such as the River Point Square, will begin this year.
LENRD general manager Mike Sousek, said, “One of the 12 responsibilities of the NRDs is the development of recreational facilities. The LENRD’s investment in the riverfront development project will work towards bringing more people back to the area and will compliment the efforts that will be made through the Growing Together initiative. This is all part of the LENRD’s mission to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Northeast Nebraska.”
In other business, the board made a motion to direct staff to send non-compliance notification letters to well owners who have not yet submitted groundwater use reports (flow meter readings) for all active high-capacity wells. The deadline to submit the reports to the LENRD is December 1st of each year.
The board also elected officers for 2020. Pictured here are this year’s officers: (back row, left to right) Joel Hansen, Wayne, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Alternate; Dennis Schultz, Wisner, Treasurer; Matt Steffen, West Point, Secretary; Scott McHenry, Norfolk, NARD Delegate. Front row: Gary Loftis, Craig, Chairman (left); and Kurt Janke, Wayne, Vice-Chairman.
The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, February 27th at 7:30 p.m. at Wayne State College. Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their email list on their website.
LENRD officers for 2020: (back row, left to right) Joel Hansen, Wayne, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Alternate; Dennis Schultz, Wisner, Treasurer; Matt Steffen, West Point, Secretary; Scott McHenry, Norfolk, NARD Delegate. Front row: Gary Loftis, Craig, Chairman (left); and Kurt Janke, Wayne, Vice-Chairman.
The No-till, Cover Crop, and Planned Grazing Workshop is Feb. 12th
/Join us for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area - No-till, Cover Crops, & Planned Grazing Systems Workshop. The meeting will be held at the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk on Wednesday, February 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Click below to see the full agenda. RSVP for the meal to the LENRD or your local NRCS office by February 4th. See you at the workshop!
NDEE extends deadline for the 2019 Clean Diesel Rebate Program
/The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s 2019 Clean Diesel Rebate Program has extended the deadline for applications for replacement of eligible diesel irrigation engines with all-electric equipment. Applications must be submitted to the Department by February 21, 2020 to be considered. This program is funded by the U.S. EPA Clean Diesel Program.
Diesel irrigation engines may be replaced with an electric motor to power a surface pump or by connecting an existing submersible pump directly to the electric grid. The replaced diesel engine must be scrapped. Replacement projects must be completed by August 30, 2020.
NDEE will reimburse 60% of the cost of the electrical equipment, installation, and required electric line extension up to a maximum rebate of $20,000. Each applicant may apply to replace one diesel engine.
The Department anticipates funding seventeen irrigation engine rebates. The rebate may be combined with a financial incentive from the electric utility to partially defray the cost of service line extension. A rebate under this program cannot be combined with funds from any other federal grant program for replacement of the same engine. No reimbursement will be made for any expenses incurred before notification of the rebate award and completion of a signed agreement with the Department.
Eligibility
To be eligible, the existing diesel irrigation engine must have engine horsepower and model year within the ranges specified below:
Current Diesel Engine Horsepower
0-50 HP
51-300 HP
301+ HP
Current Engine Model Year and Emissions Tier
2006 and Newer, Unregulated – Tier 2
1996 and Newer, Tier 0 – Tier 3
1986 and Newer, Tier 0 – Tier 3
· The diesel engine must be in operating condition and have historical operations of at least 250 hours annually. A pre-replacement inspection may be made to verify the engine condition.
· The diesel engine must have a legible serial number stamped into the block or listed on an engine data tag affixed to the engine.
Application
The application and instructions for this rebate program are available from the following web page:
http://deq.ne.gov/publica.nsf/pages/17-016.
Applications must be accompanied by one set of quotes for the replacement motor and/or electrical equipment, installation, and service line extension by the electric service supplier.
Applications must be submitted to NDEE by February 21, 2020 to be considered.
More information about the 2019 Clean Diesel Rebate Program can be found at the program website: http://deq.ne.gov/NDEQProg.nsf/OnWeb/NCDGP.
Questions can be directed to randy.smith@nebraska.gov, 402-471-4272
Conservation efforts recognized at Lower Elkhorn NRD Awards Banquet
/The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board honored outstanding conservationists at their annual awards banquet on Thursday, January 9th, 2020. The event was held at the Stables Event Center in Norfolk.
Outstanding Partnership Award – Steve Rasmussen of Wayne
LENRD Board Chairman, Gary Loftis of Craig, presented the partnership award. Loftis said, “The District works with various agencies and partners each year as we strive to improve the quality of life for the citizens across Northeast Nebraska. The Outstanding Partnership Award recognizes excellence in community outreach efforts that highlight our mission of protecting our natural resources for future generations.”
Loftis said, “We want to recognize Steve Rasmussen of Wayne, District Forester with the Nebraska Forest Service, for his outstanding partnership with us, in promoting our projects and programs across our 15-county district.”
For the past 37 years, Steve has held a strong partnership with the NRDs across the state. He started with the Nebraska Forest Service in 1982 working as the NFS Forester and the NRD Forester for the Lower Loup NRD in Ord.
In 1984, he became the Nebraska Forest Service – Northeast District / Extension Forester at Concord. In 2007 he became the Coordinator for the four-state Great Plains Forestry Initiative until 2010. He then returned to the Nebraska Forest Service as the Northeast District Forester from 2010 to the present. He has also been a member of the Society of American Foresters for 30 years.
Steve’s work involves providing professional forestry assistance to 15 counties in 5 NRDs across northeast Nebraska. He works primarily with the design and management of conservation tree plantings as well as riparian forest and woodland management. He also deals with the marketing and utilization of wood resources. Educating our youth and the public about the importance and care of trees is also a large part of Steve’s work. He has partnered with the NRDs to bring education programs to the schools and communities across 5 districts. He continues to promote our programs to community leaders and presents Arbor Day and other tree celebration programming. Working with communities with tree resources and tree planting grants is also a highlight of Steve’s career. Promoting and assisting with local arboretums and overall technical assistance to tree owners on the care and management of trees takes much time and effort.
Loftis added, “Steve has always been a strong supporter of the NRDs and our mission. He has worked side by side with us to inform the public of our programs and to assist in tree planting projects across the area. In the aftermath of the 2019 flood, Steve assisted with many calls and visits to producers across our district. We appreciate Steve’s support of our projects and his willingness to jump in and assist us. Thank you, Steve, for your partnership in protecting our natural resources for future generations.”
Sustainable Agriculture Award – Dan & Melinda Stelling & Family
The Lower Elkhorn NRD’s Conservation Honor Farm awards were first presented in 1973. The winners are selected for their demonstrated excellence in soil & water conservation. Dan & Melinda Stelling & Family of Pierce were honored at the banquet for their outstanding conservation work as the 2019 Sustainable Agriculture Award winners.
Dan Gillespie, NRCS No-till Specialist for Madison County, nominated the Dan Stelling Family for this award. Gillespie said, “Over the past 40 years, Dan Stelling has utilized innovative techniques to conserve soil and water in his farming practices. Dan describes his journey in conservation and regenerative agriculture as a series of steps taken that culminated in the systems he now operates on his farms.”
Dan’s first step was starting to no-till all crops in 2004. He gives no-till the credit for starting his transition to regenerative agriculture on his farms. The no-till stopped soil erosion from water and wind on his Valentine sands and reduced evaporative losses from the cropland.
Step two came in 2006 when Dan flew cereal rye on his soybean ground as a participant in the LENRD Cover Crop Incentive Program. He grazed the cereal rye cover crops in the spring with the cow calf herd, then would remove the cows and plant the corn right away, terminating the rye a week or two afterwards. After a few years of trials, they have been planting green since 2009. Planting green allows the cover crop to grow more biomass in the soil and allows for a friendly soil biological environment for the newly germinated seedlings.
In 2019, Dan diversified his crop rotation to include small grains on one quarter. After planting cereal rye as a cover crop in soybean stubble and terminating it, he planted half the quarter to oats and peas that were later harvested as hay. He followed that with a mix of BMR Sorghum, mung beans, guar, buckwheat and black oil sunflowers. Dan will utilize that half quarter for winter grazing for the cow herd. The other half quarter was planted to a grazing corn, cowpeas, forage soybeans, and sunflower mix, and was chopped for silage. The field was then planted to a mix of grazing popcorn, spring peas, spring oats, cereal rye, forage collards, purple top turnips, and radishes. That mix will be grazed in the spring with cow calf pairs. The implementation of small grains into their crop rotation has enabled them to plant multi-species cover crops that provide quality forage for their cowherd to graze, while providing opportunities to take pressure off pastures.
Dan farms two quarters in the Bazile Groundwater Management Area and has plans to implement cover crops on them next year. The implementation of continuous no-till with cover crops will keep soil out of the creek and nitrates out of the groundwater. Planting cover crops also sequesters nutrients unused by the cash grain crops, making them available to the next cash crop.
Gillespie added, “Dan and Melinda have been leaders ‘in the field’ by adopting soil health practices and implementing regenerative agriculture systems. The diverse crop rotations and diversified ag enterprises they enlist on their farms are modeling the way to reduce expenses and increase profitability. The time savings that no-till farming provides also allows them to be active in their community. Dan and Melinda are Huddle Group Leaders for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Pierce High School. Congratulations to the Stelling family as the recipients of the 2019 Sustainable Agriculture Award.”
Staff Awards
Staff awards were also presented during the banquet by Chairman Loftis, and General Manager, Mike Sousek.
Char Newkirk of Stanton – Conservation Aide in the Stanton County NRCS office – 20 years of service
Valissa Tegeler of Battle Creek – Programs Assistant in the Madison County NRCS office – 20 years of service
Danny Johnson of Decatur – Logan East Rural Water System Technician in the Oakland office – Danny recently retired after 25 years of service.
Julie Wragge of Pierce – Information & Education Specialist in the Norfolk office - 25 years of service
Vickie DeJong of Pierce – Administrative Supervisor in the Norfolk office – 40 years of service
Request for Qualifications to repair streambank stabilization project on the Elkhorn River near Scribner
/The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is seeking a qualified engineering firm to guide us as we repair damages suffered from the March 2019 flood event. The repairs consist primarily of streambank erosion on the Elkhorn River near Scribner, NE. The LENRD needs to hire an engineer to provide the necessary engineering services required by FEMA to repair the project.
If your firm is interested, has the qualified staff to take on the work immediately, and feels they know our District needs, please submit your qualifications to the LENRD. One hard copy and an electronic copy of your qualifications/proposals must be submitted to: Lower Elkhorn NRD, C/O Curt Becker, 1508 Square Turn Boulevard - Norfolk, NE 68701 by the end of business day on January 31st, 2020.
Submittal Requirements & Scope of Work can be found by clicking the button below, or by contacting the LENRD. Questions regarding the RFQ can be addressed to the LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, at 402-371-7313 or cbecker@lenrd.org
LENRD supports Watershed Dynamics Program with Norfolk High School
/The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) recently awarded Norfolk Public Schools with a grant to get their Watershed Dynamics Program started. The science and agriculture departments at Norfolk High are teaming up to partner with the City of Norfolk and the LENRD to collect data and analyze the water quality of the Elkhorn River.
Jonathan Anderson, FFA Advisor with Norfolk Public Schools, presented his proposal to the LENRD Board of Directors at their December board meeting. The group put together a list of equipment needs to get the project up and running. Anderson also presented some of their ideas for the future. The board voted to award $1,756 to the school for their equipment needs.
The Watershed Team will focus on three locations on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River and will collect samples at different times of the year to help with analysis. LENRD Information & Education Specialist, Julie Wragge, said, “The data will be important as the district works closely with the city in the development of the Riverfront Project that will promote further recreation opportunities for the Norfolk Area.”
Order your tree and shrub seedlings from the Lower Elkhorn NRD
/Landowners who incorporate trees and windbreaks into their landscape increase agricultural productivity, protect soil and water, and enhance environments for people and wildlife. Have you considered updating your windbreak or planting a new one?
The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has 40 varieties of trees and shrubs available through their Conservation Tree Program. The trees and shrubs will be 1-2 year old, bare-root seedlings that will average in height from 10-18 inches tall. The cost for a bundle of 25 seedlings is $22 plus tax. This year a “Small Acreage Package” is also available with 5 different species included.
“This is an affordable way to start a windbreak, provide wildlife habitat, or even start a privacy hedge made of shrubs,” said Natural Resources Technician, Todd Stewart. “We offer evergreens, hardwood or deciduous trees, and shrubs which together make an efficient windbreak for your homestead or for livestock protection.”
Technical assistance on designing your windbreak or tree planting is available from the LENRD or your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. Landowners may also want to inquire about the LENRD’s Agroforestry Cost Share Program or Windbreak Renovation Program.
“Trees and windbreaks provide many benefits,” Stewart added. “They can increase your property value, reduce soil erosion, and attract wildlife. Order your trees today, and they’ll be available for pickup in April.”
The LENRD also provides a tree planting service for seedlings purchased through the program. The minimum charge for this service is $275 and a tree and shrub planting plan must be developed by LENRD staff or through your local NRCS office.
Tree order forms are available at the LENRD office in Norfolk, at your local NRCS office, or online at:
For more information contact the LENRD at 402.371.7313 or your local NRCS office.
NDEE offers rebates for diesel irrigation engine replacements
/The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is offering rebates for Nebraska residents to replace diesel trucks and ag irrigation pump diesel engines. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 17, 2020. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/y3kndpnq
LENRD announces winners of Conservation Poster Contest
/“Life in the Soil – Dig Deeper” was this year’s theme of the annual Conservation Poster Contest sponsored by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD). Approximately 127 K-12th grade students participated in the contest. Layers of soil with earthworms, plant roots, and animal burrows were some of the examples shown in the winning posters, created by students from across the LENRD’s 15-counties in northeast Nebraska.
The following winners will receive special recognition from the LENRD:
Grades K-1
1) Gage Anderson St. Wenceslaus, Dodge
2) Connor Pojar St. Wenceslaus, Dodge
3) Madison Blaha St. Wenceslaus, Dodge
Grades 2-3
1) Emma Ortmeier St. Wenceslaus, Dodge
2) Lauren Hegemann St. Wenceslaus, Dodge
3) Elijah Killham St. Francis, Humphrey
Grades 4-6
1) Colten Melcher St. John Lutheran, Battle Creek
2) Britlee Wragge St. John Lutheran, Battle Creek
3) Bree Pojar St. Wenceslaus, Dodge
Grades 7-9
1) Brittany Borchers St. John Lutheran, Battle Creek
2) Tylar Humphrey St. John Lutheran, Battle Creek
3) Sophie Humphrey St. John Lutheran, Battle Creek
Grades 10-12
1) Brooklyn Bailey Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point
2) Marribelle Garlick Norfolk High School
3) Isabella Steskal Norfolk High School
The first place posters in each category were sent on to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) in Lincoln for the State Competition.
The NARD recently announced that the LENRD has 2 winners at the State level this year.
Students winning in the State competition include:
· Grades 4-6: Colten Melcher, Battle Creek, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
· Grades 10-12: Brooklyn Bailey, West Point, Nebraska (Lower Elkhorn NRD)
These students will also receive special recognition from the NARD in Lincoln. The posters created by Melcher and Bailey will be sent on to Las Vegas, Nevada for the National competition in February 2020.
“We have had some great posters submitted over the years from across our district. The poster contest is a fun way to help students connect with the world around them and to use the theme to focus on things they can see and hear in their own backyard,” said Julie Wragge, LENRD Information & Education Specialist. “Congratulations to all the students who participated this year.”
The 2020 poster theme is “Where would we BEE without pollinators?” For more information on the poster contest, contact Julie Wragge, at jwragge@lenrd.org or 402-371-7313.
Grades K-1 - First Place: Gage Anderson, St. Wenceslaus School, Dodge
Grades 2-3 - First Place: Emma Ortmeier, St. Wenceslaus School, Dodge
Grades 4-6 - First Place: Colten Melcher, St. John School, Battle Creek. State winner & National finalist!
Grades 7-9 - First Place: Brittany Borchers, St. John School, Battle Creek
Grades 10-12 - First Place: Brooklyn Bailey, Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point. State winner & National finalist!
LENRD Board approves applications for new irrigated acres
/Earlier this fall, landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries, had an opportunity to submit applications to expand irrigated acres.
LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The board voted to accept applications for standard variances in some portions of the District. We received 123 applications for new irrigated acres during the sign-up period, which was open from October 1st through October 31st, 2019.” Eligible applications were processed using the District’s scoring and ranking process, which integrates several categories that are each assigned different score values within the subcategory. Each eligible application was given a total score, and subsequently the applications were ranked from highest to lowest score.
The board voted at their December 2nd meeting to allow up to 292.24 acre-feet of new peak season streamflow depletions in the LENRD’s Hydrologically Connected (10/50 Area), which calculates to 2,795 new irrigated acres. The board also voted to allow for the development of 2509.92 new irrigated acres in the LENRD’s Non-Hydrologically Connected (Non 10/50 Area). These approvals were determined from the final rankings as provided by District staff, and a cut-off was established to determine the number of acre-feet of new depletions, and the number of new irrigated acres that would be made available for each respective management area.
Bruckner continued, “Staff will now go through the process of contacting the landowners in writing, for both approved and non-approved applications.” After the landowners have been properly notified, the approved list will be made available by submitting a request for public records to the District.
In other action, the board approved the annual groundwater allocations for the Quantity Management Subareas subject to allocations for the 2020 growing season. Bruckner, said, “Each year, the board must determine the annual groundwater allocation amounts for the Wayne and Eastern Madison County Quantity Management Subareas for the upcoming crop year.” The board voted to establish the 2020 allocation amounts at: 18 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 14 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Eastern Madison County Quantity Subarea, and 17 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 12 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Wayne County Quantity Subarea. These groundwater allocation amounts have remained unchanged since first being imposed for the 2013 pumping season.
In other business, the board approved 5 Community Forestry Incentive applications for a total cost of $13,719.69. The communities receiving grants this year include: the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Public Schools, the Village of Pilger, the City of Wakefield, and the City of West Point.
The board also voted to approve the memorandum of agreement between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the LENRD. LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The NRCS and LENRD share a rich history of collaborating to deliver comprehensive technical and financial assistance to landowners and other entities to protect, restore, and enhance natural resources. This agreement reinforces the partnership between both agencies and will be in effect until mutually modified or terminated.”
The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement management plans for the future of our natural resources. The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, December 19th at 7:30 p.m. at the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk. Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.
Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan available for public review
/In November 2018, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) began the process of updating the hazard mitigation plan. One of the benefits of completing this plan update as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is that participating communities within the district will remain eligible for mitigation grant programs. This plan examines regional and local vulnerabilities to a range of hazards (i.e. flooding, severe winter storms, drought, etc.) and identifies strategies and projects that can be implemented to reduce risk posed by these phenomena. Throughout the planning process, officials and staff from the LENRD, counties, communities, and school districts have provided insights regarding vulnerabilities, completed projects that have increased local resilience, and future opportunities to further reduce risk.
A draft of the plan has been completed and is available on the project website (https://jeo.com/lenrd-hmp) for public review. We encourage community members to review the plan, provide comments, and ask any questions they may have during the official comment period. The public review period will end on December 27th. Please submit comments and questions to Karl Dietrich via email at kdietrich@jeo.com.
Repairs begin on hiking/biking trail in Pierce
/The development and management of recreational and park facilities is one of the 12 responsibilities of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).
At their October meeting, the LENRD Board voted to develop a contract with Rutjens Construction of Tilden to repair the pedestrian trail between the Willow Creek State Recreation Area (SRA) and the City of Pierce for $17,675.00. The trail was significantly damaged as a result of the flooding that occurred last spring.
LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “The LENRD applied for Public Assistance funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help with the project repairs. After approval, the board voted to repair the trail as quickly as possible. Some portions of the trail are already repaired. If the weather holds, construction work should be completed in November.”
Becker added, “The surface of the trail is a crushed limestone finish. This allows for a firm, yet comfortable surface for walking, jogging, and bike riding.”
The walking trail around the lake is named after long-time LENRD Board Member, Bill Meyer of Pierce. The trail wraps around the recreation area and into the city of Pierce, covering approximately 10 miles.
The Willow Creek State Recreation Area is owned by the LENRD, and is managed by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission.
Funding approved for watershed projects across Nebraska
/The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that four Natural Resources Districts received over $2.5 million in Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations funding. This funding will be directed towards developing watershed plans in the following NRDs:
The Lower Platte South NRD received funding to complete the Little Salt Creek Watershed Plan in northern Lancaster County. This plan will help improve habitat for the endangered Salt Tiger Beetle by protecting saline wetland habitat, providing wetland rehabilitation, and erosion and sediment control.
The Lower Elkhorn NRD received funding to complete the Battle Creek Watershed Plan. This plan aims to reduce the overall flood risk potential in the area as well as provide flood resiliency for surrounding agricultural land.
The Central Platte NRD received funding to complete the Spring and Buffalo Creek Watershed Plan. This effort is focused on reducing flood damages to irrigation canal infrastructure and agricultural land. Goals include identifying solutions to reoccurring flooding issues, soil erosion, and evaluate multi-beneficial projects which can benefit endangered and threatened species within and downstream of the watershed.
The Central Platte NRD also received funding to complete the Lower Wood River Watershed Plan. The goal is to establish a recommended plan to address ongoing flooding events. This includes implementing structural and non-structural projects to create resiliency against future flooding, reduce flood related damages, and protect the local economy.
The Lower Loup NRD received funding to complete the Mud Creek Watershed Plan. This plan will focus on reducing flood related damages to communities and agricultural land, improve flood resiliency, improve recreation opportunities and enhance groundwater recharge.
Nebraska State Conservationist Craig Derickson said, “We look forward to working with these Natural Resources Districts on these new watershed projects. We saw how established watershed projects sprang into action this past spring following the bomb cyclone reducing flood damages and protecting natural resources. These new projects plan to provide more benefits to more areas across Nebraska.”
