LENRD office to open by appointment only beginning June 1st

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) office in Norfolk will open its doors for appointments only beginning on Monday, June 1st.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “We plan to start relaxing some of our restrictions and will allow the public to visit with staff in the office, by appointment only, to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone.”

Sousek added, “As we navigate through these uncertain times, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  We’re available to answer your phone calls and emails, and now you also have the option of making an appointment with us.  If you do not feel comfortable meeting face-to-face, there’s also a drop box at the main entrance (west door) for reports and permits.”

The LENRD will continue to monitor the developments with COVID-19, and implement the latest recommendations from federal, state and local authorities.  Visit the LENRD website, Facebook or Twitter, or sign up for our monthly emails for further updates.

1508 Square turn boulevard, norfolk, ne 68701 - 402-371-7313

4-H Camps go virtual this summer

COVID-19 has caused many events to be postponed or cancelled. For the summer 4-H Camps, they will be held virtually.

We want to share their new online camp opportunity with youth ages 8-18! Choose from a variety of exciting, live, online programs that you can participate in right from your home! Meet and interact with other youth who have similar interests!

Please use these links to learn more about some of our virtual camp offerings that will be led by Nebraska 4-H, Camp Professionals, UNL Faculty/Staff and Industry Professionals.

View Our List of Offerings

Then register for your favorites using your account information. Don't know your log in information, its easy to Retrieve / Reset Your Login Information.

Assistance is available to help producers with animal disposal

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering financial and technical assistance to livestock producers for animal mortality disposal, resulting from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Producers facing livestock depopulation are encouraged to file an Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) application (Form CPA-1200) with their local NRCS field office. Applications are being accepted now.

Emergency Animal Mortality Management Initiative

LENRD campgrounds set to open May 20th

Campers can begin to enjoy their favorite pastime at various recreation areas later this month.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will be opening the campgrounds at their recreation areas on Wednesday, May 20th.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “Due to COVID-19, social distancing efforts have been enforced to save lives.  On May 20th, we plan to open our campgrounds at Maskenthine Lake near Stanton, and the Maple Creek Recreation Area near Leigh with some restrictions.”

Beginning on May 20th, the RV campsites will have the following requirements:

• The camping sites are first-come, first-served for $25 per night.

• Tent camping is not allowed until further notice.

• Only self-contained RVs, with factory features that allow them to hold potable water, contain wastewater/sewage and connect to electrical service, will be allowed.

• Shower houses and restrooms are closed until further notice.  RV dump stations will be open.

• Each campsite will be limited to eight guests, and the length of stay will be limited to 7 days.

• Designated beach and swimming areas are closed until further notice, in part due to recent incidents involving large gatherings and lack of social distancing.

• Other waterfront areas are open for day use and fishing as long as social distancing and the 10-person gathering size limit are maintained.

• Picnic shelters, undesignated campsites, and playgrounds are closed until further notice.

Sousek added, “We will provide updates as they become available.  Please take precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including social distancing even in outdoor spaces.”

LENRD Recreation Area Superintendent, Leonard Boryca, said, “We look forward to restoring more recreational opportunities as conditions improve.  Our priority is protecting everyone’s health by following the CDC guidelines.”

These LENRD managed recreation areas are multipurpose projects, offering outdoor opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all residents, as well as a range of conservation benefits including:  groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat, and soil erosion prevention.

Nitrates in Nebraska

DID YOU KNOW THIS WEEK IS DRINKING WATER WEEK? WHAT'S IN YOUR WATER?
This professional project was written and edited by Jessica Fargen Walsh in 2019 when she she was a graduate assistant pursuing a master's degree in professional journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jessica interviewed at least 60 people including farmers, townspeople, village water operators, mayors, business owners, researchers, natural resources district managers, and a mother of a child who had cancer. She drove more than 1,600 miles, and visited more than a dozen towns and cities. She wanted to tell the story of the impact of nitrate contamination from all points of view in the hopes of creating awareness. It's a problem that people are trying to fix, but is not really getting better. The site was published in December 2019 and updated in April 2020. She wants more people to ask themselves: What's in my water?

Transforming manure and cedar mulch from "waste" to "worth"

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has partnered with the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) to develop on-farm research sites to explore soil health on agricultural land.  The grant was written to develop 6 research sites across the state, partnering with Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and local producers.

The demonstration sites will be utilizing manure and cedar mulch as soil amendments.  The sites will further document agronomic, soil health, environmental and economic benefits of using the amendments.

Research students from UNL designed and coordinated the test plots and the application of the manure and woodchips, prior to spring planting.

Agustin Olivo is a UNL Graduate Research Assistant in biological systems engineering and is working with the project.  Olivo said, “The goal is to improve soil properties while recycling locally available amendments such as livestock manure and woodchips from cedar trees.  Cedar encroachment has become a large problem across Nebraska and this is one way to recycle the cleared trees, and off-set the cost by using the chips for mulch on Ag land.”

Olivo added, “When exploring the health of soil, we must look at the chemical, physical, and biological properties and determine if all the parts are performing well.  These demo sites will allow us to further investigate the value and benefits of the nutrients applied as we work to improve the soil properties.”

The demonstrations will also engage local high school students in educational experiences as they address soil health and the implementation of on-farm research for evaluating proposed practice change.  Within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), the site is located just west of Pierce on land owned by Ted Krienke.  Ag and FFA students from Pierce High School are participating in the demonstration.

Three different applications will be studied: a control plot of inorganic fertilizer, a plot with only cattle manure, and a plot of manure and wood chips.  These plots were replicated four times, and will be studied for the next 2 years.  Preliminary data will be shared later this year.

Partners for the project include Extension Educators, the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at UNL, the Nebraska Forest Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the NRDs, the crop and livestock producers, and the local schools.

The project sites were funded in part through the NET grant, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, and the Water for Food Institute.

Research students from UNL designed and coordinated the test plots and the application of the manure and woodchips, prior to spring planting.

Chemigation permits due June 1st

Farmers planning to chemigate during the 2020 growing season must renew chemigation permits by June 1 to meet state deadline requirements, according to Josh Schnitzler, Water Resources Coordinator for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approximately 1,947 chemigation permits were approved by the LENRD in 2019.  For more information on renewing or obtaining chemigation permits, call the Lower Elkhorn NRD at 371-7313.

Chemigation Permits

Where would we BEE without Pollinators?

In partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), the Lower Elkhorn NRD is celebrating the 65th year of Stewardship Week April 26 – May 3, 2020, focusing on the theme “Where would we BEE without pollinators?”

Pollinators form the underpinning of a healthy and sustainable future for food and the environment, but they have shown disturbing signs of decline in recent years. When pollinators shrink in number, many plants either produce less seed or no seed at all. Most plants depend upon pollinators to reproduce. There are more than 100,000 species of insects, including bees, flies, moths, butterflies and beetles, and over 1,000 species of other animals such as birds, reptiles and mammals, including bats, that pollinate plants. 

“Pollinators play a critical role in our ecosystems every day,” NACD President Tim Palmer said. “It’s important that we work to learn how we can protect their habitat in our communities.”

Free, downloadable Stewardship Week resources celebrating the theme “Where Would We BEE Without Pollinators?” are available on NACD’s website at:

LENRD board approves Hazard Mitigation Plan

Proactive hazard mitigation planning allows a community to take actions to reduce or eliminate threats from natural disasters. To help guide future hazard mitigation projects, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has updated their Hazard Mitigation Plan and approved it at their April board meeting.

When developing the plan, the LENRD’s 15-counties were guided by a Planning Team consisting of representatives from the LENRD, counties, cities, several schools, and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).  According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for every $1 spent on hazard mitigation, $4 in post storm cleanup and rebuilding is saved.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “Once a community, county, or district is part of an approved plan they become eligible for up to a 75% cost share for a wide variety of projects listed in the plan. Hazard Mitigation Plans are required to be updated on a five-year cycle.”

JEO Consulting Group, Inc. (JEO) was hired to update the plan.  JEO assisted in completing the LENRD’s original and previous plans in 2009 and 2014.  This hazard mitigation plan update is funded by a FEMA planning grant.  The cost is shared 75% through federal funding and 25% through a local match.  For this plan update, the LENRD provided the 25% local match.

In other business, the board approved a payment request from the City of Randolph for $834,723 for their flood risk management project.  The board signed an inter-local agreement with the city in 2017.  This payment request will assist with Phase 1 of the project and will keep the project moving forward.  The entire project includes the widening of the channel and the replacement of several bridges through the city.

The board also approved the Urban Recreation Area Development and Urban Conservation Program applications for a total of $89,551.58.  The 4 approved grants will assist the communities of Madison, Norfolk, and Randolph with their outdoor recreation projects.  Becker said, “The applications for these grants are sent to the communities within the LENRD each year with an early March deadline.”

The board also voted to authorize staff to proceed with the handicapped sidewalk project at Maskenthine Lake.  This will complete the sidewalks near the jetties and the boat dock.  The bid was accepted from Gates Construction, LLC for $12,669.

In other action, the board approved the producer contracts for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) demonstration site for groundwater nitrate reduction.  This project will consist of 3 demonstration sites on farms within the BGMA through a Nebraska Environmental Trust grant.

The board also approved to continue the operation, maintenance, and coordination of the Nebraska GeoCloud platform.  LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The GeoCloud platform hosts the statewide Airborne Electromagnetic Survey (AEM) data and the supporting datasets that allows for the sharing of this data with the public through the Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) website.”

A presentation was given by Charles Ikenberry, an engineer with FYRA Engineering, on potential ways to reduce the toxic algae in the Willow Creek State Recreation Area, southwest of Pierce.  He proposed a multi-phase approach to the study of the phosphorus build up in the lake to determine what could potentially be done to combat the issue.  LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “This is an introduction to a project that could potentially help us to further understand the complexity of this issue and assist us in developing a plan to protect the water quality in the lake and the surrounding area.”

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, May 28th at 7:30 p.m.

LENRD plants 375 trees at the City of Norfolk's well field

On Monday, April 20th, staff from the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), planted 375 trees and shrubs at the City of Norfolk’s well field, west of Norfolk.  The planting is a partnership between the two agencies during the 2,020 trees in 2020 campaign. Black Hills Spruce trees and American Plums were planted at the well field, adding to the trees that were planted by the LENRD and the Nebraska Forest Service in previous years.

Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician, said, “We’re happy to plant more trees out here at the well field.  Trees are natural oxygen producers.  Being surrounded by trees can have a beneficial effect on the mind, boosting overall mental health.  Trees also provide shelter and homes for animals, they protect our soil from erosion, and can even help to lower heating and cooling costs.  I love the way that trees can make some of our ‘not so nice’ weather bearable.”

Mayor Josh Moenning, said, “Trees provide many benefits, not only for us, but for the future.  Our partnership with the Lower Elkhorn NRD remains strong as we continue to grow northeast Nebraska.”

Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician, and LENRD Interns, Erika Hinz and Dillon Hupp, are checking on one of the Black Hills Spruce trees, holding up their fingers to represent the 375 trees they planted.

Coalition plans statewide Tree-a-thon for 2020

Youth, communities come together to plant and celebrate trees  

On Arbor Day weekend (April 24-26), youth and their communities will participate in the statewide Nebraska Tree-A-Thon to plant and celebrate trees. Communities are collaborating with a coalition of nonprofits and public institutions including Beyond School Bells and afterschool providers, the Arbor Day Foundation, Natural Resources Districts, Audubon Nebraska, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Department of Education and the University of Nebraska.

“Now more than ever it is important for youth and their families to collectively participate in an out-of-school-time activity that is positive, safe, shared and lasting,” said Anna Wishart of Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s afterschool network. “The beauty of planting and celebrating trees is that it can be done safely in our backyards and neighborhoods.”

Communities and the coalition have been working diligently to purchase trees, coordinate safe tree pick-up locations, and develop resources for youth and families to learn about the benefits of trees and how to care for them. 

“Our Natural Resources Districts have partnered with more than 20 community afterschool programs that span Nebraska to find safe and creative ways to deliver tree seedlings into the hands of youth for planting,” said Jim Eschliman, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president.

For youth and families that do not have trees to plant, the coalition has resources and activities for other ways to celebrate trees. Just last month, seven talented University of Nebraska-Lincoln students worked with tree experts to develop fun activities for youth to learn about trees. Nebraskan families can access and download this tree-a-thon educational resource here. 

The Arbor Day Foundation has launched a social media campaign to plant up to 50,000 trees on behalf of people celebrating trees. To get a tree planted on your behalf, all you have to do is post a picture of a tree (or a tree selfie is even better) and use the hashtag #ArborDayAtHome.

Whether it is planting trees, going on a nature walk, making birdhouses, or posting a tree selfie, Nebraska’s youth and their families are encouraged to join the Tree-A-Thon this year to collectively share in the importance of trees. Please join the Tree-A-Thon by posting a picture of your family planting and/or celebrating trees and make sure to tag the members of the tree-a-thon coalition and include #NETreeAThon, #TreeSelfie and #ArborDayAtHome. 

"We need trees to keep our communities cool, healthy and resilient,” said Logan Donahoo, K-12 program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation. “We're so excited to see the next generation of tree stewards make an impact on their communities and learn the lifelong skills of planting and caring for trees."

#NETreeathon #TreeSelfie #ArborDayAtHome #2020in2020

Lower Elkhorn NRD promotes Arbor Day with end-of-season tree sales

In Nebraska, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated on the last Friday in April.  The 148th Anniversary of Arbor Day will be celebrated Friday, April 24th.

Since Nebraska is the birth state of Arbor Day, it’s only appropriate that the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) promotes tree-planting programs each year.  The LENRD will have tree seedlings available for purchase next Friday in celebration of Arbor Day, at the Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, north of Stanton.  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 LENRD Tree Distribution Center (approximately 2 miles north of Stanton).

The Center will be open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Arbor Day.  Seedlings must be purchased in bundles of 25 for $22 plus tax.  Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician, said, “We’ll be cleaning out the cooler on Arbor Day, quantities are limited, but there’s still enough variety if you’re looking for trees or shrubs to fill in your windbreak.  Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ll be using a drive thru lane for tree purchase and pickup at the distribution center at Maskenthine.”  Stewart added, “Plant a tree to protect your property and the future.  Our parents did it for us, and we should return the favor for future generations.”

Contact the LENRD office if you have questions about the trees or if you need further assistance.

Trees available for purchase on Arbor Day

More information

Norfolk awarded $1.125 million for Johnson Park and riverfront improvements

The State of Nebraska recently announced the City of Norfolk was awarded $1.125 million through the Civic Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF) to help fund Johnson Park and Riverfront Improvements. The CCCFF grants are awarded to municipalities and administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) to encourage and foster enhanced quality of life. CCCFF grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and $1.125 million is the maximum amount allowed.

“For years now, we’ve been forging partnerships and leveraging available resources to help fund needed improvements to the Johnson Park/North Fork Riverfront area,” said Mayor Josh Moenning. “That work is paying off.  This grant funding provides a significant boost to our efforts to restore Johnson Park to its Works Progress Administration-era beauty, reconnect the park to the North Fork Riverfront, and make the area safe, clean and accessible once again for recreational use.”

Some components of the project include new ADA restrooms, additional parking spaces, an amphitheater in the park, updated playground equipment, infrastructure improvements, removal of the existing spillway, eight 18-inch high boulder walls constructed to introduce water recreation characteristics to the river, enhanced aquatic habitats, beautification along the bank corridors and river access points. The estimated timeline for work calls for bidding to take place summer of 2021, with construction starting later in 2021 through fall of 2022. Partial funding of the project was budgeted in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), utilization of City Keno funds, and funds from both the Sanitary Improvement District (SID) and the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

“By partnering with the City of Norfolk on the River Rehabilitation Project, we are working together to improve the quality of life for the citizens across our 15-county district.  This is not only a project for Norfolk, but rather the Norfolk Area.  Families are looking for more things to do in northeast Nebraska,” said Mike Sousek LENRD General Manager.

Last year the City of Norfolk received a planning grant for preliminary and design work needing to be completed prior to construction of the project. Part of that work was to start the process of obtaining a 404 Permit through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and environmental review. The City also has additional projects in motion that complement the Johnson Park and River Restoration effort, including Braasch Avenue reconstruction for which design was completed in 2019 and construction is set to start May 2020.

Senior Scholarships now available

This year, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will be offering two $500 scholarships to graduating High School Seniors within the district.  These scholarships are available for students who are planning to further their education in a natural resources or agriculture related field.  Seniors who are interested should contact their guidance counselor or the Lower Elkhorn NRD office in Norfolk for further information, eligibility requirements, and applications.  Scholarship information has been sent to all schools within the district boundaries and is also available below. The deadline for all scholarship applications has been extended to Friday, May 22, 2020.

Scholarship Criteria

Application Form

Norfolk to plant 2,020 trees in 2020 beginning this weekend

The City of Norfolk plans to plant 2,020 trees in 2020 begin in full force this week in advance of Arbor Day on Friday, April 24.  A number of tree-planting initiatives, featuring partnerships with local and state organizations, kick off in the coming week. 

“2020 in 2020 is an ambitious yet achievable goal, and we hope that families spending time together on home improvement projects will help us reach it,” said Mayor Josh Moenning.  “Increasing our tree canopy, in both public and private spaces, benefits everyone.  Trees save money on heating and cooling costs, mitigate runoff and infrastructure degradation, improve air quality, and help beautify the city.” 

The “2020 in 2020” effort includes partnerships with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), the Norfolk Public Schools Aftershock Program, and area schools and businesses to provide free trees, planting tips, and educational packets to the community.

In March, Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s statewide afterschool and summer learning network, announced it’s statewide “Tree-a-thon” which challenges youth across the state to collectively plant over 20,000 trees in 2020, starting on Arbor Day weekend. The LENRD is donating 1,500 Ponderosa Pine seedlings for the Norfolk Tree-a-thon.  The seedlings will be available, free to the public, for pickup at the following locations:

• Saturday, April 18th NorfolkNow Curbside Cruise Locations

• Monday, April 20th- Friday, April 24th Norfolk Public Library (must call to reserve 402-844-2100)

• Monday, April 20th- Friday, April 24th Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce (in the front foyer)

• Wednesday, April 22nd at the Zone 11:30-1:00 PM

• Thursday, April 23rd at the Norfolk Middle School 3:00-6:00 PM

• Saturday, April 25th at the Salvation Army parking lot 7:00 PM

“It’s important to maintain our connection with nature during these uncertain times,” said Julie Wragge, Information & Education Specialist for the LENRD.  “We are proud to partner with community leaders to provide these trees and to provide this opportunity for families to strengthen their connection with nature through tree planting.”

In addition, as part of the “2020 in 2020” initiative, 250 free trees will be distributed to families on a “first come, first served” basis through a grant the city received from the Arbor Day Foundation.  This distribution begins Saturday, April 25, and more information on obtaining free trees can be found at https://norfolkne.gov/government/departments/communications-office/news/free-tree-distribution-dates-set-for-end-of-april.html. The City of Norfolk also has plans to plant up to 300 trees across the city on public lands, some of which were donated by the LENRD, to help reach the 2,020 goal.

“We need trees to keep our communities healthy and resilient.  We're so excited to see the next generation of tree stewards make an impact in their community while learning to plant and care for trees,” said Austin Casselberry, Project Director for Aftershock.

The Lower Elkhorn NRD is partnering with the City of Norfolk to provide 1,500 trees for giveaway during the Tree-a-thon.

2020 NCF-Envirothon Competition Cancelled

WASHINGTON – Today, the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) announced the cancellation of the 2020 NCF-Envirothon to protect the health and safety of the general public and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The annual event was slated for July 26 to Aug. 1, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

“This was not an easy decision, but our primary concern is the health and safety of the students, as well as the general public, and we feel it’s in the best interest to cancel the 2020 NCF-Envirothon Nebraska event at this time,” said NCF Chairman Steve Robinson. “We know that many students look forward to this competition and are truly sorry for this turn of events; however, we hope students stay engaged in the Envirothon mission, and we encourage them to look ahead to preparations for next year.”

The top priority for the organizers is the health and safety of students, advisors, volunteers, sponsors and education partners.

"The NARD’s goal, first and foremost, is to protect the health and safety of the general public and do whatever we can to assist in controlling the novel coronavirus,” said NARD President Jim Eschliman. “While the cancellation is a disappointment, our dedication to environmental education and protecting lives, property and the future through natural resources management remains strong. We look forward to welcoming NCF-Envirothon competitors to Nebraska in the future.”

The NCF-Envirothon is an environmental and natural resources education competition, reaching more than 25,000 high school students across the United States, Canada and China annually. The hands-on competition is held outdoors to give students a chance to take their classroom learning and apply it in a natural setting.

To protect public health, many local state and provincial Envirothon competitions have also been canceled across North America, including Nebraska’s state competition. The NCF, NARD and other state/provincial Envirothon program leaders continue to follow recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We thank the participants and volunteers for their ongoing dedication to the program, and we wish them and their families good health through these difficult times,” Robinson said.

Teams that have already registered to compete at the 2020 NCF-Envirothon will receive a full refund. Questions about the NCF-Envirothon can be directed to NCF-Envirothon Program Manager Jennifer Brooks at (800) 825-5547 or by email at administration@envirothon.org.

To learn more about the NCF-Envirothon or the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, visit: www.envirothon.org or www.nrdnet.org

LENRD closes area campgrounds until further notice

During these times of uncertainty, it’s important to stay informed about the COVID-19 pandemic and remain vigilant.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is closing their public campgrounds at their recreation areas near Stanton and Leigh effective from April 1st until further notice.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “Social distancing must be enforced to save lives.  Therefore, we are closing our campgrounds at Maskenthine Lake near Stanton, and the Maple Creek Recreation Area near Leigh.  The health and safety of the citizens across our district is our top priority.”

The recreation areas currently remain open for day use, fishing, and recreation.  Sousek said, “Our recreation areas and trails provide adequate room for proper social distancing, offering opportunities for physical activity which can alleviate stress and promote mental health.  However, the restrooms, shower houses, and campgrounds are closed, and overnight camping is prohibited.  The recreation area playgrounds and play structures are also closed until further notice.”

Sousek added, “We will provide updates as they become available.  Please take precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including social distancing even in outdoor spaces.”

More Information

LENRD Board moves forward with watershed study

For the first time in 47 years, the board room at the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) office was empty as the board held their March meeting online via audio/video conferencing.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The world is navigating through uncharted waters as the coronavirus pandemic continues.  As we practice social distancing, the office remains closed to the public until further notice.  Even though the office doors are closed, most of our staff are working off-site to ensure that we continue to offer a high-level of public service to the citizens of our district.”  He continued, “Our online meeting went very well and I anticipate that we’ll need to continue to use the video conferencing format until things drastically improve.”

During the March 26th meeting, the board approved the contract with JEO Consulting Group for the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan.  This contract will allow for an environmental assessment of the watershed as well as developing an approved Watershed Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) plan with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Sousek said, “After nearly a year in the making, all the necessary paperwork with the USDA has been signed and approved to secure the WFPO grant with NRCS.  This grant in the amount of $390,000 will complete a watershed study in the Battle Creek area and offer further information for a flood prevention plan for the entire watershed.  This study will take approximately 18 months to complete.”

The board also instructed staff to apply for a new WFPO grant through NRCS to develop a watershed plan for the Maple Creek Watershed.

In other action, the board approved the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Scribner and Dodge County for the Elkhorn River Bank Stabilization Project to repair damages from the 2019 flood.

Sousek added, “Don’t hesitate to reach out to us during these uncertain times.  We are returning phone calls and emails and meeting virtually, it’s business as usual for us here.  We also have a drop box located at our main entrance on the west side of the building.”

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, April 23rd at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Lower Elkhorn NRD office in Norfolk closes to the public until further notice

Beginning March 18th, the LENRD office in Norfolk is closed, to ensure a healthy and safe environment for their employees and the public. While the office doors are closed to the public, the LENRD staff will continue to answer phone calls, reply to emails, and proceed with spring field work. There is a drop box at the main entrance (west door) for those wanting to drop off reports, etc. Please visit our website or follow our Facebook and Twitter feeds for further updates. As we navigate through these uncertain times, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 402-371-7313. We continue to closely monitor the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, along with implementing the latest recommendations from federal, state and local authorities.

Coalition plans statewide youth Tree-a-Thon for Arbor Day Weekend and 2020

Youth and their communities are collaborating to plant over 20,000 trees 

On Friday, March 13, Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s statewide afterschool and summer learning network announced its statewide challenge for youth and their communities across the state to collectively plant over 20,000 trees on Arbor Day weekend, April 24-26. Beyond School Bells is collaborating with afterschool providers across the state, the Arbor Day Foundation, Natural Resource Districts, Audubon Nebraska, Nebraska Forest Service, community leaders and the University of Nebraska to help achieve this goal.

“At Beyond School Bells, we believe that learning does not stop before or after the school bell rings. Afterschool programs provide hands-on, real world and engaging educational opportunities for youth across our state, such as this tree-a-thon," wrote Anna Wishart, Director of Partnerships. 

Norfolk is one city that is collaborating on this effort and plans to plant 2,020 trees in collaboration with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District and area schools and businesses. “Working with community partners and engaged citizens, ‘2020 in 2020’ is an ambitious yet achievable goal that will have long-ranging positive impacts in our community," Josh Moenning, Mayor of Norfolk said. 

“To continue to wisely manage and enhance our natural resources in the future, it is important that we maintain our shared connection to nature,” said Austen Hill, Education Supervisor for the Papio-Missouri River NRD.  “By partnering with Beyond School Bells Nebraska tree-a-thon, it gives families and communities an opportunity to strengthen that connection through education and making an impact with their own hands,” said Hill.

To achieve the statewide tree-a-thon goal, this coalition of nonprofits and community leaders will recruit youth and community volunteers, purchase trees, and train youth and their families on the environmental and public health benefits of trees and how to plant and take care of them.

"We need trees to keep our communities cool, healthy, and resilient. We're so excited to see the next generation of tree stewards make an impact on their communities and learn the lifelong skills of planting and caring for trees," said Logan Donahoo, K-12 program manager at the Arbor Day Foundation.

Last month, a cohort of talented college students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln underwent a hack-a-thon to hack material from the Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska Forestry and NRDs, and develop 6-week and 3-hour afterschool curriculum for programs across the state to utilize free of charge.  

Nebraskans that want to participate in the tree-a-thon can go to this website to RSVP and receive updates, get connected with youth and organizations in their community and download the tree-a-thon curriculum:

The coalition recognizes the extenuating circumstances due to the Coronavirus and will stay updated on the most current information regarding the virus and whether a postponement of the Arbor Day events will be necessary to a fall planting.