Watering new and establishing trees important during dry times

Fall Tree Care

By:  Steve Rasmussen, District Forester with the Nebraska Forest Service

With the heat of summer now mostly done, the trees and shrubs will begin to get prepared for the fall and winter months.   Fall is a transition time for long lived plants like trees that are switching over from the active growing season to the season of dormancy and maintenance through the winter.   With only a couple of months left before a hard freeze for the above ground plant tissue followed by soil freeze-up that shuts down the root systems, it is important to help keep the tree healthy and growing up until the temperatures stop growth for the year.  The more energy and water the plant can store up in the fall, the better it will look next spring.

If September and October are dry, then watering young and establishing trees is important during this time to keep the root system healthy and growing up until the ground freezes.   Having a good moist soil will keep the roots growing until the ground temperatures drop into the upper 30 degrees.   This will allow the roots to keep sending water up to the buds that have already been set for next year and keep evergreen needles hydrated so they do not “winter burn”.     Good moisture in the buds (vegetative and flower) will help them make it through the dry winter months.   Do not wait until November and right before ground freeze-up since that will not allow the tree time to get the water up to the buds.

 Do not fertilize during late fall since that could stimulate green tissue growth in the crown of the tree that would then be killed with an early frost.  Wait until the tree is dormant and early spring is a good time for fertilization if needed.   Fertilize only if there is a need for additional nutrients for healthy tree growth.

Another good project to do in the fall for trees is to check the organic mulch around the base of the trees.   This mulch will insulate the ground and keep the roots healthy going into the winter and starting up growth in the spring.   Place the woodchips out to the dripline of small trees or out two to four feet radius on larger trees.  Coarse woodchips are the best since they hold in place, allow oxygen to the soil and decompose over time to introduce nutrients to the soil. Avoid grass clippings since they can mat down.  This restricts oxygen to the soil and sheds off the water.

Finally, if you have young trees and there are rabbits or deer that come around your property, you may want to put a cage, a tree shelter or tree wrap around the tree.    Deer, rabbits and rodents will eat the green tissue of plants during the winter months as a food source.   Buck deer will also use younger trees for rubbing the velvet off the antlers and to mark their territories.   Tree wraps on thin bark trees like maples and lindens can help against potential frost crack damage during the winter months. These wraps should be taken off during the summer.

If you need forestry assistance or have tree questions you can visit the Nebraska Forest Service website at nfs.unl.edu or contact me at my office number of 402-375-0101 or e-mail at srasmussen2@unl.edu Have a wonderful fall!

LENRD continues to budget conservatively by using less than 1/2 of tax levy

The fiscal year 2021 budget for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) reflects projects and programs that will protect our future while fully leveraging local taxpayer dollars as efficiently as possible.

LENRD General Manger, Mike Sousek, said, “We continue to maximize the use of our local funds by bringing in grants for our projects and saving the taxpayers millions of dollars.  The total operating budget is estimated at $13 million, with only $4.5 million in revenue from the property tax levy.”

Sousek continued, “The citizens of this district receive almost a 75% return on their investment.  We’re working for you, our local taxpayers, to keep the levy low as we’re currently using less than ½ of our taxing authority.”

The operating budget was approved by the LENRD board of directors at their September 10th meeting with a tax request of $4,512,659.  The estimated levy, based on the property tax request, is 2.436 cents per $100 of valuation, which is a slight increase from the fiscal year 2020 levy of 2.370 cents per $100 of valuation.  For example, if a person owns a $300,000 house, the taxes owed to the LENRD would have been $71.10 in 2020 and will be approximately $73.10 in 2021.

Some of the major expenditures for FY 2021 are:  Levee and Flood Protection Projects - $1,903,150 which includes the City of West Point’s Flood Control Levee, the City of Randolph’s Flood Risk Management Project, and the Elkhorn River Jetty Project near Scribner;  Water Resources Programs - $543,025; Project Construction, including flood related repairs - $1,310,250; and Conservation Cost-Share programs, including the Bazile Groundwater Management Area Project and Willow Creek Best Management Practices - $550,000.

The LENRD received Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the Maple Creek Watershed Plan to evaluate potential flood prevention, watershed protection, and agricultural water management projects.  Four communities are located within the watershed:  Leigh, Clarkson, Howells, and Nickerson.  The LENRD is also moving ahead with the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan – Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) to address flood reduction in Madison County.

The LENRD received a grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) to expand groundwater monitoring in Pierce County.  Maintaining a safe drinking water source is one of the most important priorities of the LENRD.  The Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) also received a grant from NET for year 2 of their demonstration sites for the groundwater nitrate reduction project.  This project is a vital step forward in stabilizing, and eventually reducing, nitrate levels within the BGMA.

Sousek added, “Through these projects and studies, we’re proud to give the funds back to the local taxpayers.  We’re working very diligently to be responsible with our budget as we continue to meet the challenges of protecting our natural resources for the future.”

The LENRD provides conservation benefits across all or parts of 15-counties in northeast Nebraska, including:  water quality and quantity programs such as groundwater management, flood control, and nitrate management; as well as erosion control, cost-share to landowners who apply for conservation practices, recreation areas and trails, urban recreation and community forestry programs, and many other benefits that protect our natural resources.

Position opening for Conservation Planner in Pierce County

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), serving all or parts of 15 counties in northeast Nebraska, was recently awarded a technical assistance grant from the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). The NACD grant will be utilized to pay 80% of the wages and benefits for a Conservation Planner, and the LENRD will contribute the remaining 20%.  The Conservation Planner will be housed in the Pierce County NRCS office in Pierce.

Much of Pierce County has issues with high groundwater nitrate levels, with most of the county in the LENRD's Phase 2 or Phase 3 area.  These areas are subject to increased regulation due to the high groundwater nitrate levels.  The LENRD and NRCS currently are targeting Pierce County as they promote Best Management Practices (BMPs) that would aid in decreasing nitrate levels.

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

Position Opening: For a Conservation Planner in the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Pierce, NE.  This professional position will provide technical assistance planning for nutrient management and irrigation water management and is a Temporary Full-Time Position.  Send resume to the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, 1508 Square Turn Blvd., Norfolk, NE 68701. Open until position is filled.

CONSERVATION PLANNER - JOB DESCRIPTION

Demonstration Farm Field Day near Creighton Sept. 9th

This event has been moved to the Creighton Senior Center due to the predicted forecast.

Public hearing to certify irrigated acres is September 24

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will conduct public hearings and certify irrigated acres on September 24, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. These hearings will be held at the LENRD office located at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk.  The attached list of individuals are those who have fields in the Certification Hearing.  If questions arise, please contact Mike Murphy at 402-371-7313.

Fields to be Certified

Public Hearing Policy

Contested Hearing Form

Sign-up begins October 1st for new irrigated acres

Landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries, will have an opportunity to apply for new irrigated acres in some portions of the district this fall.

The LENRD board voted, at their August meeting, to allow up to 295 acre-feet of new stream water depletions for new groundwater irrigation development in the Hydrologically Connected or 10/50 Area.  This is in accordance with their Voluntary Integrated Management Plan.  They also voted to allow up to 2,500 acres of new groundwater irrigation development in the Non-Hydrologically Connected or Non 10/50 Area under the district’s standard variance process.  An approved variance is a requirement for any expansion of irrigated acres in the LENRD, whether from an existing or new irrigation well.

Geographic portions of the district that are eligible to be considered for standard variances are areas that fall within the top three categories of the classification map.  Excluded from consideration for this sign-up period will be any parcel of land located in any Quantity Management Subarea or Phase 3 Area located within the LENRD.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The board also approved the scoring sheets used by staff when processing applications and reauthorized use of the Conditions for Approval policy.  In addition, a minimum soil score of 85 must be met for any standard variance to be considered for approval.”

The board established a sign-up period to receive applications for Standard Variances between October 1st, 2020 and October 31st, 2020.  Please call the LENRD office for more information or to make an appointment. Application forms will be available online and at the LENRD office beginning October 1st.

Irrigation Development Areas - MAP

Standard Variance Application Form

LENRD board votes to begin new irrigated acre sign-up on October 1st

At their August meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted to establish a sign-up period to receive applications for Standard Variances, for new irrigated acres, between October 1st, 2020 and October 31st, 2020.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “Geographic portions of the district that are eligible to be considered for standard variances are areas that fall within the top three categories of the classification map.  A map of the eligible locations will be available at the LENRD office in Norfolk by Friday, September 4th.”

Excluded from consideration for this sign-up period will be any parcel of land located in any Quantity Management Subarea or Phase 3 Area located within the LENRD.  Applications will be available online and at the office beginning October 1st.

After discussing the drought conditions across the district, the board authorized an additional two acre-inches per acre for any irrigation well subject to an Annual Groundwater Allocation in the LENRD Quantity Management Subareas, for the establishment of cover crops this fall.

In other action, the board instructed staff to provide a letter of support as part of a grant application to the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) for the establishment of a UNL Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) demonstration site within the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA), and to devote up to $1,000 in financial assistance to the effort, contingent on approval of the grant request.  The demonstration sites recruit local producers who select from a menu of management decisions intended to help maximize input use efficiency.

Earlier this summer, the LENRD received Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to complete the Maple Creek Watershed Plan which will evaluate potential flood prevention, watershed protection, and agricultural water management projects.  The board voted to sign a contract with FYRA Engineering, LLC to complete the Maple Creek WFPO Plan and Environmental Assessment.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “This plan aims to reduce overall flood risk potential and support the largely agricultural economy in the Maple Creek Watershed.  With the help of the WFPO funding, this project will surpass previous planning efforts by focusing on the entire area, where previous studies have been smaller in scope.”  He added, “We are looking forward to working with FYRA to further define the need for potential flood reduction projects to protect the watershed.”  Four communities are located within the Maple Creek Watershed:  Leigh, Clarkson, Howells, and Nickerson.

The board also voted to work with a landowner in Stanton County to obtain a well permit for an illegal well.  If all required documentation is provided, staff will issue the permit, but the cease and desist order shall remain in place for 5 years, expiring on July 25, 2025.  The 5-year limitation is consistent with the LENRD’s past enforcement of rule violations.

In other business, the board voted to approve the updates to the average cost dockets for the Agroforestry and Conservation Cost-share Programs as recommended by the staff.  They also voted to hold their fiscal year Budget Hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10th at the LENRD office in Norfolk.

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, September 24th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Lower Elkhorn NRD receives technical assistance grant for Pierce County

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), serving all or parts of 15 counties in northeast Nebraska, was recently awarded a technical assistance grant from the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).

This is the third year of the NACD technical assistance grant program, which was created with funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help increase staffing at the field level and provide conservation services to farmers, ranchers and local communities across the U.S.

The NACD grant will be utilized to pay 80% of the wages and benefits for a Conservation Planner, and the LENRD will contribute the remaining 20%.  The Conservation Planner will be housed in the Pierce County NRCS office in Pierce.

Much of Pierce County has issues with high groundwater nitrate levels, with most of the county in the LENRD's Phase 2 or Phase 3 area.  These areas are subject to increased regulation due to the high groundwater nitrate levels.  The LENRD and NRCS currently are targeting Pierce County as they promote Best Management Practices (BMPs) that would aid in decreasing nitrate levels.

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

“Since 2018, NACD and NRCS have worked together to increase staffing at the field level for conservation districts,” NACD President Tim Palmer said. “This increased technical capacity helps to improve conservation services to farmers, ranchers and local communities across the nation.”

To date in 2020, NACD and NRCS have awarded $15 million in technical assistance grants. Since the program’s inception, NACD has funded technical assistance in all 50 states and three U.S. territories.

“Even in this time of a national emergency, farmers and ranchers have conservation concerns that need to be addressed,” Palmer said. “NACD is proud to provide funding to America’s conservation districts and allow for more boots on the ground, providing our growers with support for their individual landscapes and resource concerns.”

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state associations and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For more than 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org

10-County Scrap Tire Collection is August 28th

A free scrap tire collection will be held for residents and businesses in Burt, Colfax, Cuming, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Stanton, Thurston and Washington counties. The Lower Elkhorn NRD, Papio Missouri River NRD, and Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D Council have organized the collection for Friday, August 28, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. until 12-noon at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Scribner, NE. The fairgrounds are located west of Hwy 275 at 201 Fairacres Road. Tires will NOT be accepted from businesses that charge tire disposal fees.

Loads must enter from Fairacres Road. Follow the “Recycling Event” signs to the east fairground entrance on Fairacres Road. Each load is limited to 100 tires. Loads with less than 20 tires may have a shorter wait time during the last 90 minutes of the collection. All sizes of car, truck, semi and tractor tires will be accepted.  No rims will be accepted so ALL tires must be off rim.  Tires cannot be accepted from any business which charges a tire disposal fee.  Do not leave vehicles unattended in line. Limited unloading help will be available, so plan to unload your own. Be sure to arrive before the gates are locked at 12:00 p.m.

Champlin Tire Recycling will process the tires collected during the event.  This processing includes repair and retread of salvageable casings, reclamation of tires meeting used tire specifications and the production of park benches, picnic tables and feed bunks. Funding for this free collection is provided through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. For more information please contact Deborah Ward at the Papio Missouri River NRD (402) 374-1920 ext. 3.

"Stars, Strolls, & S'mores" held Wednesday at Maskenthine Lake

The Norfolk area is full of opportunities to explore nature.  The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), and the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau want to help you discover your area trails, lakes, and wild places while highlighting the unique opportunities nighttime offers with their Moon Walk event, “Stars, Strolls & S’mores.”

Traci Jeffrey, Director of the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau, said, “The purpose of the moon walk is to provide a family-oriented activity that introduces the cultural and natural history of our area trails and lakes.”

The Moon Walks are held on Wednesday evenings close to the full moon and begin at 7:30 p.m. Most Moon Walks last for 1-2 hours.  Each Moon Walk starts with a short introduction of that evening’s program, followed by a stroll to the designated presentations, and then wraps up with s’mores around the campfire.

The August moon walk was held on Wednesday, August 5th at Maskenthine Lake, north of Stanton.  Presentations were given by Rachel Liester with Red Road Herbs, Jamie Bachmann with Northern Prairie Land Trust, and Recreation Area Superintendent Leonard Boryca. They gave educational sessions on trees, herbs, cicadas, Maskenthine and more!

LENRD Information & Education Specialist, Julie Wragge, said “This is the final event of the season, but we have lots of fun gatherings planned for next summer! Follow our Facebook page to learn more and mark your calendars for next year’s events!”

LENRD board continues partnership with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

At their July meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted to approve an amendment to the Interlocal Agreement with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) for the operation and maintenance of the Willow Creek State Recreation Area (SRA), southwest of Pierce.  The amendment will provide for an annual payment of $10,000 to the NGPC to fund employees of the Commission to complete tasks previously performed by employees of the district.

The district’s partnership with the NGPC has been ongoing since the SRA opened to the public in 1984.  The LENRD owns the property and is in a lease agreement with the NGPC for the management of the area.  The flood control structure protects the City of Pierce and downstream landowners to just north of Norfolk.  The SRA covers 1,633 acres, including a 700-acre reservoir, offering camping, fishing, boating, and more.

The LENRD board is also gathering more information and potential ways to reduce the toxic algae and improve water quality in the lake at the SRA.  In May, the board signed a contract with FYRA Engineering to study the internal phosphorus loading within the Willow Creek reservoir.  LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “This is an introduction to a project that can 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 first step in the process involves the collection and analysis of core soil samples.

In other action, the board voted to help with the expenses of the 2020 Scrap Tire Collection at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Scribner.  The funds will be used for any expenses that are not covered by the Waste Reduction & Recycling Incentive Grant.  The amount will be split 50-50 with the Papio-Missouri River NRD, not to exceed $10,000 of LENRD funds.  The collection will be held in late August.

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, August 27th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Was your operation impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic?

Apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Today

By Nancy Johner, State Executive Director in Nebraska, USDA Farm Service Agency

Farmers and ranchers feed our state, our nation, and in fact, our world. You work long hours to provide essential resources for us all, and in these challenging times, I want you to know that USDA is here to support you and your operation through our Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, or CFAP. Whether you farm one acre or many more, grow food for local markets or big supply chains, CFAP can help. We’re accepting applications through August 28 and encouraging producers to apply now.

In Nebraska, we have already approved 25,813 applications and disbursed $460,103,800 as of July 20. I know many of you have applied for CFAP already, but the numbers indicate that some who are eligible have not. If you’re still unsure about CFAP and your operation, I encourage you to take five minutes today to visit farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364 to learn about eligibility and options to apply. Whether you’ve worked with FSA for years or this will be a first, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

CFAP provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. A range of commodities are eligible for CFAP, and in Nebraska includes corn, soybeans, sorghum, millet, cattle, hogs, dairy, sheep and wool, among a few others. You can access the full list of eligible non-specialty, specialty, livestock, dairy, and wool commodities by visiting farmers.gov/cfap.

We know you’re busy, so we’ve outlined options to apply at the top of farmers.gov/cfap website. We offer a CFAP Application Portal where those of you with eAuthentication accounts can submit your application online. Don’t have an eAuthentication account? You can enroll at farmers.gov/sign-in. We also offer a manual application option, and a CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator that allows you to input information specific to your operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form. You can then work with your local FSA office to submit the completed application. You can apply now for the commodities that are currently eligible, and if any other commodities you produce are added to the program, we will happily amend your application.

If you have questions, please let us know. You can call our CFAP Call Center for one-on-one support with the CFAP application process. Call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer personalized assistance. And, as always, the FSA office at your local USDA Service Center is also there to help you prepare your application.

Farmers and ranchers continue to be the backbone of our nation. I know Nebraska’s agricultural producers are facing unprecedented challenges with the coronavirus pandemic, and I want to make sure we at USDA are doing all we can to provide critical support. We thank our farmers and ranchers, and we encourage you to apply for CFAP today.

Bazile Groundwater Management Area receives grant from Nebraska Environmental Trust

The Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) announced recently that they will receive $209,500 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) for year two of the “Development of Research and Demonstration Sites in the BGMA for Groundwater Nitrate Reduction” project.  The project is one of the 118 projects receiving $20,000,000 in grant awards from the Nebraska Environmental Trust this year.

Located in northeastern Nebraska, the BGMA was formed collaboratively between the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, the Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District, the Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District, the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District, and the Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) to address high nitrate levels in the area. Since its formation in 2013, the BGMA has been dedicated to increasing education of agricultural producers and increasing the implementation of best management practices. To further this effort, the BGMA has partnered with the Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Water Center, part of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska, to design the proposed project. This project will develop three advanced nitrogen and water management research and demonstration sites, conduct annual field days and educational meetings, and provide an analysis of the success of various water and nitrogen application methods utilized. Through innovative education and demonstration, this project will encourage widespread adoption of improved practices, positively impacting ground and surface water quality and soil management. This project is a vital step forward in stabilizing, and eventually reducing, nitrate levels within the BGMA as experts in natural resources management, with the help of NET, target this serious issue.

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $328 million in grants to over 2,300 projects across the state. Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska. The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations.

Health Alert issued for Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County

UPDATE: AS OF AUGUST 6, 2020, THE HEALTH ALERT FOR WILLOW CREEK HAS BEEN LIFTED. ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at the Willow Creek Reservoir in Pierce County.

Samples taken on July 13th were above the health alert threshold of 8 parts-per-billion (ppb) of total microcystin (a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae). This is a lower threshold than previous years, based on recommendations issued in 2019 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Previously, the State of Nebraska had set a limit of 20 ppb, but adopted the new limits after concluding that the new EPA threshold is based on the best scientific evidence available, and is protective of public health.

When a health alert is issued, signs are posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed during the alert. Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to use caution and avoid exposure to the water, particularly avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water. Do not let pets get in the water or drink from the lake. People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities.

Weekly sampling has been conducted at 52 public lakes since mid-May. The lakes will continue to be monitored weekly through the end of September. Sampling results for HAB and bacteria will be updated every Friday and posted on NDEE’s website, http://dee.ne.gov. The state’s monitoring is conducted at public lakes with swimming beaches and high public activity. HAB may also be present in other lakes in Nebraska that are not tested, so the public is reminded to use caution if they see signs of algal blooms.

For more information about what to look for, potential health effects from HAB and steps to avoid exposure, please refer to the following Fact Sheet. To view the weekly data for the lakes sampled, go to https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/.

Grant received to expand groundwater monitoring program in Pierce County

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) recently announced they will receive $8,750 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) for the “LENRD Establishment of Baseline Vadose Zone Sampling in Pierce County” project. This is the first year of award with a potential for 2nd year funding of an additional $8,750. The project is one of the 118 projects receiving $20,000,000 in grant awards from the NET this year. Of these, 73 were new applications and 45 are carry-over projects.

Within the LENRD, citizens rely on groundwater as the primary source of water for all uses. Maintaining a safe drinking water source is one of the most important priorities of the LENRD. This has been increasingly difficult within areas of Pierce County, as groundwater nitrate levels in many areas exceed the maximum contaminant level, and in some areas, continue to increase. This condition is well documented by over 40 years of groundwater sampling data that has been collected by the LENRD.

Through this project, the LENRD will expand its groundwater monitoring program by establishing baseline vadose zone nitrate data. Through the collection of a minimum of 11 cores spread throughout the area of Pierce County designated as the Phase 3 Groundwater Management Area, the LENRD will be able to determine the nitrate load moving through the soil profile, and will monitor the nitrate load in response to best management practices being implemented by producers. After establishing this baseline data-set, the LENRD intends to return to the sample location sites every 5 years for additional monitoring.

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $328 million in grants to over 2,300 projects across the state. Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska. The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations.

Vadose Zone sampling in the Bazile groundwater management area.

Proposals requested for Maple Creek Watershed Improvement Project

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is requesting proposals from firms to complete the Development WFPO Watershed Plan – Environmental Assessment for the Maple Creek Watershed Improvement Project in Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties in Nebraska. Proposals for this project will be accepted at the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk, NE 68701 until Friday, July 31, 2020 @ 4:30 PM. The full request for proposals and the project scope are available by clicking the button below. Questions can be directed to Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager, at 402-371-7313.

Health Alert issued for the Maple Creek Recreation Area near Leigh

UPDATE: AS OF AUGUST 6, 2020, THE HEALTH ALERT FOR MAPLE CREEK HAS BEEN LIFTED. ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

The state has issued a health alert for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), also known as toxic blue-green algae, at the Maple Creek Recreation Area (MCRA) in Colfax County.

Samples taken on July 6th at the MCRA were above the health alert threshold of 8 parts-per-billion (ppb) of total microcystin (a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae). This is a lower threshold than previous years, based on recommendations issued in 2019 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Previously, the State of Nebraska had set a limit of 20 ppb, but adopted the new limits after concluding that the new EPA threshold is based on the best scientific evidence available, and is protective of public health.

When a health alert is issued, signs are posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed during the alert. Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to use caution and avoid exposure to the water, particularly avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water. Do not let pets get in the water or drink from the lake. People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics and other outdoor activities.

Weekly sampling has been conducted at 52 public lakes since mid-May. The lakes will continue to be monitored weekly through the end of September. Sampling results for HAB and bacteria will be updated every Friday and posted on NDEE’s website, http://dee.ne.gov. The state’s monitoring is conducted at public lakes with swimming beaches and high public activity. HAB may also be present in other lakes in Nebraska that are not tested, so the public should use caution if they see signs of algal blooms.

For more information about what to look for, potential health effects from HAB and steps to avoid exposure, please refer to the following Fact Sheet. To view the weekly data for the lakes sampled, go to https://deq-iis.ne.gov/zs/bw/

Virtual Open House held for Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan

Madison County, NE - More than 80 people attended the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project Work Plan – Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) virtual open house on Thursday, July 9, 2020. The meeting was hosted by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and facilitated by JEO Consulting Group, the organization developing the plan.

During the meeting, attendees learned more about the Plan-EA, including background information on the Battle Creek Watershed, historical flooding issues, and the review process for possible alternatives. Those who missed the open house are encouraged to visit the LENRD’s website to view the recording.

Written comments for the Plan-EA will be accepted through Thursday, July 23, 2020 to JEO’s Adam Rupe at arupe@jeo.com or 402-435-3080. Comments can also be submitted to the JEO Lincoln office at 2700 Fletcher Avenue, Lincoln, NE, 68504.

Located in Madison County, the Battle Creek Watershed Improvement Project’s purpose is to address flood prevention. The project will also look at the potential for incidental benefits if public recreation becomes a component. All proposed purposes and associated alternatives will be determined as the development of the Plan-EA progresses.

The Plan-EA is being prepared to fulfill National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) responsibilities pertaining to federal financial assistance received through the NRCS’s Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program and is scheduled to be finalized in 2021.

"Stars, Strolls, & S'mores" events to be held in July and August

The Norfolk area is full of opportunities to explore the nature of Nebraska.  The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, and the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau want to help you discover your area trails, lakes, and wild places while highlighting the unique opportunities nighttime offers with their Moon Walk event, “Stars, Strolls & S’mores.”

Traci Jeffrey, Director of the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau, said, “The purpose of the moon walk is to provide a family-oriented activity that introduces the cultural and natural history of our area trails and lakes.”

The Moon Walks are held on Wednesday evenings close to the full moon and begin at 7:30 p.m. Most Moon Walks last for 1-2 hours.  Each Moon Walk starts with a short introduction of that evening’s program, followed by a stroll to the designated presentations.

The July event will be held on Wednesday, July 8th at Verges Park in Norfolk.  Presentations will include Birds, Caves, Monarchs and Migration.

The August moon walk will be Wednesday, August 5th at Maskenthine Lake, north of Stanton.  Presentations will include Mothing and Owls.

Julie Wragge, LENRD Information & Education Specialist, said, “The evening usually wraps up with s’mores around the campfire.  However, due to COVID-19, there will not be a campfire, but a ‘take home’ snack instead.  We’re very sorry for the change and we hope to have the campfires back next year.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines will be followed, and the events will be limited to the first 75 people.

LENRD board votes to repair damages caused from flooding at Willow Creek

At their June board meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted to repair the damages at the Willow Creek State Recreation Area (SRA) southwest of Pierce.  The 2019 flood caused an estimated $229,400 worth of damages to the recreation area.  The LENRD owns the property and is in a lease agreement with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) for the management of the area.  The NGPC is requesting assistance for only a portion of the damages that were not covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The LENRD board agreed to pay 50%, up to $24,000, to repair the damaged fishing decks, lake crossing, fishing piers, and hiking/biking trail at the Willow Creek SRA.

In other action, the board approved the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Clarkson for their levee project.  The term of the agreement is 3 years and enables the LENRD to assist the City in obtaining accreditation by FEMA for their flood control levee.  Accreditation will show that the levee provides protection from a 100-year storm.

The board also approved the recommended changes to the Agroforestry Program, the water well decommissioning program, and the Conservation Cost-share Program.  The Agroforestry program will increase to a maximum payment per job/landowner to $20,000 per year for renovations or establishments.  The Conservation Cost-Share program will add variable rate irrigation systems.  The water well decommissioning program will also increase to a maximum payment per well to $1,000 for hand dug wells and $700 for all other wells.

The LENRD staff are working proactively with landowners and farm operators to achieve 100% compliance with the Phase 2 & 3 reporting forms in the Groundwater Management Areas.  The board directed staff to issue notices of violation, as deemed necessary, to the producers who have yet to submit their reports.

The board also directed staff to proceed with a NRCS Watershed Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) application for the North Fork Elkhorn Watershed.  If approved, the funding would be used to evaluate potential flood prevention, watershed protection, and agricultural water management projects in the area which includes the communities of Plainview, Foster, Osmond, Wausa, McLean, and Pierce.

In other business, the board approved the 2020 Master Plan.  This plan is required by state statute every 10 years and includes updates and responses to the district’s goals and 12 responsibilities.

The board also approved the salary allowance adjustment of 1.483% and the step and grade changes for the staff for Fiscal Year 2021.

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