What Lies Beneath? --A Report on the Monitoring and Assessment for Groundwater Nitrate Contamination in Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties

Do you know what’s in your water?  High nitrates in your drinking water can pose health risks for you and your family.  Increased levels of nitrates can also create additional expense for many private well owners and public water supply systems with the installation of treatment systems to remediate the issue.  To learn more about what lies beneath, and to find out what’s in your drinking water, plan to participate in a virtual informational meeting hosted by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (NRD) at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 17.

Nitrate is found naturally in the environment, however, since nitrate is a primary component of fertilizer and manure, losses can occur in the form of field run-off and leaching into groundwater aquifers.  Nitrate pollution can occur in numerous forms including from wastewater treatment plants and septic systems, but losses from fertilizer and manure are the main culprits in agriculture-heavy regions.  Nitrate dissolves readily in water and when carried through the soil below plant roots it can easily contaminate groundwater.

“This informational meeting is a step toward informing stakeholders on the results of the groundwater monitoring conducted by the NRD and addressing potential health risks and the critical need to protect our water supply,” said Lower Elkhorn NRD Assistant Manager Brian Bruckner.  He continued, “By implementing best management practices, we can work together to reduce groundwater contaminates and protect our drinking water.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of nitrate-nitrogen for drinking water at 10 parts per million (ppm).   High levels of nitrate can be particularly harmful to infants and children and can lead to methemoglobinemia, commonly known as “blue baby syndrome.”  Blue baby syndrome is caused by decreased ability of blood to carry vital oxygen around the body potentially leading to death.  Pregnant women and adults with certain health conditions are also at increased risk.  Health researchers are looking at the potential links between nitrate contamination in drinking water and incidences of birth defects, pediatric cancer, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  Bruckner added, “While the body of science is still limited on some of these conditions, the long-term implications of these relationships deserves our attention.”

As part of Lower Elkhorn NRD’s Groundwater Quality Sampling Program, technicians collect annual water samples to document changes or trends in groundwater quality.  Beginning in 2018, the NRD prioritized the collection of groundwater samples as part of its routine monitoring in Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties.  The results from this groundwater quality study have been provided to well owners and indicate the presence of elevated groundwater nitrate that warrant additional action by the NRD.  In October 2020, the Board of Directors voted to begin the formal process of considering a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area in portions of these three counties.  This informational meeting will provide you with additional insight on the monitoring and assessment segment of this process, along with an explanation of the proposed management area boundaries and controls that accompany a Phase 2 Area in the NRD.

Participation links for this informational meeting webinar will be available on the Lower Elkhorn NRD website and Facebook page.  The public will have the opportunity to view the webinar and submit comments and questions during the event.  For additional information, contact the Lower Elkhorn NRD at 402.371.7313.

Virtual Informational Meeting

A recording of this meeting is available HERE.

Open House Public Hearing

March 25, 2021 | 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Nielsen Center in West Point, Nebraska

Lower Elkhorn NRD approves applications for new irrigated acres

Landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries recently had an opportunity to apply for new irrigated acres.  The LENRD board approved applications for standard variances at their November board meeting.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “We received 94 applications for new irrigated acres during the sign-up period, and eligible applications were processed using the LENRD’s scoring and ranking system.” 

The board voted to allow up to 287.41 acre-feet of new peak season streamflow depletions in the LENRD’s Hydrologically Connected (10/50 Area), which calculates to 2,817 new irrigated acres.  The board also voted to allow for the development of 2,540 new irrigated acres in the LENRD’s Non-Hydrologically Connected (Non 10/50 Area).  Staff will be contacting the landowners in writing, for both approved and non-approved applications. The board approved 70% of the total number of applications, or 62% of the total requested acres.

In other action, the board approved the annual groundwater allocations for the Quantity Management Subareas subject to allocations for the 2021 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 keep the allocation amounts the same as previous years:  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 7 Community Forestry Incentive Program applications for a total cost of $25,037.22.  The communities receiving grants to remove and plant trees this year include:  the City of West Point, the Village of Emerson, the Village of Uehling, West Point Public Schools, the Village of Pilger, Norfolk Public Schools, and the City of Wakefield.  The board also approved 1 Public Facilities application for a total cost of $2,500 for the Rolling Hills Country Club for the removal and planting of trees.  LENRD Natural Resources Conservation Technician, Todd Stewart, said, “We look forward to working with these communities as they plan for the future.  If you’re in need of trees for your community, your acreage, or your backyard, give me a call, I’d be happy to come out and help you design your project.”

The board voted to instruct staff to work with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency to submit an amendment for the High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) grant for Phase 1 of the Willow Creek Dam Artesian Pressure Mitigation.  This amendment would be the first phase in mitigating the artesian pressures present at Willow Creek Dam.  Primarily, this phase would involve installation of wells and pump tests.   LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “This project is another example of the continued effort of the LENRD to partner with agencies in securing available funding.  The district is always looking for grant opportunities in order to maximize the use of our local tax dollars.”  The total estimated project cost is $307,970.00 with $170,000 coming from the HHPD grant.

The board accepted the bid of Cech Excavating to replace rip rap along the shore at Maple Creek Recreation area in the amount of $18,593.75.

The board also voted to contribute $3,000 to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) for the Risk Pool Insurance Fund.

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 Tuesday, December 22nd at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Groundwater Management Area Specialist position announced

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District has announced they are seeking a Groundwater Management Area Specialist.

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of natural resources conservation and will be responsible for assisting groundwater users in complying with Groundwater Management Area Rules and Regulations. by conducting educational programs to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the negative implications associated with groundwater contamination and working to encourage the adoption of practices that protect and conserve water resources.

Interested candidates should send their resume to the attention of: Mike Sousek, General Manager, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk, NE  68701. The position will remain open until filled.

Job Description

Winners of Conservation Poster Contest announced

“Where would we BEE without Pollinators?” was the theme for this year’s Stewardship Week and Poster Contest sponsored by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

Pollinators form the foundations of a healthy and sustainable future for food and the environment, but in recent years, they have shown concerning signs of decline. It’s important that we work to help them prosper by enhancing native pollinator habitats and protecting against pollinator declines.

Over 100 K-12th grade students participated in the contest.  Buzzing bees and butterflies were some of the examples shown in the winning posters, created by students from across the Lower Elkhorn NRD’s 15-counties in northeast Nebraska.

The following winners will receive special recognition from the Lower Elkhorn NRD:

Grades K-1     

1) Carson Gerths                                              Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

2) Isabelle Anderson                                       Battle Creek Elementary

3) Abigail Zweep                                             Bancroft-Rosalie Elementary

Grades 2-3

1) Dawson Mackling                                        Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point     

2) Kenna Olmer                                                St. Francis, Humphrey

3) Jesus Vargas                                                St. Mary’s, Wayne

3) Blake Heithold                                              St. Mary’s, Wayne

Grades 4-6

1) Madie Thiele                                                 Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

2) Audrey Praest                                              St. Wenceslaus, Dodge

3) Mariana Nexticapan Hernandez           St. Mary’s, Wayne

Grades 7-9

1) Emerson Ortmeier                                      Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

2) Myranda Hansen                                         Norfolk High School

3) Kali Mangelsen                                            Norfolk High School

Grades 10-12

1) Claire Steskal                                                Norfolk High School

2) Courtney Hintz                                             Norfolk High School

3) Anna Lemus                                                  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 has announced that the Lower Elkhorn NRD has 3 winners at the State level this year.  Students winning in the State competition include:

• Grades K-1:  Carson Gerths, Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

• Grades 7-9:  Emerson Ortmeier, Guardian Angels Central Catholic, West Point

• Grades 10-12: Claire Steskal, Norfolk High School

These students will receive special recognition from the NARD in Lincoln.  The posters created by Gerths, Ortmeier, and Steskal will be sent on to Las Vegas, Nevada for the National competition in February 2020.

“I’m always amazed at the talent we see from the students each year.  This contest is a fun way to help students connect with the world around them and use the theme to focus on things they can see and hear in their own backyard,” said Julie Wragge, LENRD Information & Education Specialist.  She added, “Congratulations to all the participants.  Please enter again next year.”

The 2021 stewardship theme is “Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities”.  For more information on the poster contest, contact Julie Wragge, at jwragge@lenrd.org or 402-371-7313.

First Place - K-1 Grade Division: Carson Gerths, Guardian Angels Central Catholic

First Place - 2-3 Grade Division: Dawson Mackling, Guardian Angels Central Catholic

First Place - 4-6 Grade Division: Madie Thiele, Guardian Angels Central Catholic

First Place - 7-9 Grade Division: Emerson Ortmeier, Guardian Angels Central Catholic

First Place - 10-12 Grade Division: Claire Steskal, Norfolk High School

Let's design your project!

Do you have a windbreak in need of renovation?

Do you want to plant trees on your property, but you're not sure where to start? We'll help you develop a successful plan. We can provide cost-share up to 75% on trees, weed barrier, planting services, and tree removal. Give us a call before you begin your project. Call or email Todd Stewart to reserve your spot on the list for the 2021 planting season - 402-371-7313 or tstewart@lenrd.org

Conservation Tree Program

City of Randolph breaks ground on flood control project

The City of Randolph broke ground today on Phase 1 of their flood control project that has been in the making for 18 years. The groundbreaking ceremony attracted approximately 50 people and was held in the city park. Representatives from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the City of Randolph, and the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District spoke at the ceremony. All three governmental entities are partnering on this project, along with Pierce and Cedar Counties. This project will prevent numerous homes and businesses from being placed in the flood plain and will help protect the community from future flood events. Completion of the project is anticipated in 2024.

LENRD invests $1.97 million to protect the City of Randolph from flooding

The City of Randolph will break ground this week on a flood control project that has been in the making for 18 years.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be this Friday, November 6 at 11:00 a.m. near the city’s RV parking area, west of Sholes Road and east of Nebraska Street.  Representatives from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), the City of Randolph, and the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will be speaking at the ceremony.  All three governmental entities are partnering on this project, along with Pierce and Cedar Counties.

One of the LENRD’s 12 responsibilities is flood prevention and control.  LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “After looking into many alternatives with the USACE, the most cost-effective option was the widening of the Middle Logan Creek channel that runs through Randolph.  This project will allow for a large portion of the city to be taken out of the 100-year flood plain.”

In 2017, the LENRD board approved funding up to $1.97 million for 50% of the local costs of the channel enlargement and floodplain reduction project.  Becker, said, “We created a sinking fund for the project and budgeted money responsibly over the last several years to help protect the future of this community.”

The construction contract for Phase 1 of the flood risk management project was awarded to Shinn Kellogg of Albia, Iowa, for $5.78 million.  Phase 1 will include removing and replacing the Bridge Street and Sholes Road Bridges and widening the Middle Logan Creek channel from just downstream of the Jackson Street Bridge to upstream of the Sholes Road Bridge.

Becker, said, “This flood control project will prevent numerous homes and businesses from being placed in the flood plain.  He added, “We are not only working to protect the community from future flood events, but also to prevent the required annual flood insurance costs.  We are excited to get the project underway.”

Phase 2 work will include continuation of bridge removals and channel widening with contract award anticipated in the summer of 2021 and completion in the spring of 2024.

Randolph - existing condition

Randolph - with completed project

LENRD board to address groundwater contamination in Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties

At their October meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors approved a motion to direct staff to begin the formal process for consideration of a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area in portions of Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge counties for groundwater quality purposes.

In 1997, a Groundwater Management Area was established to improve and protect groundwater quantity and quality.  The management area covers the entire LENRD or all or parts of 15-counties in northeast Nebraska.  This designation put the entire district into Phase 1 of groundwater management controls.  Since that time, portions of Pierce and Madison Counties have moved into Phase 2 & 3 management sub-areas due to the increasing trend of nitrate concentration in the groundwater.

As part of the LENRD’s Groundwater Quality Sampling program, water samples are collected annually across the district to help document any changes or trends in groundwater quality, testing for general water quality parameters.  This data is carefully scrutinized and can be used to delineate areas that have similar groundwater quality characteristics, such as areas that have high or low nitrate-nitrogen levels.  LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “In the past few years, the district has seen an increase in nitrates in the groundwater in portions of these three counties.”

Organic and Inorganic fertilizers and livestock manure contain nitrogen that is either in the nitrate form or is easily converted to nitrate. Nitrate dissolves readily in water, and when this nitrate-containing water moves through the soil and below plant roots, it can very easily reach and contaminate groundwater.

Bruckner added, “We can work together to minimize the impact of agricultural contaminants on groundwater by encouraging, and in some cases, requiring the use of wise management practices.  Designating a boundary is one of the first steps in establishing a management area.”

Bruckner continued, “As we begin the process of delineating a Phase 2 Groundwater Management Area, the district will be hosting educational workshops to inform stakeholders on the issues, answer questions on the implications of a Phase 2 Area, and come up with solutions to address this potential health risk.  We will also be organizing a series of public meetings in this tri-county area in December to begin to inform and educate the public on the critical need to keep our water supply safe.”

Nitrate-nitrogen can be a threat to good health, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Nebraska Department of Health have established an upper limit of 10 milligrams per liter (or parts per million or ppm) of nitrate-nitrogen for drinking water. The district encourages anyone using a private well as a drinking water source to test their water annually for nitrate-nitrogen and consult a physician if the nitrate-nitrogen levels are close to or above 10 milligrams per liter.

State statute requires that the LENRD provide stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback and input on any proposed change to its Rules and Regulations or Management Area boundary via a public hearing. The district will be hosting several public information meetings in December in Colfax and Dodge Counties to inform stakeholders and will also host an Open House Public Hearing in late January in West Point.

In other business, the board authorized staff to sign the professional service agreement with FYRA Engineering, not to exceed $80,346 to complete the necessary repairs to the Elkhorn River Streambank Stabilization Project near Scribner, pending approval from both the City of Scribner and Dodge County.

The board also approved an agreement with the University of Nebraska for $34,291 to investigate the deep vadose (unsaturated) zone of locations in Pierce County where increasing nitrate levels are occurring.  This project will provide data to help estimate the loading rate of nitrates into the groundwater.

After officially declaring a drought in September, the board continues to monitor any new developments.  With the health and welfare of the public in mind, the board voted to establish a 12 acre-inch annual allocation for any well located in a designated Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA)  within a D3 or greater drought area within the LENRD on November 1, 2020, and that the annual allocation be lifted if the area is removed from the D3 or greater designation.  The board also approved a motion that would postpone construction of any new well that is part of an approved Variance for any location within the district that intersects with a D3 or greater drought designation on November 1, 2020.

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

Small communities pay high costs for clean water

By Jessica Fargen Walsh

The amount of nitrate in the groundwater is monitored by several agencies throughout Nebraska. The Safe Drinking Water Act sets limits on the level of nitrate allowed in drinking water at 10 parts per million (ppm) to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption.

But nitrates in the groundwater are also costly.

In Nebraska, 85% of our citizens rely on drinking water pumped from the ground[3]. When a community's public drinking water supply is affected by high nitrate levels that exceed 10 ppm, it can cost hundreds of thousands - even millions - of dollars to fix.

All public water systems are charged with monitoring for the presence of nitrate. A system is out of compliance when nitrate levels exceed 10 ppm. A system is issued an Administrative Order to correct a nitrate contamination problem if two violations are issued within a consecutive three-quarter period.

Nitrate can enter the groundwater when there is excess nitrogen fertilization and excess water application (irrigation or rain). The biggest source of nitrate contamination in the groundwater in Nebraska is from commercial fertilizer on irrigated corn fields[1]. Over years, the nitrate has seeped into the soil and into the groundwater below.

When a public water supply well gets contaminated with nitrates above safe levels, the state requires the community to come up with a solution, such as purchasing new land where they can drill a new well, installing a treatment system or laying pipe to connect to another community's water system. While some communities self-fund nitrate mitigation drinking water projects, other communities rely on low-interest loans and grants from the state and federal government.

Here are a few recent examples of nitrate mitigation projects in Nebraska:

• Edgar water rates are expected to increase because of the cost of a $3 million pipeline to Fairfield. Edgar's only drinking water well exceeds federal nitrate limits, so it must find a way to get clean water to residents.

• Steele City, with a population of 58, has been under a state order to find a clean water source since 2007. It plans on using $900,000 in loans and grants to build a waterline to Endicott. Steele City's only drinking water well measures between 11 and 13 parts per million of nitrate.[2]

• ​Glenvil, with about 300 people, finished a new pumphouse and well in 2019 at a cost of $350,000 because of nitrate levels, and rates are expected to rise between $8 and $10 a month.[5]

• In Ong, the village drilled a new well in 2020 as part of a $160,000 project because the only drinking water well in the village has nitrate levels over the federal limit.[5]

• In Hastings, population 25,000, a reverse osmosis system is designed to remove nitrate from the groundwater. The city has spent $15 million so far. This system alone costs $60/person each year to operate. Water rates have increased as a result of the project.[6]

• Creighton, Brunswick, Orchard, Osmond, and Plainview: Combined these towns have invested nearly $9 million for a population just under 4,000 to supply clean drinking water, over $2,200 per person. [4]

Nebraskans can take pride in our abundant water resources. However, clean water is essential to our citizens. As the cost of providing that water continues to mount, it becomes yet another challenge to the vitality of our rural communities.

References

1. Exner, M.E., Hirsh, A.J. and Spalding, R.F. 2014. Nebraska's groundwater legacy: Nitrate contamination beneath irrigated cropland. Water Resources Research 50(5), 4474-4489.

2. Katz, Tammy. 2019. Personal communication. (Steele City)

3. Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. 2019. 2019 Nebraska Groundwater Quality Monitoring Report.

4. Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, Lewis and Clark NRD, Lower Elkhorn NRD, Lower Niobrara NRD, Upper Elkhorn NRD. 2016. Bazile Groundwater Management Area Plan.

5. Peterson, Dana. 2019. Personal communication. (Glenvil, Ong)

6. Stange, M. 2019. Personal communication. (Hastings)

USDA seeks new partnerships to safeguard, restore wetland ecosystems

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced up to $30 million is available in technical and financial assistance through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) to help conservation partners protect and restore critical wetlands on agricultural lands in Nebraska. Restored wetlands help improve water quality downstream, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce impacts from flooding, and provide recreational benefits.

“This partnership enhances the locally driven process to better address critical wetland functions that progress beyond localities,” said Kevin Norton, acting Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “WREP works with other NRCS landscape-level conservation efforts to coordinate the delivery of conservation assistance to producers in targeted areas that yield the most impacts for accelerated benefits nationally and regionally. Continuing to leverage these partnerships helps us continue the important work with producers to help recover the health of wetland ecosystems on working lands.”

Eligible conservation partners in Nebraska will work through WREP to voluntarily execute high priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement activities on eligible agriculture lands. WREP enables effective integration of wetland restoration on working agricultural landscapes, providing meaningful benefits to farmers and ranchers who enroll in the program and to the communities where the wetlands exist.

NRCS will review partners’ project proposals and evaluate priority resource concerns, objectives, costs, and expected outcomes for each project and rank proposals based on criteria set forth in the requirements listed on each state’s NRCS website.

Proposals should be emailed to the NRCS state contact listed in the local announcement by November 30, 2020.

About the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership

Funding will be provided through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), which is part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), a Farm Bill conservation program. Through WREP, states, local units of governments, non-governmental organizations, and American Indian tribes collaborate with NRCS through cooperative and partnership agreements. These partners work with tribal and private landowners who voluntarily enroll eligible land into easements to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their properties.

WREP partners are required to contribute a financial or technical assistance fund match.

Wetland Reserve Easements enable landowners to successfully reduce impacts from flooding, recharge groundwater, enhance and protect wildlife habitat, and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. Healthy wetlands, including those protected and restored through WREP, contribute to USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda of reducing the environmental footprint of U.S. agriculture in half by 2050. Earlier this year, Secretary Perdue announced the department-wide initiative to align resources, programs, and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demands.

Partners benefit from WREP by targeting outreach and enrollment priorities supported by NRCS, including places impacted by natural disasters. Easements enable landowners to adopt a variety of conservation practices that improve the function and condition of wetlands.

Partners looking to learn more about opportunities for WREP funding for fiscal year 2021 are encouraged to attend the WREP workshop on October 22, 2020, at 1 p.m. EDT. Visit the WREP webpage for more information on the workshop or this program opportunity.

Deadline to apply for Conservation Program funds is approaching

Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making any other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply now for funding available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Those interested in receiving funding should sign up before Nov. 20, 2020.

According to Craig Derickson, state conservationist for NRCS in Nebraska, there are several options available to producers.

“NRCS has a whole suite of conservation programs available to farmers and ranchers looking for assistance in improving and protecting the natural resources on their ag land. These programs provide funding on cropland and rangeland, as well as for animal feeding operations and establishing or enhancing wildlife habitat and wetlands. NRCS staff can help landowners and operators identify their options,” Derickson said.

The most widely applied conservation programs in Nebraska are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

The goal of these conservation programs is to provide a financial incentive to encourage landowners to install conservation practices that protect natural resources, resulting in cleaner air and water, healthy soil and more wildlife habitat.

“Participation in our conservation programs are totally voluntary. We offer assistance that can help make farming and ranching operations more sustainable while conserving the natural resources like soil and water on which all Nebraskans depend, “ Derickson said.

Individuals interested in applying for conservation funds may do so at any time, but the ranking of applications will begin Nov. 20, 2020. The first step is to visit your local NRCS field office and complete an application.

For more information about these conservation programs and other assistance available, visit your local NRCS field office or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

Deadline to apply for new irrigated acres is October 31st

Landowners within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) boundaries, may apply for new irrigated acres in some portions of the district between October 1st, 2020 and October 31st, 2020.

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 a minimum soil score of 85, which must be met for any standard variance to be considered for approval.”

Please call the LENRD office for more information or to make an appointment with staff. The map and application form are available below. Deadline to apply is October 31st.

Irrigation Development Areas - MAP

Standard Variance Application Form

LENRD board officially declares a district-wide drought

At their September meeting, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors voted to officially declare a drought across the district, which is comprised of all or parts of 15 counties in northeast Nebraska.  The LENRD board will continue to meet and discuss potential plans to respond if conditions worsen to a D4 drought.  Their Drought Mitigation Plan is used to protect the health and welfare of the public as directed by the LENRD’s Groundwater Management Plan.

In other business, the board voted to establish the average cost of Deep Soil Sampling for Fiscal Year 2021 as $55.99 per sample and to limit the number of cost-shareable samples to 1 sample per every 25 acres.

The board approved a contract with Derek and Austin Becker of Norfolk to complete Flow Meter Preventative Maintenance Services in the LENRD’s portion of Knox, Cedar, Dixon, Wayne, and Thurston Counties.

The board also certified 129 parcels of irrigated acres at the certification hearing held during the board meeting.

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, October 22nd at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Cover Crops enhance rainfall infiltration and reduce soil erosion

Do you have an interest in trying cover crops on your farms?  Have you read about ways to improve soil health and are you wondering if they will work on your land?  If the answer is yes, keep reading to find the assistance you need to get started.

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to encourage landowners to participate in the Cover Crop Incentive Program, for land that is currently in a continuous no-till cropping system.

NRCS No-till Specialist, Dan Gillespie, said, “Cover crops enhance rainfall infiltration, drastically reduce soil erosion, suppress weeds, and help prevent the development of ephemeral gully erosion in cropland.”  He added, “Cover crops may be planted into corn, soybean or small grain fields.  Highly Erodible Land (HEL) fields where corn has been cut for silage are not eligible.” 

Each participant is eligible to enroll up to 80 acres with a $200 contract minimum. Participants in this practice should apply at their local NRCS office each year, for up to three consecutive years.  Applicants may pick from three cover crop seeding options and three cover crop seed mixture options.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said “Participants may change seed mix alternatives and options during the three-year period, but must have approval from the LENRD prior to planting the cover crop.”  Becker added, “The producer is responsible for obtaining their own seed according to NRCS specifications and arranging for seeding either by pilot or ground application.  Producers also must kill the cover crop per NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines, without inversion tillage.”

Funding is limited, anyone interested in applying for the Cover Crop Program should contact their local NRCS office for more details.

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