Flooding challenges in Battle Creek Watershed have been discussed for over 50 years

The city of Battle Creek, in northeast Nebraska, is located on the right descending bank of the Battle Creek, approximately two miles upstream from the confluence with the Elkhorn River.  The city lies on low, flat, terrain which is prone to flooding during rainfall events.  Significant damages to residences, businesses, agricultural land, and public infrastructure have occurred over the past 20 years.  A look at the history of the planning in this watershed will help answer some of the questions recently raised.

Potential flood reduction projects in the watershed were first discussed by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) in the 1970s as envisioned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Elkhorn River Basin Recon study.  In 1975, Madison County’s Comprehensive Plan included a proposed flood control structure in the Battle Creek Watershed.

The city of 1,200 suffered major flood damage from storms on May 31, 2007, estimated at over $2 million, with more than 400 of the 600 homes within the city flooded.

An official request came from the Battle Creek City Council to the LENRD Board of Directors at their September 2007 meeting.

Battle Creek City Administrator, Mike Fleer, said, “Our city council approached the LENRD for help.  We asked them to investigate our options and give us some direction.”

He continued, “Whether it be a diversion channel, a dam, or something else, we have to do something.  It comes down to, what is the best option for this location and can we get someone to help us pay for it.  We cannot do it alone.”

The LENRD, in cooperation with the city of Battle Creek, then completed several evaluations of flood risk reduction alternatives for the watershed above the city.

In 2009, the evaluation process began with JEO Consulting Group, identifying multiple alternatives for the watershed including a diversion channel, a levee, and a reservoir.  Included in these evaluations was a survey of a dam site, size of dam, and cost-estimates.

In 2011, preliminary geotechnical investigations for alternative projects began, along with the modeling of downstream impacts and investigating grant options.

In 2014, JEO determined the primary flood risk reduction alternatives included a potential overflow diversion channel or a potential flood risk reduction dam.  The 2 reservoirs proposed for the area, south of Battle Creek, were a 160-acre pool for approximately $17 million and a 1,200-acre pool for $36 million.

After the 2014 study, the LENRD board asked the Battle Creek City Council to prioritize a specific project and to identify the amount of financial contribution the city could provide.

After another devastating flood in March 2019, Battle Creek’s City Council met and voted to explore options for a 1,200-acre flood-control reservoir on the south side of Battle Creek.

The city of Battle Creek again approached the LENRD board, asking if the potential flood-control projects that were deemed feasible in 2014 could be revisited.

Fleer said, “Not long after flooding occurs, we tend to forget about it, until the next flood event.  We can go for many years with dry conditions, but when that flood happens again, then we hear people say, ‘we have to do something, we should have taken care of this the last time this happened.’  So, the question remains, what are we going to do to protect Battle Creek?”

In May 2019, the LENRD Board voted to move ahead with the process of securing funding for a flood-control project, and to file a letter of intent with FEMA/NEMA for flood protection for Battle Creek.  The board also voted to direct staff to contract with consulting firms to prepare all the necessary documentation and complete a grant application to the USDA Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) program.

In November 2019, the LENRD received the WFPO grant of $390,000 to complete the Battle Creek Watershed Plan.  This plan aims to reduce the overall flood risk potential in the Battle Creek Watershed, which includes the city of Battle Creek, and provide flood resiliency for surrounding agricultural land.

Battle Creek City Council member, Eric Kraft, said, “We’re working to find a feasible project to protect this area.  We have to do something to reduce damages to homes, businesses, and ag land due to the frequent flooding from the creek.”

He continued, “The city can’t afford to do this on its own.  We are asking for help to pay for studies to help us address the problems with minimal impact to the landowners.”

The city of Battle Creek has tried to remediate some of the problems occurring within the city limits.

Kraft, said, “We tried doing some of these things ourselves.  We attempted to clean out the creek with volunteers and realized we needed to hire a contractor.  We did what we could, but it wasn’t financially feasible to continue.  We reconstructed the intersections and created more drainage and a way to get the water moving out of town.  We mowed and dug out the ditches where we could and even on some of the county’s property.”

Kraft explained there is only 18 inches of fall from the northwest corner of town to the southeast edge of town.

“We can attempt to manage the east side of town, because we’re only dealing with the drainage of about 700 acres.  When you look at the flooding from the creek itself, it’s massive.  That’s 91 square miles of flooding that cannot be controlled,” said Kraft.

Kraft added, “I’ve been in Battle Creek 18 years, and in 5 years it flooded 3 times.  Sometimes just the east side and sometimes just the west side.  It’s crazy what nature can do.  Unless you’ve seen it with your own eyes, it’s hard to imagine.  Some of the residents here don’t ever want to see it again, they are horrified.”

“It’s a tough decision.  I have good friends who would be affected by this.  The voters elected me to do what’s best in the city of Battle Creek, and that’s what I need to do,” Kraft said.

Fleer says he’s just as torn.  “It’s been a struggle.  Trying to find a solution to protect the property in town and worried for the landowners south of town,” he said.

“I know the LENRD directors weren’t all on board for a dam, because of taking farmland.  I understand that, I grew up on a farm.  It’s an ongoing struggle of how are we going to protect Battle Creek with the least amount of impact to the citizens of the area,” said Fleer.

The city of Battle Creek is currently not in a FEMA declared flood plain.  If it gets labeled as such, then valuations would go down and homeowners would be forced to buy flood insurance.

Fleer said, “I’m looking forward to seeing the 90% study completion update later this year from JEO.”

Based on the preliminary evaluation, the construction of three flood risk reduction dams located upstream of Battle Creek were identified as viable alternatives to address the city of Battle Creek’s flooding problems.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “There are multiple benefits to think about when considering a flood reduction project of any size.  First and foremost is flood reduction.  Along with that comes the benefits of recharge and retiming as well as improved water quality and recreation.”

 ------

The majority of the Battle Creek Watershed is in Madison County with small upstream portions located in Boone County. The city of Battle Creek is situated in the lower portion of the Battle Creek watershed; nearly the entire watershed contributes flows to the stream channel adjacent to the city. The watershed of the Battle Creek upstream of the city is approximately 91 square miles and consists of mostly agricultural land uses.

One of the LENRD’s 12 responsibilities includes flood prevention and control as well as prevention of damages from flood water and sediment.

Stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Flooding in Battle Creek - 2007

Officers for 2022 announced

Anthony Wisnieski of Norfolk was elected the new treasurer the January meeting of the Lower Elkhorn NRD’s Board of Directors. 2022 officers pictured here from left are: Joel Hansen of Wayne - Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Delegate; Anthony Wisnieski; Roger Gustafson of Emerson - Vice-Chair; Jerry Allemann of Wayne - Secretary. Not pictured Mark Hall of Norfolk - Chair, and Scott McHenry of Norfolk - NARD Alternate.

Open House Feb. 16th for the Maple Creek Watershed Plan

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will facilitate a public Open House regarding the Maple Creek Watershed Plan - Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) on Wednesday, February 16th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Howells Ballroom in Howells, NE.  This open house will be focused on flood reduction projects like linear corridors (detention cells) and wetland development or enhancements.

USDA-NRCS provides federal funding to local project sponsors so that they may work together to develop solutions for watershed issues such as erosion, floodwater and sediment damage, water quality and habitat improvements.  This funding has been provided to the LENRD to create a plan for the Maple Creek Watershed, with the primary purpose of floodwater reduction.

“We are requesting your ideas and want to work with you to formulate this plan.  Dams are not the only option.  We can work together to get other flood reduction projects on the land, including detention cells, and wetland enhancement, among other possibilities,” said Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager.  He added, “We’ll be talking with stakeholders about the locations that work best for these types of projects at the open house.”

The Maple Creek Watershed is located in Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties in Nebraska.

Visit the planning website to learn more:  https://fyra.mysocialpinpoint.com/maple-creek.  Written comments or requests should be submitted to Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager at cbecker@lenrd.org or contact the LENRD office at 1508 Square Turn Boulevard in Norfolk for more information.

Applications for Conservation Incentive contracts being accepted now

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is providing Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers financial and technical assistance to plan and implement conservation practices through Conservation Incentive Contracts. Agricultural producers have until March 11, 2022, to apply for 2022 funding. 

Contract Incentive Contracts are an option available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that offers producers financial assistance to adopt conservation management practices on working landscapes. Conservation Incentive Contracts are available nationwide and help producers address priority resource concerns, like sequestering carbon and improving water quality.

Producers may use incentive contracts as a “steppingstone,” from correcting resource issues on specific land units, to achieving sustainable stewardship on their entire operation. Conservation Incentive Contracts:

• Have an initial length of five years.

• Require producers to address at least one priority resource concern during the contract period.

• Offer two types of payments:

  • Practice Implementation Payments, which are paid after completion and certification of a conservation practice.

  • Management Practice Payments, which include management practices that will serve as annual payments and are paid as soon as practicable after October 1 of each fiscal year.

For more information on Conservation Incentive Contracts, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center, or click here for more information.

Funding available for farmers to establish soil health demonstration projects

Farmers encouraged to apply for funding to establish demonstration projects to compare and evaluate soil health practices by Feb. 18, 2022.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service  is continuing an effort to enhance the adoption of soil health practices through the establishment of Soil Health Management Demonstration Projects. Landowners interested in applying for funding to establish a soil health demonstration project should submit their application to NRCS by Feb. 18, 2022.

According to NRCS, the purpose of this initiative is to demonstrate and validate soil health management systems applicable across Nebraska. The goal is to support the adoption and continued application of the NRCS Soil Health Principles; 1.) Use plant diversity to increase diversity in the soil. 2.) Manage soils more by disturbing them less. 3.) Keep plants growing throughout the year to feed the soil. 4.) Keep the soil covered as much as possible.

NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) will be used to fund this initiative. Producers selected can receive EQIP funding for 3-5 years. Funding will compensate producers for conducting strip trials of cover crops vs. no cover crops within a diverse crop rotation using no-till planting and other soil health management techniques. Producers will receive $1,800 per treatment comparison unit, up to a maximum of $7,500 per year, to conduct these strip trials, develop case studies, and host field days. 

For more information on Soil Health Management Demonstration Projects, contact NRCS at the local USDA Service Center.

Natural Resources Districts reflect on 50 years

Throughout 2022, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) will celebrate 50 years of protecting lives, property and the future. During the next 12 months, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation.

“In the past 50 years, NRDs have adapted while facing changes in technology, funding, legislation, agencies and society,” said Jim Eschliman, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “Nebraska’s locally led conservation model has been a successful legacy because of our ability to adapt to the local needs of our communities.”

After the devastation of the Dust Bowl, special purpose districts were developed to solve local soil and water-related problems. But the puzzle of overlapping authorities and responsibilities provided confusion at best.

In 1969, Senator Maurice Kremer introduced legislative bill 1357 to combine Nebraska’s 154 special purpose entities into 24 Natural Resources Districts by July 1972. In 1989, The Middle Missouri Tributaries NRD and the Papio NRD merged to become the Papio-Missouri River NRD resulting in today’s 23 Natural Resources Districts.

Today, Nebraska’s unique system of locally controlled, watershed-based conservation is widely admired throughout the nation. In recent years, at least 11 states ranging from Washington to Arkansas and Illinois to California, have inquired about applying a similar system for natural resources management. Despite being the No. 1 irrigated state in the nation, Nebraska’s statewide groundwater levels have been sustained at levels less than a foot below pre-irrigation development in the 1950s. In many areas, groundwater levels are higher.

“Many states are facing massive groundwater declines with almost depleted aquifers,” Eschliman said. “NRDs work with irrigators to monitor water use, establish groundwater recharge projects, and implement water-wise programs. Depending on rainfall, Nebraska’s groundwater levels often rise above pre-development levels.”

Across the state, NRDs construct projects, implement programs and offer a major source of assistance to landowners in conservation and natural resources management. When necessary, they enact regulations to protect our resources. While all NRDs share the 12 main responsibilities, each district sets its own priorities and develops its own programs to best serve and protect Nebraska’s natural resources.

Eschliman noted that Nebraska’s NRDs will continue to build upon, refine, and adapt as they look to the future.

“Conservation is something that impacts us all and we need to pitch in and be good stewards of our land and water,” he said. “Locally elected NRD boards across the state are uniquely positioned in their communities to help manage our natural resources for future generations.”

To join in the 50th anniversary celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.

Legislative Signing: In 1969, the 80th Unicameral created the Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) with the passage of legislative bill 1357. From left, Chester Ellis, President of Nebraska Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Sen. Maurice Kremer, Chairman of the Nebraska Legislature’s Agriculture and Recreation Committee; Gov. Norbert Tiemann; Warren Patefield, Immediate Past President of Nebraska Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Milton Fricke, Director of the National Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; and Warren Fairchild, Executive Secretary of the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Original LB 1357: In 1969, Sen. Maurice Kremer introduced legislative bill 1357 to combine Nebraska’s 154 special purpose entities into 24 Natural Resources Districts by July 1972. In 1989, the Middle Missouri Tributaries NRD and the Papio NRD merged to become the Papio-Missouri River NRD resulting in today’s 23 Natural Resources Districts.

Public health and water quality webinar series offered in January/February

Have you ever wondered if the water you are drinking is safe?  Who studies the impacts of contaminates on my health?  These are questions commonly asked throughout the state especially when there are stories continually discussing contaminates in the water we drink.  The “Public Health and Water Quality Webinar Series” is a series that is trying to provide an opportunity to learn how water contamination occurs, and how health impacts are determined.  The last part of the series goes into more discuss about atrazine and nitrate contaminates and impact on human health.  Webinar series concludes on how these big issues are being addressed by multiple government agencies and partners throughout the state but the nation.

This FREE series will be offered in January and February with the live presentation occurring from 11 AM – 12 PM CST with the opportunity to view the recording up to 14 days following the live presentation. 

2022 Series Schedule

• Jan 10th - What is Public Health and How It Impacts Me? Dr. Jesse Bell - UNMC

• Jan 17th - How Does Water Become Contaminated? Becky Schuerman - Extension Educator

• Jan 24th - Impacts of Atrazine

• Jan 31st - Impacts of Nitrate+ Dr. Martha Rhodes - UNL

• Feb 7th - Responses to Water Quality Issues

To register to participate in one or all five presentations please go to https://go.unl.edu/Health-Water.

Questions regarding the webinar series can be directed to Amy Timmerman (atimmerman2@unl.edu) at the Holt County Extension Office 402-336-2760.

Testing your private well water is important

Water that looks and tastes good may not necessarily be safe to drink. If your water comes from a well, annual testing is an important part of maintaining a safe source of drinking water. Regular testing helps well owners identify contamination problems and make informed decisions about how the water will be used, especially if it’s being consumed by humans and animals.

David Miesbach, groundwater section supervisor with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, said, “The only way to tell if your drinking water is safe is by having it tested by a certified laboratory. Harmful bacteria are invisible to the naked eye.”

The quality of a water source may change over time or sometimes suddenly. Annual testing will help the owner track these changes.

“Frequent water testing will identify unsafe water,” Miesbach said. “Certain chemical contaminants that are sometimes found in a water source can cause long term health problems that take years to develop.”  

If a well owner has a treatment system in place, yearly checkups are also needed to ensure the system is treating the water to a satisfactory level. “The upper limit for nitrate is 10 milligrams per liter in drinking water,” added Miesbach. “Your local health department can assist in selecting the appropriate test kit for your well and can refer you to a certified laboratory in your area.”

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is also able to test your domestic well water. “We recently started working with the University of Nebraska Medical Center to test domestic wells for nitrate, pesticides, uranium, and arsenic,” said Julie Wragge, LENRD information and education specialist. “It’s so important to know if your water is safe.”  Contact the Lower Elkhorn NRD, in Norfolk, if you’re interested in getting your well water tested.

Even those who get their water from a municipal source should be aware of nitrate levels in their drinking water, said Wragge.  “If you don’t own a private well, it’s still very important to know what’s in your water. Contact your city office or visit their website to find out what they test for and what they do locally to protect the resource.”

Dry conditions can affect water quantity

Keeping groundwater clean and safe for citizens across the 15-county district is a top priority for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).  Maintaining groundwater quantity is just as important, especially during dry conditions.

After the drought of 2012, the LENRD board made the decision to establish allocations on groundwater pumping for irrigation wells located in areas where the aquifers experienced acute in-season groundwater level declines. “Each year, the board determines the annual groundwater allocation amounts for the upcoming year for the Quantity Management Subareas,” said, Brian Bruckner, LENRD assistant general manager. “We use these allocations to manage the resource, providing a level of protection for all users.”

The board voted to establish the 2022 allocation amounts at:  18 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 14 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Eastern Madison County Quantity Subarea, and 17 acre-inches per irrigated acre for gravity/flood irrigation systems, 12 acre-inches per irrigated acre for subsurface drip irrigation systems, and 13 acre-inches per irrigated acre for all other irrigation systems in the Wayne County Quantity Subarea.

The board also approved the adjusted LENRD Subdistrict Boundaries delineated by the data provided by the 2020 U.S. Census update.  Slight adjustments to the boundaries were necessary due to the population changes in some portions of the district.

In other action, the board voted to accept the bid of $9,663.75 to place riprap along the west shoreline at the Maple Creek Recreation Area, just west of Leigh. They also instructed staff to prepare bidding documents for the Willow Creek Streambank Stabilization Project downstream of the Willow Creek State Recreation Area, southwest of Pierce.

The next LENRD board meeting will be Thursday, January 27th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund established to promote regenerative agriculture

Battle Creek no-till farmer and advocate Dan Gillespie sought to leave any land he farmed in better condition than he found it. Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF), in collaboration with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, today announced a new NCF affiliated fund to ensure Gillespie’s philosophy continues to inspire farmers in Nebraska and surrounding states for years to come.

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund is dedicated to promoting soil health and regenerative agriculture, including but not limited to no-till farming, water conservation, tree conservation and planting cover crops. A volunteer Fund Advisory Committee (FAC) composed of industry professionals and dedicated family members who share Gillespie’s vision aims to make impactful grants to support educational events, youth programs, farmers, ranchers, and others involved in regenerative agriculture.

The seed for the Fund took root in June when Gillespie approached his sister, Rebecca Evert, about his making a $5,000 donation to a young farmer following good soil health practices.

“Being a longtime supporter of Dan’s work in shifting the culture of farming towards no-till I thought I could do that too,” Evert said. “My brother Tim joined in and agreed to add another $5,000. We feel this is not only a way to recognize Dan’s contributions to soil health but to continue his and others’ efforts in supporting the growth of regenerative agriculture.”

Gillespie started using no-till practices in 1986 after an early spring rainfall event on frozen soil resulted in extensive erosion. He joined the National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) in 1987, where he helped develop a cost-share No-Till Incentive Program. Gillespie served as NRCS’ No-Till Specialist from 2004 until his retirement in December 2020 after 33 years of service. Notably, at 53%, Nebraska currently leads the nation in percentage of no-till cropland.

“Dan was the obvious perfect choice for a no-till specialist,” said FAC member and retired Nebraska NRCS State Conservationist Steve Chick, who created the No-Till Specialist position for Gillespie. “He was a respected long-term practicing zero tiller who passionately and effectively communicated the soil quality benefits of managing crop residue through workshops, tours and direct technical assistance.” 

As the importance of no-till farming increased, Gillespie actively participated in multi-state meetings. His passion for soil health was evident. He was always willing to share his experience and spread the message about conservation by giving speeches and demonstrations at conferences and gatherings.

“I learned in 2005 that Dan was just as passionate as I was about no-till farming and enhancing soil health in Nebraska,” said UNL Emeriti Extension Educator and FAC member Randy Pryor. “I invited Dan as a guest speaker to several Southeast Nebraska Soil Health Conferences and he did not disappoint me or his farmer and ag industry audience. His enthusiasm for educating others about his own farm experiences was infectious.”  

Gillespie was often greeted as “Dan the Tree Man” in his hometown of Battle Creek. For over 30 years he took seeds (some harvested from oak trees on his farm), potting soil and grow boxes into fourth through sixth grade classrooms. Students loved the hands-on planting exercise, as well as the accompanying conservation talk about trees, healthy soil, and natural resources. Gillespie’s annual visits resulted in 3,000 trees being planted over the years.

Shortly after retirement, Gillespie was diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a terminal neurodegenerative disease. By establishing the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund, Gillespie’s family, friends, and soil health enthusiasts across the nation can carry on his work indefinitely.

To learn more and support the work of the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund, please visit www.nebcommfound.org/give/dan-gillespie-soil-health-fund.

###

About Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund

The Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund honors Dan Gillespie, a life-long farmer and long-time no-till farming practitioner and advocate, by raising funds and making grants to support soil health. The fund is dedicated to education and educational practices related to soil health and regenerative agriculture, including but not limited to no-till farming, water conservation, tree conservation and planting cover crops. 

Grants from this Fund may support educational events and programming for youth, current farmers and ranchers and others involved in agriculture. The geographic focus of the Fund is Nebraska and surrounding states. A volunteer Fund Advisory Committee works actively to increase charitable giving and award grants to causes and projects that are addressing emerging needs and future opportunities to educate, inform and support healthy soil practices. Established in 2021, the Dan Gillespie Soil Health Fund is an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.

About Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors, and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education, and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving over 270 communities.

In the last five years, 45,915 contributions have been made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $423 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

Position open for Conservation Planner in Pierce/Madison Counties

Portions of Pierce and Madison Counties, in northeast Nebraska, have high levels of nitrate in the groundwater. Some of these locations have developed into Phase 2 & 3 Areas of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District’s (LENRD) Groundwater Management Plan. The LENRD and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are targeting these counties by promoting Best Management Practices (BMPs) that could aid in decreasing nitrate levels.

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

This professional position is being funded by the LENRD with grant funding provided by the National Association of Conservation Districts. The conservation planner will be headquartered at either the Pierce County NRCS office located in Pierce or the Madison County NRCS office located in Norfolk. The LENRD will receive applications until the position is filled.

 Position Opening

Job Description

What is the Maple Creek Watershed Plan and how does it affect me?

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), is working with the federal government, local communities, and property owners in a planning exercise to address the flooding concerns in the Maple Creek Watershed covering Stanton, Platte, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties in northeast Nebraska.

The LENRD submitted a proposal through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) program for the evaluation and planning process and was awarded the grant in 2020.

The LENRD is currently working through the process of the WFPO Plan which is 30% completed. LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “It’s important to understand that this Maple Creek Watershed Plan is simply a ‘planning document’ to evaluate what is technically and economically feasible, and socially acceptable across the area.”

Sousek said, “Because the district is spending time in this effort, we would then be eligible for funding to install flood prevention measures and work on projects that are ACCEPTABLE within the watershed, and to help communities with their flood prevention needs.”

He added, “The major point of developing this plan is to provide both flood protection and property tax relief. The property tax relief comes by securing federal dollars rather than raising local property tax dollars to do the same work that has been given to us by the Nebraska Legislature. NRCS could provide 100% of the financial commitment for design and construction of projects within the plan.”

Another component to the Maple Creek WFPO plan is the LENRD’s continued commitment to help communities in the watershed. The district has been working with the Village of Clarkson for over 10 years to bring their levee system to standards for accreditation. In the past, the district has helped communities with 50% of the local cost to accomplish such projects. By incorporating this project into the WFPO plan, neither the Village of Clarkson nor the LENRD would need to use valuable financial resources because the federal government could potentially cover 100% of this cost.

The Village of Nickerson sits at the very eastern, tail end of the Maple Creek Watershed. This community has continually asked for help with flood reduction. By incorporating a project to redesign or remove altogether a bridge that seems to be a bottle neck in the system, this project could also be covered under this plan.

Letters from the LENRD have been sent to the citizens across the Maple Creek watershed, requesting ideas to formulate this plan. The LENRD is asking for your help in developing your ideas and working together to research ways to reduce flooding.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “While not everyone is interested in doing something, we do have individuals expressing their willingness to place small flood control structures on their property, whether it be a detention cell, wetland development, a small dam, or other flood reduction projects.”  He continued, “These ideas are being documented and worked into the WFPO plan to help the LENRD board of directors determine what level of flood reduction we are willing to tackle and help secure the dollars needed for the approved plan.”

Once the evaluation and planning process is completed, a public meeting will be held for gathering any remaining input from the public followed by a presentation to the LENRD board for approval.

There is not a Maple Creek Watershed Project

Letter to the Editor:

How big is the Maple Creek Watershed Project, and what are the expansion plans for the Maple Creek Watershed Project? These are the questions being asked of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board and staff. The LENRD needs to make a very important clarification here by stating that there is NO Maple Creek Watershed project.

The LENRD is currently working through the process of the Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) Plan which is 30% completed. It’s important to understand that this Maple Creek Watershed Plan is simply a ‘planning document’ to evaluate what is technically and economically feasible, and socially acceptable across the area. It is not a project.

We are working with landowners in the watershed and having conversations about what they would like to see for flood protection and about what they are willing to do to help with flood reduction. While not everyone is interested in doing something, we do have individuals expressing their willingness to place small flood control structures on their property, whether it be a detention cell, wetland development, or a small dam. These ideas are being documented and worked into the WFPO plan to help the LENRD board of directors determine what level of flood reduction we are willing to tackle and help secure the dollars needed to implement the approved plan.

Extreme Weather Cycles - How often do flood events occur?

Over the last 12 years, we have had watersheds experience a 100-year storm on average every four years. While some of these storms surpassed the 100-year threshold and peaked past the 500-year storm, the most recent 500-year storm was in 2019 during the March bomb cyclone.

This may come as a surprise, but during the March 2019 flood, the City of Norfolk had as much water in the bypass channel running through the city that is usually flowing in the Missouri River. This amount of water stressed the diversion channel to its limit, and the only reason it survived was due to the LENRD flood control structure 15 miles upstream which held back 18,000-acre feet of water (5.8 million gallons). Willow Creek Reservoir has a normal conservation pool of approximately 700 acres, but during that event swelled to over 1,200 acres (which is how it was designed) and helped to significantly alleviate downstream flood impacts, most notably to the communities of Pierce and Norfolk. Think about this for a moment… a tributary to the Elkhorn River two hours west of Omaha became the size of the Missouri River as the flood waters were flowing and gaining volume, navigating, and destroying the region from the Elkhorn River to the Platte River and ultimately ending in the Missouri River.

During this same 12-year period, we have experienced the most extreme flash drought in the last 70 years, which occurred in 2012. This extreme drought brought to the forefront the vulnerability in our agriculture system that has such a reliance on groundwater for irrigation. The spike in demand from all groundwater users, most notably from municipal, irrigation, livestock, and domestic well owners, provided evidence that the natural system has limits, and in-season groundwater shortages were documented throughout the district. Should that drought have lasted another year or more (as has occurred in other parts of the United States), catastrophic environmental and economic ramifications would have been realized. The extremes we are experiencing in weather cycles is unprecedented. For example, this flash drought followed two years that were plagued with flooding along the Elkhorn River.

What’s next for the Maple Creek Plan?

By going through this planning process, the LENRD would then be eligible for funding to install flood prevention measures and work on projects that are ACCEPTABLE within the watershed, and to help communities with their flood prevention needs.

The major point of this exercise is to provide both flood protection and property tax relief. The property tax relief comes by securing federal dollars rather than raising local property tax dollars to do the same work that has been given to us by the Nebraska Legislature. NRCS could potentially provide 100% of the financial commitment for design and construction of projects within the plan.

The LENRD is asking for your help in developing your ideas and working together to research ways to reduce flooding in the Maple Creek Watershed. Once the evaluation and planning process is completed, a public meeting will be held for gathering public input followed by a presentation to the LENRD board for approval.

Please remember this is NOT a project, but rather a planning document to evaluate ideas to reduce flooding.

Respectfully,

Mike Sousek, General Manager, on behalf of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Board of Directors

Conservation Poster Contest winners announced

“Healthy Forests = Healthy Communities” was the theme for this year’s Stewardship Week and Poster Contest sponsored by the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).

Trees and forests are critical to providing clean air and water, healthy soil, abundant wildlife habitat, and valuable products we use every day. LENRD Information & Education Specialist, Julie Wragge, said, “It’s important that each of us does our part to care for trees.”

Over 100 K-12th grade students participated in the contest. Trees, branches, and wildlife 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) Monroe Crogan                                           Howells-Dodge

2) Colton Praest                                                St. Wenceslaus, Dodge

3) Ashtyn Ebeling                                             Howells-Dodge

Grades 2-3

1) Noelle Heinen                                              St. Francis, Humphrey

2) Milo Spieker                                                 St. Mary’s, Wayne

3) Brylie Reigle                                                 St. Francis, Humphrey

Grades 4-6

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

2) Haylie Hinrichsen                                        St. Wenceslaus, Dodge

3) Emma Ortmeier                                           St. Wenceslaus, Dodge

Grades 7-9

1) Emma Canham                                             Norfolk High School

2) Skylar Indra                                                   Norfolk High School

Grades 10-12

1) Myranda Hansen                                         Norfolk High School

2) Krista Beranek                                              Scribner-Snyder Community School

3) Kolton Lingenfelter                                    Norfolk High School

The first-place posters in each category were sent on to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) in Lincoln for the State Competition.

The NARD recently announced that the Lower Elkhorn NRD has 4 winners at the State level this year. Students winning in the State competition include:

·         Grades K-1:  Monroe Crogan, Howells-Dodge

·         Grades 4-6:  Mariana Nexticapan Hernandez, St. Mary’s, Wayne

·         Grades 7-9:  Emma Canham, Norfolk High School

·        Grades 10-12: Myranda Hansen, Norfolk High School

These students will receive special recognition from the NARD in Lincoln. The winning posters from the State competition will be sent on to Las Vegas, Nevada for the National competition in February 2021.

Wragge added, “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. Congratulations to all the participants. We look forward to seeing all the talent from the students again next year.”

The 2022 stewardship theme is “Healthy Soil: Healthy Life”. For more information on the poster contest, contact Julie Wragge, at 402-371-7313. 

First Place, K-1 Grade: Monroe Crogan, Howells-Dodge

First Place, 2-3 Grade: Noelle Heinen, Humphrey St. Francis

First Place, 4-6 Grade: Mariana Nexticapan Hernandez, St. Mary’s, Wayne

First Place, 7-9 Grade: Emma Canham, Norfolk High School

First Place, 10-12 Grade: Myranda Hansen, Norfolk High School

LENRD board 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 has the responsibility to develop, manage, and conserve our groundwater. Each year they look at ways to assist landowners in protecting the resource for their livelihood and that of future generations.

At their November meeting, the LENRD board voted to allow up to 292 acre-feet of new peak season streamflow depletions for the LENRD’s hydrologically connected (10/50 Area), which calculates to approximately 2,782.10 new groundwater irrigated acres. The board also voted to allow for the development of 2,542.15 new irrigated acres in the LENRD’s non-hydrologically connected (Non 10/50 Area). An approved variance from the district is required to expand groundwater irrigated acres either from an existing well, or a newly constructed well.

LENRD Assistant Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “The variance applications are evaluated using the district’s scoring and ranking process which evaluates several factors, and provides a transparent process from which approvals are determined. The LENRD is committed to working with producers to expand acres while continuing to protect our groundwater for the future.”

Staff will be contacting the landowners in writing, for both approved and non-approved applications. After the landowners have been properly notified, the approved list will be made available by submitting a public records request to the district.

In other action, the board approved 8 Community Forestry Incentive Program applications for a total cost of $31,795.13. The communities receiving grants to remove and plant trees this year are Beemer, Norfolk, Oakland, Randolph, Wausa, West Point, West Point Schools, and Wisner.

LENRD Natural Resources Conservation Technician, Todd Stewart, said, “If you need trees for your community, your acreage, or your backyard, give me a call, I’d be happy to come out and help design your project.”  Conservation tree order forms are now available at the LENRD office, your local NRCS office, and online at lenrd.org.

The LENRD board & staff meet each month to develop and implement programs to protect our natural resources. The next LENRD board meeting will be Tuesday, December 21st at 7:30 p.m. Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails.

Flood reduction measures evaluated in Maple Creek Watershed Plan

Protecting northeast Nebraska from flood events is the responsibility of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), given to them by the Nebraska Legislature. The LENRD board and staff work continually to study areas where flooding occurs.

Areas in the Maple Creek watershed have been prone to flood events for decades, impacting families for generations. Citizens and community members from the watershed have asked the LENRD to assist with flood reduction projects and conservation programs to help prevent damages from flood water/sediment and minimize future flood events.

In 2020, the LENRD was awarded a grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations (WFPO) program to complete the Maple Creek Watershed Plan & Environmental Assessment. FYRA engineering is working on the plan which aims to evaluate potential flood reduction projects to reduce overall flood risk and support the largely agricultural economy in the Maple Creek Watershed. Leigh, Clarkson, Howells, and Nickerson are the four communities located within the watershed.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “The Maple Creek plan is a planning document to evaluate what is technically and economically feasible and socially acceptable. For example, the Clarkson levee and a bridge near Nickerson, can be further evaluated with this plan.”

Becker, added, “We are trying to come up with solutions to reduce flooding in the area. Most dam structures have not been adequately supported, and we’re looking for other options which can benefit these communities and rural areas.”

Letters were sent out to the public as the LENRD continues to request ideas to formulate this plan. Becker continued, “If dams are not fully supported, then we can work together on other flood reduction plans, including detention cells, wetland enhancement, and levee and channel improvements. If you have poor producing soils next to a stream channel, creating a flood water retention area could benefit your land and the watershed. We’re asking the public to bring their ideas to the table.”

More efficient nitrogen use is the goal of LENRD's new cost-share program

The protection of our groundwater is one of the main responsibilities given to Nebraska’s NRDs.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) board and staff work diligently to come up with ways to develop, manage, and conserve our water now and for future generations.

LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “We are always striving to find programs that fit our mission and to encourage citizens to stop and think about how they can take the next steps to reach their management goals.”

At their October meeting, the LENRD board of directors approved a chemigation equipment cost-share program.  This program is intended to introduce landowners to, and provide a one-time cost assistance for, equipment needed for application of fertilizer through irrigation systems.  This program is designed to spoon-feed fertilizer to the crop at the optimum time, reduce fertilizer losses, and reduce the risk of nitrogen leaching into the groundwater.

Becker continued, “Our goal with this program is to provide a tool for producers to apply their nitrogen more efficiently.  One of the requirements of the program is that the applicant has not previously done chemigation.”

The eligible components would include LENRD approved chemigation equipment needed on irrigation systems for applying liquid nitrogen fertilizers, including the mainline check valve and the fertilizer injection pump and/or chemical injection valve.

“The cost-share will be 50% of the total cost of the equipment, not to exceed $1,500, and is a one-time use program,” said Becker.

In other action, the board accepted a bid to complete concrete work at the shop and shower house at Maskenthine Lake, and the sidewalk project at the Maple Creek Recreation Area.  The board also accepted a 3-year lease contract for a skid steer loader and approved the trade-in of the Chevy Tahoe.

To learn more about the 12 responsibilities of Nebraska’s NRDs and how your local district can work with you and your community to protect your natural resources, visit lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails.  The next board of directors meeting will be Tuesday, November 23rd at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.

Watersheds receive funding to improve water quality

Acting State Conservationist John Wilson announced today that the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the National Water Quality Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to improve water quality in three impaired watersheds located in eastern Nebraska. Interested participants have until Nov. 19, 2021, to apply.

The selected watersheds are:

• Bazile Creek – located in Antelope, Pierce, and Knox counties

• Big Sandy – located in Thayer and Fillmore Counties

• Turkey Creek – located in Saline County

Wilson said, “USDA is committed to working hand-in-hand with farmers, ranchers, and landowners to address water quality issues and provide the tools necessary to ensure clean, safe water for communities and wildlife. This latest investment is yet another example of how voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs are benefitting both producers and our natural resources.” 

The targeted watersheds were identified with help from state agencies, partners, and the USDA State Technical Committee. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is working with the local Natural Resources Districts in these watersheds through the Nonpoint Source Water Quality Grants-Section 319 Program.

Wilson said, “Including these watersheds in the National Water Quality Initiative will strengthen the overall effort to improve water quality in impaired streams in Nebraska. Through this initiative, eligible producers in these watersheds will invest in voluntary conservation practices to help provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities.”

NRCS will provide funding and expertise to farmers and ranchers interested in installing conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips, terraces, no-till, and other erosion control practices to improve water quality. NRCS staff will work with individual landowners to develop a conservation plan to apply practices that work best for their farming operation in each watershed.

Individuals interested in applying for conservation funds may do so at any time, but applications need to be submitted by Nov. 19 to be considered for this year’s funding.

Additional information about the National Water Quality Initiative, and detailed maps of the sign-up areas, are available at www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

MAP of the sign-up area

Funding available from USDA to protect groundwater

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has funding available to assist landowners in source water protection priority areas to install conservation practices. Interested landowners have until Nov. 19, 2021, to apply.

John Wilson, acting state conservationist for NRCS in Nebraska said, “Since nearly all Nebraskans get their drinking water from groundwater, it’s important we work together to help protect this resource from contamination.”

Agricultural land located in the source water protection priority areas (see map) may be eligible to receive financial assistance.

Nebraska NRCS is now accepting applications for source water protection funding. Approved applicants can receive funding to install conservation practices used to address water quality that include:

• Nutrient management

• Irrigation water management

• Cover crops

• Conversion of flood to pivot or subsurface drip irrigation systems.

NRCS field office staff can determine if applicants are eligible for source water protection priority area financial assistance.

 Applications are accepted anytime, but to be considered for funding in 2022, applications must be received by Nov. 19, 2021. Visit your local NRCS field office to learn more.

Nebraska Source Water Protection - Priority Area MAP