LENRD Board of Directors Approve Funding for 11 Community Forestry Projects

At their November 21st Board Meeting, Lower Elkhorn NRD (LENRD) Board of Directors received and approved 10 applications for the Community Forestry Incentive Program, and one application for the Forestry Incentive for Public Facilities Program for Fiscal Year 2025.

The Community Forestry Assistance Program provides financial assistance for tree planting projects to improve or renovate community green spaces on public lands. Many communities may not have the resources needed to purchase trees for their projects, but this program provides an opportunity for those communities to not only purchase trees, but to purchase more larger-size trees at one time.

To be eligible for cost-share funding, each project in this program must be sponsored by a city, village, county or school and be located on publicly owned land. Tree species planted must be purchased from a Nebraska commercial nursery and be adapted to local environmental growing conditions and have no major insect or disease problems. Eligible project components include: tree removal, site preparation, purchase of trees, tree installation, and project planning and design services by professional Landscape Architects or Designers. Maximum reimbursement offered from the LENRD is up to 75% of the local project costs up to $5,000, not to exceed $200 per tree.

Applications approved for the 2025 Fiscal Year include: City of Lyons, Village of Pender, Village of Pilger, City of West Point, Pender Public Schools, City of Clarkson, City of Randolph, Logan View Public Schools, Norfolk Public Schools, and Village of Emerson.

For entities interested in applying for the program, it is often helpful to have a plan in place for addressing tree needs. “I would encourage everyone who receives the initial letter to create a Tree Board and develop a five-year plan to address their community needs,” said Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician.

The Forestry Incentive Program for Public Facilities provides financial assistance for tree planting projects to improve or renovate green spaces on private land for public use. Many of the applicants for this program include golf courses and cemeteries. The cost-share rate for this program is up to 50%, not to exceed $2,500.

One application for Fiscal Year 2025 was received from SMILE, Inc. asking for assistance with replacing dead Scotch Pine with Autumn Blaze Maple. The Scotch Pine that were planted in 2000 have died from Pine Wilt. Of the 44 original trees, there are only two remaining. S.M.I.L.E. Inc. provides recreational therapy on horseback to individuals (of all ages) and disabilities. 

Maskenthine Recreation Area Campground Electrical Upgrade and Hydrants Replacement

Directors also approved awarding contracts for electrical upgrades and hydrant replacement within the Maskenthine Recreation Area campground. Tyler Warren, Recreation Area Superintendent, explained the electrical upgrade will replace all 33 electrical pedestals within the campground to 50/30/20 Amp services. “Each pedestal will have a 50 amp and separate 30 amp plug, and also a 20 amp plug,” Warren stated.

Though nine of the 33 pedestals already have the 50/30/20 amp service, all pedestals are being replaced so the brand of each pedestal is the same. With everything being the same, it will be easier for staff to maintain. The updated conduit will be bored to each pedestal.  Work on the upgrade is to be completed no later than May 26, 2024.

In an effort to prevent the outdoor pipes from freezing, Warren is also working on a project to replace hydrants within the rec area. Eight water spigots will be replaced with Woodford Model Y34 hydrants with the drain hole of each hydrant being placed below the frost line.

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 www.lenrd.org and sign up for our monthly emails. The next board of directors meeting will be Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the LENRD office in Norfolk at 7:30 p.m. and on Facebook Live.