Signup for irrigated acres 'on hold' due to drought conditions

As the drought continues to intensify across the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), some landowners are experiencing fluctuations in their well pressure.

At their July meeting, the LENRD board postponed the discussion about a new irrigated acre signup until a later date and directed staff to continue to monitor the drought and groundwater levels.

Brian Bruckner, LENRD Assistant Manager, said, “We are already receiving calls about pumping conflicts, with several weeks left in the irrigation season.  I think it would be irresponsible for us to move forward with scheduling a signup period during the current drought conditions.”

If the drought persists, the board will make any necessary decisions about 2023 water restrictions by November 1st.

The discussion of the Battle Creek Watershed Plan was also on the agenda.  Several members from the public voiced their desire for more information about other options to reduce flooding in the watershed.  There will be a Public Open House for the Battle Creek Watershed Flood Risk Reduction Plan on Thursday, August 18th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Battle Creek Community Clubhouse at 804 South 2nd Street.  This open house will allow the public the opportunity to review the information from the recent study by JEO Consulting Group.  The project team will be available for questions.

In other business, the board accepted the low bid from Pruss Excavation, of Dodge, for the Scribner streambank repair project on the Elkhorn River in the amount of $131,334.  This project will be cost-shared with Dodge County, the City of Scribner, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, and the LENRD.

The next LENRD committee of the whole meeting will be held Thursday, August 11th at 7:00 p.m. with the board meeting to follow on Thursday, August 25th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected by subscribing to monthly emails at lenrd.org.