Protecting groundwater quality a priority for NRDs

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Since their inception in 1972, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) have been monitoring groundwater quality to protect lives, property and the future.

Approximately 85 percent of Nebraskans rely on groundwater as their drinking water source and it is the primary irrigation source for agriculture, Nebraska’s No. 1 industry. NRDs have been developing groundwater quality plans since the 1980s, which are an essential part of protecting Nebraska’s most precious resource.

Groundwater quality issues are often multi-faceted with no-one-size-fits-all solution, as highlighted in the following NRD programs.

Bazile Groundwater Management Area – Lewis & Clark, Lower Elkhorn, Lower Niobrara and Upper Elkhorn NRDs

Congressman Adrian Smith visit the Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) and City of Creighton Water Department to learn more about nitrate in groundwater. From left, Rep. Smith; Steve Morrill, Creighton Mayor; Annette Sudbeck, Lewis & Clark NRD general manager; Joslynn VanDerslice, Upper Elkhorn NRD water resources manager; Whitney Gappa, former BGMA coordinator; Terry Julesgard, Lower Niobrara NRD general manager; Lindsay Nelson, Creighton city administrator; Kevin Sonnichsen, Creighton water commissioner and fire chief; and Mike Sousek, Lower Elkhorn NRD general manager.

The Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) brings together ag producers, four NRDs, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Nebraska Environmental Trust and Nebraska Extension to address rising nitrate levels in communities and domestic wells in northeast Nebraska.

The nitrate contamination goes beyond individual NRD borders and includes parts of three counties – Antelope, Knox and Pierce. Sandy soils, shallow depth to groundwater and extensive application of nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation water make the BGMA aquifer particularly vulnerable to nitrate contamination.

Agriculture producers in the BGMA work to reduce nonpoint source groundwater contamination through the adoption of best management practices (BMPs), which could include nitrogen inhibitors, soil sampling, water sampling, limits on fall fertilizer application, variable-rate applicators, center pivot irrigation, chemigation, flow meters, cover crops, moisture sensors, split feeding fertilizer, and factoring in the nitrogen present in the irrigation water when deciding fertilizer application.

One best management practice used to protect groundwater is chemigation. Chemigation is the injection of agricultural chemicals into water flowing through an irrigation distribution system for application to land, crops, or both. Using chemigation, producers can regulate the rate of application and chemicals may be applied at the exact time needed by plants. NRDs provide chemigation permits and regularly inspect the equipment to ensure it is in proper working order.

“Nonpoint source pollution is difficult to address, because the source of the problem is from a widespread area,” said Terry Julesgard, Lower Niobrara NRD general manager. “The success of the program relies on producers voluntarily utilizing the various tools and actively making changes to reduce contamination and improve groundwater quality.”

This voluntary, collaborative approach allows BGMA partners to leverage U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water Act funding and make a stronger case for receiving federal funding to collectively address the problem in the larger aquifer. The BGMA Plan was the first federally recognized groundwater-focused plan to address nonpoint source pollution in the nation.

Hastings Wellhead Protection Area – Little Blue and Upper Big Blue NRDs

Central Platte NRD Manager Lyndon Vogt, center, and Lower Niobrara NRD Assistant Manager Wade Ellwanger, right, visit Hastings Utilities to learn about their unique process for treating the city’s drinking water, which has high nitrate levels.

A Wellhead Protection Area has public drinking water wells, which require special attention to prevent contamination. Through regular water testing, the City of Hastings found that several of their wells were above the allowable limit for nitrate contamination.

Since Hastings is split between two NRDs – Little Blue and Upper Big Blue – and because nonpoint source nitrate pollution is primarily from surrounding agricultural activity, the city coordinated with the districts. NRDs have regulatory authority and the necessary flexibility to develop the collaborative programming to help protect Hastings’ drinking water.

The Hastings Wellhead Protection Area program uses educational programming and producer incentives to reduce contamination. Cost-share programs include irrigation management, soil sampling, septic tank and leach field abandonment, and well abandonment.

“This project bridges the rural-urban divide to address nonpoint source nitrate pollution,” said David Eigenberg, Upper Big Blue NRD general manager. “Understanding the sources of contamination and preventing additional contamination is key. This partnership will require long-term cooperative efforts between producers and NRDs to slow nitrate losses to protect drinking water.”

Rain-Ready Landscapes Program – Lower Platte South NRD

Rain gardens capture runoff from hard surfaces like parking areas and driveways. The runoff filters into the surrounding soils, reducing the need for watering.

Groundwater contamination is not just a rural issue. Due to stormwater runoff, many pollutants typical in urban areas can be found in local waterways. Lower Platte South NRD offers cost share to homeowners, who participate in the Rain-Ready Landscapes Program in Lincoln and throughout the district.

The goal of this program is to improve water quality, reduce runoff, and facilitate infiltration by preventing water from leaving properties and entering storm drains. By installing landscaping projects like rain gardens or bioswales, waterwise lawns, and pavement removal, rainwater is slowed and captured to allow infiltration.

In addition to protecting water quality, rainscapes are more sustainable than traditional landscaping because they utilize native plants, which require less water and fewer pesticides. 

Addressing groundwater quality issues requires regular data collection and recognizing and planning for changing conditions. Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts’ regulatory and taxing authorities allow NRDs to develop locally based incentive and educational programming and to enforce regulations when needed to protect Nebraska’s groundwater today and into the future.

Throughout 2022, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation. To join in the celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at www.nrdnet.org.

Recreational opportunities abound in northeast Nebraska

Planning to stay close to home this summer?  You’re never far from a public outdoor recreation area.  Many of these trails, lakes, parks, and wildlife areas are built and maintained by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs).

If you’re reading this, it’s safe to say you probably live within the boundaries of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) in northeast Nebraska.  As one of the 23 districts across the state, the LENRD has 12 responsibilities, from the State Legislature, to protect our natural resources.  One of these responsibilities includes the development and management of recreational and park facilities.

Most LENRD projects are developed for multiple purposes, often combining flood control structures with recreation, wildlife habitat enhancement, soil erosion and sediment control, or wetland renovation along rivers and streams.

In the LENRD, there are 3 recreation areas waiting for you to enjoy!  The Maskenthine Project was constructed by the LENRD in 1975-76 for flood control and recreation.  It was the first major flood control project in the Elkhorn River Basin and the first to receive a grant from the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission Water Development Fund.  The 100-surface acre lake filled rapidly with snow melt and early spring rains and was opened to the public in 1979.

Maskenthine Lake is located ten miles east of Norfolk in the rolling hills of north-central Stanton County.  The dam protects the town of Stanton from flooding.  The area is 740 acres in size, providing many recreational opportunities – camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming, mountain bike trail, disc golf course, and winter sports, including a sledding hill, and warming shed.  No park permit is required to enter the recreation area because it is owned and managed by the LENRD.

Mountain Bike Trail - Maskenthine Lake

Curt Becker, LENRD Projects Manager, said, “The flood protection that this area provides is its largest value, but the quality of life it provides the visitors comes in at a close second.  The area is over 43 years old with established trees for plenty of shade.  An arboretum exists on the east side of the lake and encompasses about 20-acres of mostly native trees and shrubs, with other tree plantings established for wildlife habitat, research, windbreaks, and beautification throughout the area.”

The camping area has 33 electric camping pads.  Sites can be reserved for $25 per night at bookyoursite.com with some pads still available as first-come, first-served.  Tent camping is $10 per night.

Becker said, “If you like to go mountain biking, you’ll appreciate the trail we have at Maskenthine.  It’s one of a kind in this area and is ranked as one of the top mountain bike trails in the state.”  The trail is home for the annual race of the Nebraska Cycling League.  This year the event will take place on September 24 & 25, 2022, with the title “Still Feeling Fine at Maskenthine.”

Willow Creek State Recreation Area - southwest of Pierce, Nebraska.

The Willow Creek State Recreation Area (SRA) draws its name from the meandering stream that feeds the Elkhorn River in northeast Nebraska.  Located southwest of Pierce, this scenic area covers 1,600 acres, including a 700-acre flood-control reservoir, protecting the town of Pierce and downstream landowners to just north of Norfolk.

Becker added, “The dam did its job during the flood of 2019.  Without the protection from this project, the flood-control channel at Norfolk could have gone out of its banks, creating further devastation.  This project potentially saved millions of dollars in damages for downstream landowners that day.”

The area is owned by the LENRD and managed by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission; therefore, a state park permit is required to enter the area.

The campground offers 30-amp and 50-amp sites with shower house and laundry facilities.  There are 124 campsites available, half of which may be reserved at OutdoorNebraska.org or by calling 402-471-1414.  Included are 10 overnight equestrian sites with electricity and individual pens that complement the extensive mowed trail system welcoming horse riders.  Stays are limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.  Camper pads are $25 per night, tent camping is $10 per night.  A swimming beach and sand volleyball court are located near the campground.  The recreation area was paved in 2009.

The William J. Meyer Recreational Trail is a scenic 11-mile hiking/biking trail that circles the reservoir and connects to the city of Pierce.  Becker said, “The trail is named after former LENRD Board Member, Bill Meyer, who resides in Pierce and enjoys using the trail with his family.  Meyer was a member of the board for 40 years and was instrumental in the development of the area in the early 80’s.”

The reservoir attracts anglers and boaters.  The main body of the lake is open to all boating and water skiing, while the wooded west end (about half the lake surface) is restricted to 5 mph, no-wake boating.  Willow Creek is a relatively shallow, turbid lake with a maximum depth of 30 feet with little or no aquatic vegetation present.  Primary fish species for anglers include crappie, walleye, and channel catfish along with some largemouth bass, bluegill, and wipers.  Common carp offer ample opportunity for archery anglers.  There are nine, rock breakwaters with crushed rock surfacing that allow for excellent fishing opportunities.

Becker added, “Water quality is an important issue that we deal with daily.  Our board and staff are committed to supporting conservation efforts throughout the Willow Creek Watershed.  An Improvement Project was formulated to bring more Best Management Practices (BMPs) into the area to provide better water quality, not only at the reservoir, but throughout the watershed.”

Maple Creek Recreation Area - northwest of Leigh, Nebraska

If you’re looking for another place, close to home, to take your family for the weekend, check out the Maple Creek Recreation Area, nestled in the hilly terrain of Colfax County.  The dam is located just northwest of the Colfax County fairgrounds on the edge of Leigh.  The flood control dam protects the fairgrounds and the village of Leigh as well as downstream landowners.  Maple Creek opened to the public for recreation in 2011.  No park permit is required for entry because the area is owned and managed by the LENRD.

The area accommodates fifty 50-amp RV camping sites and 10 primitive tent sites.  The campsites are $25 per night, and the tent camping is $10.  Reservations can be made at bookyoursite.com.  The beach area is very popular, with picnic and playground areas nearby.

The hiking/biking trail covers 2.36 miles around the area.  This unique trail crosses under Highway 91.  Horse riding trails are north of the highway with a parking lot for trailers.

The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission stocks and monitors the fish population of the lake.  Channel catfish, northern pike, and walleye are some of the species present in the lake, along with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch.  Boating is allowed in most areas of the lake with a 5 mph, no wake regulation.  Hunting is allowed in areas 200 yards from any facility (campground, beach, boat dock, etc.).

Still looking for s’more?  Julie Wragge, LENRD Information & Education Specialist, said, “Our educational events offer more opportunities to experience our local recreation areas.  Our Stars, Strolls, & S’mores events are held at different locations each year and provide hands-on learning sessions, and of course, s’mores around a campfire.”  The next event will be held July 13th at 7:30 p.m. at the Elkhorn Valley Museum/Verges Park in Norfolk.  A night of storytelling and cave exploring is planned.  Night Sky Ecology will be the focus of the evening.

Nebraska’s NRDs continue to invest and improve more than 80 recreation areas across the state.  Find one near you by visiting:  nrdnet.org/recreation

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts – Protecting Lives, Protecting Property, Protecting the Future for 50 Years – 1972-2022

Efficient irrigation management can help reduce nutrient leaching

Irrigation and nutrient management tools can be used to improve yields, conserve energy and water, and reduce nutrient leaching to protect our groundwater.

“One way to improve irrigation efficiency is to implement soil moisture sensor technology into your operation,” said Curt Becker, Projects Manager for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD).  “The soil moisture data recorded by the sensors will show changes over time and will support producers’ decisions, to only irrigate when necessary, during wet or dry times,” said Becker.

Soil moisture sensors measure the amount of water in the soil profile.  These sensors are placed at predetermined locations and depths in the field and are effective management tools to help decide when and when not to irrigate.  The goal with using soil moisture sensors for in-season irrigation management is to only apply what the crop needs, while leaving storage space in the soil profile to capture precipitation.

Becker said, “It’s important to leave some room in the soil profile for rainfall.  Rainfall can push nitrogen through the soil profile much easier when the soil profile is saturated.  You don’t want to dry out the profile, but there is a happy medium that doesn’t affect your yield and allows room for rain.”

Excess irrigation can potentially cause further nitrate leaching, and according to recent information collected by the University of Nebraska the penalty is 5-8 lbs. of nitrogen loss per inch of root zone drainage.  This amount can go up or down depending on soil-type, available nutrients, and precipitation.

The LENRD has 50% cost-share available to help producers wanting to purchase soil moisture probes.

Chemigation is another beneficial management tool that can help growers with the timing and placement of the nutrients on their crops.  By utilizing the irrigation application equipment as the delivery mechanism, this program is designed to spoon-feed fertilizer to the crop at the right time, reducing fertilizer losses and the risk of nitrogen leaching to the groundwater.  It also eliminates the need for additional passes over the field with fertilizer application equipment, which prevents soil compaction and saves valuable fuel and maintenance cost on equipment.

The LENRD has financial assistance available for landowners or farm operators who have not previously engaged in the chemigation/fertigation program.  Becker continued, “This program introduces landowners to and provides a one-time cost-assistance for equipment needed for chemigation (split applications) of fertilizer through irrigation systems.”

Another benefit of chemigation is that, in most cases, materials can be applied regardless of weather or field conditions.  Eligible components for the 50% cost-share include the mainline check valve, fertilizer injection pump, and/or the chemical injection valve.

Another way we can carefully manage the impact that various practices have on the land and water is through deep soil sampling.  Becker explained, “This practice can help producers account for the nitrogen already available within the soil profile.”

Soil samples that are used to determine fertilizer application rates usually come from the top 4 to 8 inches.  However, there are times when deep soil sampling is beneficial and necessary, especially in a nitrogen management program.  Deep soil sampling (24 to 36 inches) can monitor the movement of nitrogen below the topsoil.

Deep soil sampling can also verify if any residual nitrate is available.  Becker concluded, “With fertilizer prices increasing, this practice is one thing farmers can do to help reduce nitrogen costs.  The results of these soil tests can be used to offset some of the nitrogen applied during the next growing season and minimize environmental impacts, as we all work together to preserve water quality.”

Multiple years of data is critical when interpreting the long-term trends in your field.  The LENRD can work with producers to share up to 50% of costs associated with this practice.

Variable rate irrigation (VRI) is also used to assist in protecting our groundwater.  This innovative technology enables a producer to tailor water application to varying crop needs across the field.  Most fields are not uniform because of natural variations in soil type and topography.

Becker said, “When water is applied uniformly to a field, some areas may be overwatered, while other areas of the same field may be too dry.  VRI technology gives irrigators an automated method to vary rates on the individual management zones within a field.  Using this technology can help reduce irrigation withdrawals, while still maintaining a well-irrigated crop.  This allows for more efficient use of water, which is always important, but even more so in times of drought.”

Some of the benefits of adapting a VRI system include increased crop yields, less leaching and runoff of applied nutrients, and disease problems can be reduced by eliminating over-application when irrigation systems overlap.

The LENRD has 50% cost-share available to assist producers with establishing a VRI system.  Interested?  Contact the LENRD office in Norfolk today or visit your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office for more information or to apply.

Scholarships awarded to area graduates

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) recently awarded four scholarships to area High School graduates.  The $500 scholarships were given to graduating seniors, within the district, who are planning to further their education in a natural resources or agriculture related field.

The four graduates selected to receive the scholarships were:  Amanda Sellin of Norfolk, Levi Schiller of Scribner, Trevor Doerr of Creighton, and Savannah Siebrandt of Stanton.

Amanda Sellin is a graduate of Norfolk Senior High School.  She plans to attend Chadron State College and pursue a degree in Agricultural Law.  Amanda is the daughter of Todd & Rhonda Sellin.

Levi Schiller is a graduate of West Point-Beemer High School.  He plans to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and major in Agricultural Education & Leadership.  Levi is the son of Chris & Michelle.

Trevor Doerr is a graduate of Plainview High School.  He plans to attend Northeast Community College in the fall to major in Mechanized Agriculture.  Trevor is the son of Eric & JoBeth Doerr.

Savannah Siebrandt is a graduate of Stanton Community Schools.  She will be attending Northeast Community College, majoring in Agriculture Education.  Savannah is the daughter of Jason & Alisha Siebrandt.

LENRD Information & Education Specialist, Julie Wragge, said, “We’re happy to support students across our district who are furthering their education in the field of natural resources.  We encourage all graduates to continue to protect and efficiently manage our natural resources for the future.”

Irrigation management can provide better quantity and quality groundwater

Farming is a gamble - risks are taken, markets fluctuate, storms and droughts occur.  Some things are just out of our control.  But what producers do have control over, are the decisions they make about the conservation and protection of our groundwater resource.

Crystal Powers, Research and Extension Communication Specialist, with the University of Nebraska Water Center, was the guest speaker at the May committee meeting of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors.  Powers began with, “How many of you play pitch?  We’re currently teaching our boys, ages 8 and 10, to play the game.  The hardest part for a new player is learning how to use the cards they’ve been dealt.  They understand the points, but it’s figuring out when to hold them or fold them that makes the difference in the game.  You might have an ace, but if you can’t protect your 3…big impact, but you may not end up winning the hand.  As we think about the game of pitch, we can relate it at the field level and begin to understand the complex strategy needed to improve outcomes.”

It’s often been said that we’re doing the best we can to protect our natural resources, but are we?  Powers continued, “Some would argue that with the current farming practices and management styles, we’ve got it all under control, the problems we have with nitrate in our groundwater stem from old farming practices from years ago.  But, as we dive into the topic of irrigation management, we find this is often not the case.”

One of the ways we can study the impact that farming practices have on the land and water is by doing vadose zone sampling – from the surface all the way through the root zone to the groundwater.

A vadose zone study in the Hastings area, completed by UNL, has shown a 30% increase in nitrate leaching over a 5-year period from 2011-2016.

Excess irrigation can potentially cause further nitrate leaching.  The goal with in-season irrigation is to only apply what the crop needs.  The penalty is 5-8 lbs. on N loss per inch of root zone drainage.  This level can go up or down according to soil, available nitrate, and water use.  Soil moisture sensors can help producers know exactly what the plant needs and how much to apply when.

A study in the Upper Big Blue NRD showed that 56% of fields received excess irrigation from 2017-2020.  This was determined by using soil moisture sensors.  Powers said, “You can go down 3-4 feet and if there’s moisture in the root zone, you do not need to water.  When looking at the potential for over-watering, sometimes it’s early in the season, sometimes it’s throughout the growing season, sometimes it’s late.  So, we have things we can do.  This is good news.  We’re all about continuous improvement.”

How can we tackle this problem?  Start at field level, one field at a time.  Ask yourself, how is the land used, and what is the crop management system?  The risk is the vulnerability of the land, combined with what we do with it and how we do it.  Powers listed deficit scheduling, water meters, soil moisture sensors, and weather data, water management tools to prevent further nitrate leaching.

Aquifer vulnerability can also play a huge role in the quality of our groundwater.  Groundwater vulnerability can be noticed in Community Wellhead Protection Areas, sandier soils that are harder to manage, the depth to groundwater in a particular location, wetland or ponding areas that push water down in the aquifer. The AEM data, funded by the NRD, helps captures the locations of underground aquifers and understand their vulnerability.

Powers added, “Think of your high cards as your land use.  The least amount of risk for nitrate leaching is pasture ground, then turf, then cropland – dryland, pivot, furrow, and then concentrated areas in feed yards.  The more you move your land into these intense uses, the higher the risk of loss of nitrogen.”

Off-season soil water storage is also a critical component in the risk for leaching.  Powers continued, “Fields often get left wet in the fall, and when winter precipitation comes, there is no storage available.  It’s important to leave the soil as dry as you can in the fall.  Because our aquifers recharge in the winter, there is never enough storage, and every drop of off-season moisture causes leaching if there is excess nitrate in the soil.”

Cover crops can also help with off-season storage.  The live plant transpires some of that water to help with the storage deficit and ties up excess nitrate.

Moving this data into decisions leads to precision management.  Variable rate irrigation is another option that can help producers adjust and fine tune the application process field by field.

Powers concluded, “Not only can irrigation scheduling increase the benefits of water quantity, but it can also boost the water quality by limiting excess water moving through the root zone to the water table.  We are all together in this.  As partnering agencies, we need to work hand in hand with the growers to further manage our resources for the future.”

To learn more, visit:  https://cropwatch.unl.edu/water-management

Irrigation Management

Providing better quantity and quality groundwater

Grant Coordinator position available at LENRD

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has an opening for a Grant Coordinator.  The successful candidate should possess social, organizational and teamwork skills; have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to handle multiple tasks.  Excellent benefit package.  Review of resumes will begin June 1, 2022. Send to: Lower Elkhorn NRD, Attn: Mike Sousek, 1508 Square Turn Boulevard, Norfolk, NE 68701.

Job Description

Drought conditions persist, making water conservation a priority

It wasn’t that long ago when drought conditions plagued this area and caused water conflicts to arise.  As the current drought intensifies, we could find ourselves back in some of those same situations.  The total precipitation for the Norfolk area shows that the last few months have been the driest on record since 1910.

What can we do in times like this?  Mike Sousek, general manager for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), said, “It comes down to conserving the groundwater that we all share.  It’s about being responsible with our resources and being accountable to our neighbors by assuring them that we’re doing all that we can to share the resource with everyone around us.”

Water use in Nebraska breaks down to approximately 81% groundwater irrigation, 13% surface water irrigation, and 4% domestic uses. The remaining 2% comprises other uses such as livestock and industrial.

The average person uses 80-100 gallons of water each day.  Sousek said, “We can all use at least 20 percent less water by being more mindful of our actions, checking for leaks, and installing water-efficient appliances.”  Many of the cities and towns across the district have water-saving measures in place, encouraging residents to limit their water use on their scheduled days.  “It’s important to adopt the mindset that the current dry cycle could be part of a multi-year weather pattern.  There’s value in preparing ourselves and conserving our groundwater to help resolve present and future water quantity issues,” said Sousek.

If you own a private well, one of the most important things you can do is to be proactive in the maintenance of your well.  Sousek continued, “If you’ve had issues with your well in the past, or you’re concerned about the well’s performance, it could become problematic during dry conditions.  It’s also a good idea to know the location of your well (using GPS coordinates), the total depth, the static water level, and the age of your well.”  This information will help well owners answer important questions when a well is not functioning properly.  All wells should be registered with the State of Nebraska at:  https://dnr.nebraska.gov/groundwater

What does a drought mean for farmers and ranchers?  Nebraska Climatologist, Al Dutcher, said, “La Nina conditions are persistent across the Equatorial Pacific and the Climate Prediction Center has placed the odds of this event continuing through this upcoming summer at 59% and a 50-55% chance that these conditions will persist through this fall.”

Dutcher added, “I continue to be optimistic that Nebraska will see some relief from drought conditions over the next 30 days. However, due to very dry topsoil and subsoil, from the lack of precipitation over the past 6 months, timely rainfall events will be required through late August to escape significant drought damage for dryland farmers and ranchers.”

There are a variety of ways landowners can protect their assets during a drought.  Sousek reminds the public that the LENRD has several cost-share options available to allow for additional management of the resource.  He explained, “Cost-share is available for soil moisture sensors to help with irrigation scheduling as well as funding opportunities for variable rate irrigation and sprinkler packages to conserve more water.  When using Best Management Practices (BMPs), producers can receive economic benefit by conserving energy and maximizing yield potential by minimizing risk of nutrient leaching.”  Contact your county Natural Resources Conservation Service for further information on how to apply.

To keep groundwater levels stable and protect supplies long-term, the LENRD has allocations in place for irrigators in the management subareas.  Sousek said, “We would like to remind landowners within the quantity subareas, in Madison and Wayne counties, to plan accordingly with their irrigation scheduling and be aware of the current inch per acre allocations.  In times of drought, we must work together to protect all groundwater users.”

Since 2017, any new irrigation wells constructed under an approved Standard Variance also have an allocation for limited water use.  The LENRD will inform each of these well owners, in writing, of the need to be conscientious of their pumping, if the drought continues.

Free testing for well water and surface water until May 31st

What’s in your water?  Water that looks and tastes good may not necessarily be safe to drink.

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, and certain chemical contaminants, sometimes found in a water source, can cause long-term health problems that take years to develop.”  He added, “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.”

Julie Wragge, information and education specialist with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) said, “Water quality may change over time, and annual testing will help well owners track these changes.  There’s an opportunity for all Nebraskans to get well water and surface water tested from now until May 31st.  Citizen Science and water quality come together in a FREE testing program sponsored by the University of Nebraska (UNL).”

To sign up for this FREE Water Quality Testing program for plant nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, phosphate) in well water and surface water, visit:  go.unl.edu/wqcs   The program is open to ALL Nebraska residents from May 1st through May 31st, 2022.  If you have any questions about this FREE program, contact Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, UNL Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at:  sbartelt@unl.edu

Remember to sign-up in May for the FREE Water Quality Testing program at:  go.unl.edu/wqcs

As Arbor Day Celebrates 150, NRDs reflect on 50

Along with Lt. Governor Mike Foley and local dignitaries from the Nebraska Forest Service and Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) celebrated their 50th anniversary with the planting of two Red Oaks on the Nebraska state capitol grounds for the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day.

“Arbor Day is an exciting time of year, because planting trees is a commitment to the future,” said Dr. Orval Gigstad, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “When you plant trees, you’re adding protection, habitat and beauty for future generations.”

Recently, two Red Oaks from the original 1934 capitol landscape plan had to be removed. For the last 25 years, the Capitol Commission has been planting the same species back in the original locations according to the landscape plan established almost 90 years ago.

Arbor Day Founder J. Sterling Morton proposed “to set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit.” That was in 1872, and today Arbor Day is celebrated each April throughout the United States and in many other countries around the world. Morton said, “Other holidays repose on the past; Arbor Day proposes the future.”

Gigstad noted that extreme weather events, diseases and invasive insects have impacted Nebraska’s tree population, making it vitally important to plant and maintain a diverse mix of tree species.

“Planting conservation trees is an on-going effort as we work to maintain and build woodlands that are aging or dying from other causes,” Gigstad said. “For advice on tree health, species selection and windbreak design, landowners can work directly with a forester at their local NRD.”

Since their inception in 1972, Nebraska’s NRDs have been planting conservation trees and shrubs for windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife habitat and other conservation purposes. This spring, Nebraska’s NRDs planted their 100 millionth tree – that’s approximately 50 trees for each Nebraskan.

Natural Resources Districts’ staff and directors will plant the ceremonious 100 millionth tree on the Nebraska capitol northeast lawn in a public ceremony this fall.

Each NRD program varies, but possible tree program services include planting, weed barrier installation or weed control, and drip irrigation. For more information on cost share availability, designing a plan or ordering trees, contact your local NRD or visit www.nrdtrees.org.

Throughout 2022, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation. To join in the celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.

Nebraska students' natural resources knowledge shines

Omaha’s Concordia Lutheran qualifies for International NCF-Envirothon

High schoolers from across Nebraska met in Cozad for the 30th annual Nebraska State Envirothon April 27. Concordia Lutheran of Omaha took home the championship along with $1,500 and will represent Nebraska at the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Envirothon in July.

Envirothon is an environmental education program for high school students that combines classroom learning and outdoor activities. This year’s competition was hosted at Camp Comeca near Cozad.

“Envirothon allows students to get outdoors and learn about natural resources in a hands-on environment,” said Orval Gigstad, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “The activities are designed to help students become environmentally-aware, action-oriented adults, but also exposes them to many exciting career opportunities.” 

During the state competition, five-member teams were tested on their knowledge of aquatics, forestry, policy, range, soils and wildlife, as well as prepared and delivered an oral presentation focusing on a current environmental issue. 

The 2022 oral presentation theme “Waste to Resources” challenged teams to propose a solution on a complex problem before a panel of judges.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Foundation awarded cash prizes to the top three teams at the state competition:

• First Place ($1,500): Concordia Lutheran (Omaha, Nebraska)

• Second Place ($1,000): Norris High School (Firth, Nebraska)

• Third Place ($500): Milford High School (Milford, Nebraska)

Additional prizes were awarded to the top teams in each testing category:

• Aquatics (tie): Concordia Lutheran and Dawson County Envirothon Club

• Forestry (tie): St. Paul Team 1 and Milford

• Policy: Loup City Team 2

• Range: Burwell

• Soils (tie): St. Paul Team 1 and Concordia Lutheran

• Wildlife: Norris

• Oral Presentation: Omaha Zoo Academy – Children of the Corn 

Seventy-five teams competed in the regional contests during February and March, and 14 teams qualified to participate at the state competition. 

Concordia Lutheran will represent Nebraska at the NCF-Envirothon July 24-30, 2022, to compete for a top prize of $15,000. The international NCF-Envirothon will be hosted at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and include more than 40 teams from the U.S., Canada and China.

Learn more about the Nebraska Envirothon at www.nrdnet.org/nebraska-envirothon.

Nebraska's NRDs plant 100 millionth tree

Since their inception in 1972, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) have been planting conservation trees and shrubs for windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife habitat and other conservation purposes. This spring, the NRD Conservation Tree Program plants their 100 millionth tree – that’s approximately 50 trees for each Nebraskan.

“Nebraska has a proud history of planting trees, and putting the 100 millionth tree in the ground reflects Nebraskans’ willingness to invest in the future,” said Dr. Orval Gigstad, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “Our tree planting success is owed to the forward-thinking vision of landowners.” 

Each year, the NRD Conservation Tree Program provides hundreds of thousands of low-cost, bulk trees for planting across the state. Districts collect orders for trees between November and March, then trees are distributed in April in time for spring planting. A majority of NRD conservation trees are sourced from the U.S. Forest Service’s Bessey Nursery in Halsey, Nebraska. 

Gigstad noted that extreme weather events, diseases and invasive insects have impacted Nebraska’s tree population, but recent public-private partnerships demonstrate Nebraska’s tree planting spirit.

According to recent data released by the U.S. Forest Service, Nebraska’s trees and forests are experiencing steady declines. However, a newly formed partnership to reverse this trend has gained significant momentum with the announcement of a $4.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

The Nebraska Forest Restoration Partnership brings together the Nebraska Forest Service, the state’s NRDs and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to address declines in the state’s forests and windbreaks. Using the award, partners will work directly with landowners to increase the scale and pace of forest restoration statewide. This includes planting 1.5 million trees, providing new management of 30,000 acres of declining forests, increasing the health and resiliency of 7,000 acres of vulnerable forests and restoring 250 linear miles of agricultural windbreaks. 

In December, Executive Travel also announced a partnership with Nebraska’s NRDs to plant 1 million trees over the next five years through the ETGreen campaign, starting with 50,000 trees in 2022. This partnership gives Executive Travel the opportunity to assist local landowners in planting all 1 million trees in Nebraska.

 “When Executive Travel was building the ETGreen initiative, we wanted to partner with a local organization dedicated to a sustainable future and a beautiful Nebraska,” said Steve Glenn, Executive Travel chairman. “This great network of local landowners who plant hundreds of thousands of trees through the NRD annually guarantees trees are planted and cared for.” 

Each NRD program varies, but possible tree program services include planting, weed barrier installation or weed control, and drip irrigation. For more information on cost share availability, designing a plan or ordering trees, contact your local NRD or visit www.nrdtrees.org.  

Natural Resources Districts’ staff and directors will plant the ceremonious 100 millionth tree on the Nebraska Capitol grounds in a public ceremony this fall. 

Throughout 2022, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation. To join in the celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.

Lower Elkhorn NRD seeks Recreation Area Superintendent

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is looking to hire a Recreation Area Superintendent. The superintendent is responsible for the planning, development, management, and supervising maintenance of all recreational areas and natural lands of the LENRD. Hire necessary seasonal personnel, supervise, and participate, as necessary, in the operation and maintenance of these areas.  Current areas of responsibility are the Pilger Recreation Area, Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, Maple Creek Recreation Area, the Cowboy Trail Extension, and a portion of the Norfolk-Woodland Park trail. 

Other duties include assisting with the tree planting and sales program and information and education assignments. Considerable independent judgment is exercised with supervision received from the LENRD general manager.

Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in park management, recreation, landscape architecture or related field; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the desirable knowledge, ability, and skill.  The superintendent is required to live on-site at Makenthine Lake.  The LENRD will provide a house, utilities, telephone service, garbage collection, etc. The position is open until filled.

Email or mail cover letter and resume to:

Mike Sousek, General Manager - msousek@lenrd.org

Lower Elkhorn NRD
1508 Square Turn Boulevard
Norfolk NE, 68701
Phone: 402-371-7313

Lower Elkhorn NRD promotes Arbor Day with tree sales

This year marks the 150th Anniversary of Arbor Day and will be celebrated Friday, April 29th.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will commemorate this special day with “last chance tree sales” at their Tree Distribution Center at the Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, north of Stanton.  The center will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Arbor Day, and seedlings can be purchased in bundles of 25 for $25.  Quantities and species are limited.  From Norfolk, the lake is located 10 miles east on highway 275 and then 2 miles south on Ridge Road.  Signs will direct you to the pick-up location.

LENRD Natural Resources Technician, Todd Stewart, said, “There are so many benefits that trees provide for us, from reducing soil erosion, to adding value to your property, to filtering the air.  Planting trees is a gift for future generations.  Our parents and grandparents did it for us, and we should return the favor for our kids and grandkids.”

Contact Stewart at the LENRD office, 402-371-7313, if you have questions about your trees or if you need further assistance.

History of Arbor Day

Nestled in the hills of Nebraska City, is the legendary Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, the original home of the J. Sterling Morton family.  It was there in 1872, that Morton’s idea began – for a special day set aside to encourage people everywhere to plant trees that were so desperately needed across the state.  Morton was a newspaper editor and politician who was very passionate about trees and agriculture.  His dream became known as Arbor Day, and on that very first celebration, nearly one million trees were planted across Nebraska.  Nebraska, the birth state of Arbor Day, celebrates Arbor Day on the last Friday of April each year.

Accomplishing more with less use of local property taxes is goal of NRDs

Photo Description:  Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), enabling districts to respond best to local needs.  The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, all or parts of 15 counties in northeast Nebraska, strives to accomplish more while keeping local property taxes low.

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are a unique form of local government when compared to other parts of the nation, as Nebraska is the only state that addresses natural resource management concerns using this political structure.  Given the fact that NRDs are granted the authority to generate revenue by levying property taxes provides them with a consistent source of revenue that can sustain critical programs and projects, but also heightens the need to be fiscally responsible with local tax dollars.

In response to that scenario, the NRDs have utilized multiple strategies to generate revenue that can supplement and soften the impact to local property owners by opening multiple avenues of funding provided by other local, state, and federal government entities, in addition to the development of innovative partnerships with private sector interests.

Mike Sousek, general manager for the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD), said, “We are constantly looking for ways to partner with other agencies to get practices and projects on the ground.  Most of our project funding comes from leveraging collected property tax dollars to obtain grants, which account for 50% of our expenditures and sometimes more.”

One example is the grant the LENRD received from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) which will allow them to expand their groundwater quality monitoring programs in Pierce, Cuming, Colfax, and Dodge Counties.  Through this project and in cooperation with the University of Nebraska’s Water Science Laboratory, the LENRD will expand their monitoring efforts to include baseline vadose zone nitrate data.  Vadose core sampling is taken from the area extending from the top of the land surface down to the area located just above the water table (which is variable throughout the area).  Groundwater nitrate levels in many of these areas exceed the maximum contaminant level to be considered safe sources of drinking water (MCL), and, unfortunately, continue to increase.  The vadose zone sampling will provide information, by depth, regarding the residual concentrations of soil nitrate, which is useful information regarding where the nitrate is occurring and can help scientists estimate when contamination events might have occurred, and if or when additional contributions of contaminants might occur.  Sousek continued, “Absent the supplemental revenue from the grants, funding for these programs would fall entirely onto our general fund, which is supported by local property taxes.”

When securing a grant, a list of criteria must be met to obtain critical funding.  If the criteria are not met, the funding eligibility is eliminated, which makes leveraging outside resources nearly impossible.  Sousek said, “Locating supplemental funding sources to help communities control flooding is a high priority, and in most cases a necessity.  Reliable revenue is needed to complete these projects, which often cost millions of dollars, while maximizing the efficient use of local tax dollars.  We are working hard to manage this district like a private business, watching our bottom line and being responsible with the funding available.”

To provide an example, let’s look at the Battle Creek Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment, which was initiated to secure potential options for funding to remediate flooding concerns.  The LENRD is working with stakeholders to address flooding issues in and around the City of Battle Creek.  Sousek said, “Without the possible access to the federal funds, paying for a recommended project would mean that our property tax asking authority would be pushed to the maximum level of 4.5066 cents per $100 of valuation for 7 years or more.”  When examining the amount of revenue generated by the LENRD’s portion of the total property tax levy this would calculate to approximately $135.20 in taxes for a $300,000 house (currently, at 2.3236 cents per $100, a $300,000 house would have a tax assessment of $69.70).  If you own 160 acres of irrigated farmland, at the assessed value of $5,375 per acre, the taxes would be $199.83, using the 2021 levy rate.  With an increase in the tax levy, to support unfunded projects, the taxes would be around $387.57 for those same 160 acres.  Sousek said, “We can go that route, but we would have our local tax dollars tied up in one project until the financial obligations have been repaid and if an emergency arises during those years, we will not have the financial resources to help any other communities or landowners in our district.  Our levy would be at its max.”

Yet another example of the efficient use of local property taxes involves community partnerships.  During the flood of 2010, flooding caused significant damage along the Elkhorn River, and caused the collapse of a railroad bridge which spanned the river just west of Norfolk, which negatively impacted area businesses and industry.  In 2017, the LENRD board approved an interlocal agreement to move forward with a bank stabilization project to protect the railroad and US Highway 81 from future flood events.  The bank stabilization project brought together public and private partners, including:  the Madison County Railroad Transportation Safety District, Nebraska Central Railroad, Nucor, Vulcraft, Elkhorn Valley Ethanol, Norfolk Iron & Metal, along with the LENRD, all sharing the cost which will provide economic benefits for the entire region and saving local property taxes in the process.

“Our district is always working to limit the impact of local property taxes by offsetting the costs of our programs and projects through any option possible. This strategy allows us to stretch our dollars farther, which leaves money in the pockets of residents who contribute to our local economy.  Even with property valuations increasing, our responsibility is to the local taxpayer and working diligently to maintain a low budget footprint,” said Sousek.  “Keep in mind that we are just one taxing authority out of a handful who generate revenue from property taxes.”  On average, the LENRD accounts for approximately 1.5% of your total property taxes.

Sousek said, “Nebraska’s NRDs have been focused on protecting our future for 50 years, working diligently on the responsibilities given to them by the Nebraska Legislature.  Our goal is to accomplish more with less use of our local property taxes.”

Summer internships available at LENRD

Do you know someone who is working towards a career in natural resources? Are they looking for a summer internship? Below is the job description and more information on how to apply. There will be at least 2 summer internships available with the district from May until August. Contact the LENRD with any questions at 402-371-7313 and ask for Brian.

Job Description

April showers bring May flowers...water your trees!!!

April may be here, but the showers have forgotten to come along for the ride.  If you have young trees, you should be actively watering them.  The fall was dry, and that trend has continued through the winter and into the spring.  The trees are breaking dormancy and need this water to actively grow and compete with the grass.  The recommendation is to water each tree twice, one week apart.  A few gallons each time should be enough to give them a jump start.  After that continue to monitor the situation if the rain fails to show up.

LENRD board votes not to study a bypass channel for Battle Creek

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is currently working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and JEO Consulting Group (JEO) to complete a study of the Battle Creek Watershed.  At their March meeting, the LENRD board members discussed whether to sign an additional contract with JEO to further study a diversion channel to protect the City of Battle Creek.  The diversion channel was being revisited to give the board members more information about this alternative.

“It comes down to, what is this board comfortable with spending.  No matter which way you go, there will be tough decisions and people’s lives are going to be affected,” said Mike Sousek, LENRD general manager.  He continued, “We have always remained fiscally conservative with our tax levy.  If this is the direction you want to go, you need to know how that decision will affect the local taxpayers.”

The diversion channel is estimated to cost over $26 million.  The costs for this alternative would outweigh the benefits, which would make grant funding unavailable for this option.  Another flood control option is available for $6 million, with the use of grant funding.  Sousek says, “The real decision before this board is how much do we burden the local taxpayers when multiple projects provide flood protection to the city of Battle Creek.  The financial considerations warrant further board discussions.”

Chad Korth of Meadow Grove, who represents subdistrict 1, said, “The people of Battle Creek deserve to be protected.  That’s why we’re here, to help them.”

After hours of discussion, the board voted not to pursue a study of the bypass channel that would have cost approximately $80,000.  The board will continue to investigate options to protect the city and the watershed.  Continued discussion of the flood reduction possibilities will be held at upcoming board meetings and other public meetings.

The board also accepted the terms of amendment 7 to the Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) Interlocal Cooperative Agreement.  This project is sponsored by 6 NRDs, along with other cooperating agencies including the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Conservation and Survey Division, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, and the U.S. Geological Survey.  “The ENWRA project is a progressive step forward in the way we approach groundwater management,” said, Brian Bruckner, LENRD assistant manager.  He added, “This project offers an opportunity to stay ahead of potential future problems by joining together and pooling resources.  By continuing with this agreement, we hope to avoid the pitfalls of overdevelopment and improper management as well as provide lasting benefits to our mutual economic and environmental interests.”

The Interlocal Cooperative Agreement for the Lower Platte River Basin Water Management Coalition was also accepted by the board.  The seven NRDs in the Lower Platte Basin along with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources have signed the agreement to adopt, implement, and maintain a basin-wide water management plan.  Bruckner said, “The plan focuses on water use policies and practices that contribute to the protection of existing surface water and groundwater uses while allowing for future water development.  The agreement is intended to provide flexibility for NRDs in the basin to work cooperatively in ways they would not be able to individually.”

In other action, the board approved two motions to accept the bids to purchase mowers for the Maskenthine Lake and the Maple Creek Recreation Areas.

The next LENRD committee of the whole meeting will be held Thursday, April 14th at 7:00 p.m. with the board meeting to follow on Thursday, April 28th at 7:30 p.m.  Watch for further updates and stay connected with the LENRD by subscribing to their monthly emails at lenrd.org.

Project Coordinator needed for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is accepting applications for the full-time position of Project Coordinator for the Bazile Groundwater Management Area.

The Project Coordinator will work independently to educate and encourage the adoption of best management practices in an attempt to improve groundwater quality and quantity within the Bazile Groundwater Management Area of Pierce, Knox and Antelope Counties. The Coordinator will be headquartered at the LENRD office in Norfolk.

To apply for this position, send a letter of application and current resume to: Mike Sousek; General Manager, Lower Elkhorn NRD, 1508 Square Turn Blvd., Norfolk NE 68701 or email: msousek@lenrd.org. Applications will be reviewed beginning on April 15th. The position is open until filled.

Job Description

Hansen elected to 2022 Executive Committee

The voting members of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Board of Directors elected new officers during their board meeting March 7, 2022.

The NARD Board consists of representation from each of the Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs). The board meets five times throughout the year and helps guide the association and NRDs in decision making that protects lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. The NARD Risk Pool Board governs the health insurance program for NRD employees. Since its inception in 2007, the program has held the average annual cost increases for health premium rates below 4.5 percent.

Dr. Orval Gigstad, NARD President (Syracuse, Nebraska)
The NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board elected Dr. Orval Gigstad from the Nemaha NRD as president. Gigstad has served on the Nemaha NRD Board since 1993 and the NARD Board since 1996. He also serves as chair of the National Association of Conservation Districts Northern Plains Region. Previously, Gigstad served as NARD president from 2002-2004. A practicing veterinarian for more than 45 years, he operates the Arbor Valley Animal Clinic in Syracuse. Gigstad and his wife Carolyn have two children, Grady and Amber.

Marty Graff, NARD Vice President (Ainsworth, Nebraska)
Marty Graff of the Middle Niobrara NRD was elected as vice president of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Graff has served on the Middle Niobrara NRD Board 27 years and on the NARD boards since 2018. He farms with his wife, Brenda, and sons near Ainsworth. Off the farm, Graff serves on the East Woodlawn Cemetery Board (Johnstown, Nebraska) and is active in the Elks Club helping with youth baseball and wrestling.

Joel Hansen, NARD Secretary-Treasurer (Wayne, Nebraska)
Joel Hansen of the Lower Elkhorn NRD was elected secretary-treasurer of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. Hansen brings a unique perspective to the board as the Street & Planning Director for the City of Wayne where he has worked for more than 27 years. He has served on the Lower Elkhorn NRD board 15 years and represents the board on the Wau-Col Regional Water System Advisory Committee. Hansen also manages his family’s farm, which includes row crops, a restored prairie, and several tree plantings.  The farm serves as an outdoor classroom for Wayne State College and Wayne Community Schools.

Jim Eschliman, NARD Past President (Ericson, Nebraska)
Jim Eschliman from the Lower Loup NRD moves into the immediate past president role of the NARD Board and NARD Risk Pool Board. He served as president since 2020 and has been on the boards since 2016. Eschliman has served on the Lower Loup NRD Board 16 years, is the current vice-chairman, and has also served on the program and projects committee. Eschliman also serves on his local co-op board and the Cattleman’s Beef Board. After selling his dairy cows in 2018, he considers himself retired and resides near Ericson with his wife, Deb.

In addition to the president, vice president, secretary-treasurer and past president, the NARD Board executive committee includes Jim Meismer, Legislative Committee chair representing the Twin Platte NRD, and Jim Johnson, Information and Education Committee chair representing the South Platte NRD.

Throughout 2022, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation these past 50 years. To join in the anniversary celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.

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The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at www.nrdnet.org.

The 2022 NARD Executive Committee from left, I&E Committee Chair Jim Johnson (Dix, Neb.), Vice President Marty Graff (Ainsworth, Neb.), Secretary-Treasurer Joel Hansen (Wayne, Neb.), Past President Jim Eschliman (Ericson, Neb.), President Dr. Orval Gigstad (Syracuse, Neb.) and Legislative Chair Jim Meismer (Paxton, Neb.).

NRDs celebrate 50 years of natural resources partnerships

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) have worked hand-in-hand with conservation partners to support landowners for 50 years to accomplish the mission of protecting lives, property and the future.

NRDs deliver several state and federal programs including many projects with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) and the University of Nebraska. These partnerships equate into real dollars for Nebraska agriculture and communities.

“Nebraska policymakers had incredible foresight when creating the NRDs realizing that our strength lies in collaboration with partners to champion conservation,” said Jim Eschliman, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. “Our partnerships with local, state and federal agencies have helped deliver conservation to millions of acres across Nebraska to reduce soil loss and improve water quality and quantity.”

Last year alone, NRCS applied over 11,000 conservation practices on more than 865,000 acres across Nebraska. These conservation practices leverage the work of the NRDs by helping Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers improve soil health, increase irrigation efficiency, and make grazing land more productive.

“NRCS and the NRDs have been working hand-in-hand for the past 50 years,” said Stacy Riley, acting state conservationist for Nebraska NRCS. “Nebraska’s landowners are fortunate to have the strong partnership between NRCS and the NRDs. Through this partnership, more conservation opportunities are available to farmers and ranchers to help improve and conserve their natural resources. And that benefits all Nebraskans.”

When it comes to protecting Nebraska’s water quality, NRDs work closely with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy to improve surface water, groundwater and drinking water through projects that target non-point source pollution.

In 2018, two Nebraska watersheds – Antelope Creek and Shell Creek – were removed from the impaired waters list thanks to collaborative efforts with many state and federal agencies including NDEE.

Antelope Creek is an urban stream that lies entirely within Lincoln and is part of the Lower Platte South NRD. NDEE listed Antelope Creek as impaired for E. coli bacteria in 2004. Collaborative efforts over 20 years with multiple partners and implementation of numerous projects resulted in significantly reduced E. coli levels and Antelope Creek was removed from the impaired waters list.

Shell Creek includes more than 300,000 acres, stretching from Newman Grove to Schuyler in the Lower Platte North NRD. The Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group (SCWIG) is a group of landowners and farmers who worked collaboratively with NDEE, Lower Platte North NRD, and other project partners in promoting no-till farming, filter and buffer strips, cover crops, and other best management practices to help improve the quality of water draining into Shell Creek. As a result of these conservation efforts, the atrazine level significantly declined and the creek was removed from the impaired waters list, and now supports aquatic life.

“These delistings show how multiple partners have come together to significantly improve water quality in Nebraska,” said Jim Macy, director of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. “This is an extremely difficult and rare thing to accomplish resulting from the implementation of a comprehensive watershed management plan. We look forward to continuing our work with Nebraska’s NRDs to provide safe, quality water for our state.”

As the No. 1 irrigated state in the nation, managing Nebraska’s water to ensure there is enough for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes is essential. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources works with NRDs to develop local and basin-wide integrated management plans to sustain a balance between water supplies and uses and protect the rights of existing water users.

In the Upper Platte Basin, the rehabilitation of irrigation canals for conjunctive water management efforts has allowed for groundwater recharge and kept more water in the state. Proactive management and the creation of a water tracking program in the Lower Platte Basin helps water managers evaluate supplies and demands. In the Republican Basin, a water balance forecasting system allows producers to plan for the irrigation season. Across the state, NeDNR works closely with NRDs to ensure existing water users are protected now and into the future.

“Working together, the Department of Natural Resources and the NRDs continue to build on the strong foundation of using water-use and water-supply data for decision-making and informing policymakers and citizens alike,” said Tom Riley, NeDNR director. “Together we create resilient programs to balance Nebraska’s water use and supply.”

To ensure producers have the latest research and understanding of best management practices, NRDs work with the University of Nebraska on demonstration plots, educational workshops, data collection and more.

“The Nebraska Water Center has long appreciated the NRDs commitment to partnering with the University to support research and education statewide,” said Dr. Chittaranjan Ray, Director of the Nebraska Water Center, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. “These partnerships connect cutting-edge research to local challenges, benefiting all Nebraskans. Most importantly, our collaborations support students to become the next generation of conservation leaders.”

Eschliman noted that the Natural Resources Districts have numerous partners around the state that contribute knowledge, funds and time to help conserve Nebraska’s resources for future generations.

“Our work would not be as successful without the support of these valued partners,” Eschliman said. “We’re excited for what we will accomplish together in the next 50 years.”

Throughout 2022, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation. To join in the celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts’ special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.