The Lower Elkhorn NRD has programs to help landowners plan windbreaks, woodlots, or improve wildlife habitats on their property.
Windbreak Establishment
Whether you are putting in a new windbreak around your homestead, to protect your livestock, or to enhance wildlife habitat, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has a cost share program to help you with the cost of purchasing conservation grade trees, planting those trees, and also putting down the conservation weed barrier mulch. Click here to learn more about the Conservation Tree Program and Services.
Do you need assistance with picking out the trees or shrubs and deciding what spacing they should be at within the row? No problem! Our staff, or your local NRCS office staff, are here to help you design and develop your windbreak.
Windbreak Renovation
Many windbreaks across Nebraska are worn out and are now more of an eye sore or hazard to the public. With the Windbreak Renovation Program, funds and technical assistance are available to help landowners on deciding:
- what part of the windbreak needs to be removed first
- what should be planted in its place
- what the next phase of removal for the windbreak will be
A forester must look at the old windbreak to approve it for renovation before any tree can be removed. In order for the LENRD to do the tree planting in the spring, the site must be cleaned up by December 31 of the previous year. This means roots, stumps, and other foreign material must be taken off the site, burned and buried, so it does not cause problems with the tree planting process.
Ready to get started on your project? It's never too early to start planning!
Contact: Todd Stewart, LENRD Natural Resources Technician
Office Phone: 402-371-7313
Email: tstewart@lenrd.org