Workshop Invite

Workshop Agenda

In order to guarantee a spot on the bus, return the attached registration to the NARD office by Monday, May 13th. Seating on the bus, as well as hotel rooms, are limited; register soon to guarantee a spot. Registration will cover all food, lodging and motor coach expenses. NARD will make reservations for overnight lodging on Monday as part of your tour registration.

Additional Sunday activities:

Arrive early to join in on the fun of tubing down the Niobrara River. The trip will allow you to view the river on a relaxing float from Berry Bridge to Brewer Bridge. We'll be leaving Valentine by 12:00 noon to catch the shuttle and will be returned at approximately 5:30 p.m. Use the basin tour registration form to sign up for the float!

Or, spend Sunday afternoon and/or Monday morning golfing at The Prairie Club, on the rim of the Snake River Canyon, near Valentine. We've been offered the following guest rates: Sunday - $110 greens fee plus $25 cart fee. Monday's greens fee is $95 plus $25 cart fee. All greens fees include unlimited golf for the entire day! Just mention you're with the NRD's when reserving your tee time. Call them now, 888-402-1101.

NARD has reserved rooms at the Comfort Inn and Dunes Lodge, for Sunday night at a rate of $100. Sunday reservations need to be made through NARD, before May 13th. Use the basin tour registration form to reserve a room for Sunday evening.

Tour attendees are invited to lunch at Jordon's Fine Dining, 404 East Highway 20, Valentine - Monday, June 10th at 12:00 noon, or immediately following the NARD Board of Directors meeting.

Because separate hotels were needed to accommodate the tour, following lunch, attendees will be given room assignments and will be asked to park your vehicles at the respective hotel. If time allows and the rooms are available, you are free to check in. The bus will leave Jordon's shortly before 1:00, then make pickups at approximately 1:00 (Dunes) and 1:15 (Comfort Inn). The enclosed map shows the location of the hotels and Jordan's.

We'll be returning to Valentine around 4:00 p.m. (CST) Tuesday, June 11th. Basin tour information and registration is also available on the NARD website at www.nrdnet.org.

Draft Agenda

Families and people of all ages are encouraged to "Take a Hike" with their phone to find 10 signs that have QR codes or text messages.

Christine Jacobsen, Education Specialist for the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (NRD) and chair of M.O.R.E. Nature (http://www.morenature.info) said: "The goal of this project is to get people active in nature. Not only is it important to be physically active, but to also connect and learn about nature. Chalco Hills provides an easily accessible, scenic location for this activity." The QR codes at the sign destinations will connect participants to information about the plants and animals, as well as give them tips for actively enjoying that location.

According to Dr. David Corbin, Emeritus Professor of Health Education & Public Health at UNO and coordinator of the project: "We hope that everyone will enjoy the challenge of locating and solving all 10 signs. To solve the code at each sign, scan the QR code with your smart phone to receive more information about the park. If participants do not have a QR code app or a smart phone, there are many different code readers that can be loaded, or text the sign words to 77948."

At the end of each message are two options to solve a sentence. Code 1 is letters put together to make a sentence, or Code 2 is made up of Morse code. Although participants can start their hike at any of the signs, the order of the sentence is from sign 1 to sign 10. People who solve all 10 codes will receive a small prize from the Papio-Missouri River NRD, by e-mailing their deciphered code sentence and personal mailing address to cjacobsen@papionrd.org .

The general directions for the "Take a Hike" course can be found at: www.tinyurl.com/Chalcohike

This project is supported by the Papio-Missouri River NRD, Alegent Creighton Health, and Live Well Omaha Kids.

A second "Take a Hike" course is underway along the Missouri River near downtown.

Please click here for the rest of the article and maps. 

O'Brien graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1988 with a Bachelors degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Pat and his wife, Kendra, have 3 children and currently live on a farm south of Lincoln.

parks (just mark the appropriate section and insert $12 in the envelope; your permit will be mailed to you within two weeks).
Proceeds from the sale of the permits help defray costs of maintaining and improving the facilities at these public recreation areas. Over $10,500 was collected last year from the sale of NNRD park permits, which are not the same as Nebraska Game & Parks Commission park entry permits. NNRD permits only admit your vehicle to Kirkman's Cove, Iron Horse Trail Lake, and Wirth Brothers Lake and expire on December 31, regardless of the date of purchase. Prairie Owl, a small recreation site south of Dunbar in Otoe County, is also operated by the NRD but does not require a permit.
For more information contact the NRD at (402) 335-3325 or check the website at www.nemahanrd.org.

Natural resources education is the focus of the Northwest Nebraska Conservation Festival and aligns well with the work of numerous natural resource entities who participate in the event each year. During the Festival, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) hosted a GPS Hunt and a soil education activity called Soil Detectives with the help of UNL Cooperative Extension. The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality used a watershed model called an ‘Enviroscape' to enlighten students about water pollution. Youth learned about tree planting with the Nebraska Forest Service and City of Chadron. Panhandle Research Integration for Discovery Education taught youth about noxious weed control. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission utilized a game called "Quick Freeze Prairie Dog" and the Upper Big Blue NRD partnered with the Upper Niobrara White NRD to guide students through an interactive river tour. The UNWNRD and University of Nebraska educated students about water wells and contamination, while Cameco and City of Chadron assisted with a fun-filled station where students enjoyed launching water rockets. Smokey Bear and Woodsie Owl made a guest appearance to promote the messages of wildfire and pollution prevention thanks to the U.S. Forest Service.

In an effort to educate our youth about environmental issues and promote stewardship for our surroundings, the UNWNRD hosts the Northwest Nebraska Conservation Festival each spring. The event is open to fifth-grade students throughout the District. At the end of the event, each student was given a Colorado Blue Spruce seedling and prizes from participating agencies.

For more information about the education programs available with UNWNRD, please visit unwnrd.org, or call 308-432-6190.

It's sure been an ugly April and that is exactly what we needed. The majority of us have experienced several days of snow, wintery mix, spring showers, and back to blowing snow. April has been above normal in precipitation and it couldn't have come at a better time.

With this moisture has come an optimism that the drought may be easing and we'll have a chance at producing good crops and hay this growing season. All we need now is for Mother Nature not to forget about us and give us "normal" precipitation the rest of the growing season. Of course "normal" precipitation will bring good rains, high winds, torrential rains, hail, and a few tornadoes, but that's the life of farmers and ranchers in our region.

You might not know it by looking around the countryside or visiting with your neighbors, but there is a Brown Revolution beginning to take hold in agriculture. This revolution isn't a violent one, but one of changing the way producers view their soil.

I don't know if you have noticed but almost every farm magazine published this winter had an article on soil health somewhere in its writings. Some magazines devoted their front cover to soil health and the management changes producers are making across the country to really improve soil health.

No-till crop production meetings have been focusing on soil health for several years now. What we have discovered over the years is that no-till crop production is only one of many tools we need to implement in our management practices to lead us down the road to improving soil health. Additional tools in improving soil health are adding diversity to our cropping rotations, implementing cover and forage crops into our system, and grazing livestock on our acres where we produce these forage crops.

Producers who have adopted these management practices have found good success in improving their soil's health. Improved organic matter, water infiltration and holding capacity have increased, soil structure has improved, and crops have responded to this improved soil health.

Lower costs of production and improved yields have led to increased profitability in the crops these soils have produced. Increased income has also been realized with the addition of forages and cattle grazing. This type of system has really proven to be more profitable while at the same time it has improved the health of the soil on the producer's farms and ranches.

There are many factors involved in improving the health of the soil. High amounts of residues are left on the soil surface after grazing to feed the livestock beneath the soil surface. The soil livestock consist of all types of soil microbes including bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa. Colonies of mycorrhizal fungi attach themselves to plant roots and extract moisture and nutrients

Microbiologists are just beginning to understand this complex web of soil microbes and how they relate to the crops we grow. Producers adopting this soil health initiative on their farms have proven results, and now the scientists are trying to figure out how this improved soil health and improved soil microbial populations provide these benefits to the crops we grow. I've heard soil microbiologists state that we know more about the universe than we do about the soil that we grow our crops in. Soil health is a new frontier in the scientific community.

Why is improving soil health on our farms and ranches so important? Obviously as producers we want the best soil possible to grow our crops in. Improving the soil's health only makes sense. I think there is also going to be some real economic benefit to adopting a cropping system that improves the health of the soil. Next week I'll explain why.

"Clean water is important to all of us," Wragge continued. "Less than 1-percent of all of the water on our planet is fresh water. The average citizen in the United States uses 70 gallons of water every day; and this does not include the water it takes to manufacture the automobiles, clothing, and food we depend on each and every day. Take time to learn about your local community water supply sources, and volunteer for river, stream or lake clean-up days. You can make a difference."

The LENRD is a member of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) which oversees the Stewardship Week program. Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation. NACD represents the nation's 3,000 conservation districts, which were established to encourage resource conservation across the country.

We traditionally celebrate Arbor Day on the last Friday in April in Nebraska. The 141st Anniversary of Arbor Day will be celebrated this Friday, April 26th.

Being the birth state of Arbor Day, it's only appropriate that the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) promotes tree-planting programs each year. To celebrate Arbor Day the LENRD will have tree seedlings available for purchase this Friday. Species and inventory are limited; however, the LENRD will try to have as many seedlings available as possible for those who want to plant a tree on Arbor Day. Those interested in purchasing trees on Arbor Day should go to Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, north of Stanton. 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 LENRD Tree Distribution Center. The Center will be open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Arbor Day. Seedlings can be purchased in bundles of 25 for $23. Landscape trees will also be available for $7 per tree.

LENRD Forester, Pam Bergstrom, said, "The drought has been very hard on trees across our district. Even if you lost trees last year, it is so important to try again. Protecting the soil will continue to be a priority if we have another dry year." Contact Pam at the LENRD office if you have questions about your trees or if you need further assistance.

J. Sterling Morton said, "Other holidays repose on the past; Arbor Day proposes the future." LENRD Assistant General Manager Ken Berney said, "Plant a tree to protect your property and the future. Our parents did it for us, and we should return the favor and do it for our children and grandchildren."

The amendments adopted include changing the allocation in the overappropriated portion of the NRD, excluding the Pumpkin Creek Subarea, from 56 acre-inches per acre for four years (2010-2013) to 70 acre-inches per acre for 5 years (2010-2014). The extension adds one year (2014) to the current allocation period and 14 acre-inches per acre to the existing 56 acre-inches per acre allocation.

In addition, the amendments allow, in both the overappropriated area and Pumpkin Creek Subarea, pre-existing allocation units to be included in designated allocation units (DAUs) as well as a landowner with a certified irrigated tract within a DAU to relinquish the DAU prior to the end of the allocation period. The deadline for relinquishing or applying for a DAU is May 15.

For a copy of the full text of the IMP and the Ground Water Management Area Rules and Regulations, visit the NRD's website at www.npnrd.org or contact the NRD at (308) 632-2749.

Engineering firm chosen to Review Missouri River Levees Recertification Plans

"The Levees performed extremely well during the extended high water in the Missouri River during 2011, protecting Offutt Air Force Base, the Omaha Wastewater Treatment Plant and areas to be developed for the new Highway 34 Project. They are structurally sound and have been well maintained by NRD crews," said NRD General Manager, John Winkler. "We need to go through this review process to satisfy new federal regulations," he said.

The R-613 Levee extends along the Missouri River, Platte River and Papillion Creek at the southeastern corner of Sarpy County. The R-616 Levee runs along the Missouri River south from Haworth Park then northwest along the lower portion of Papillion Creek.

Two new structures planned for the Pigeon/Jones Creek Watershed in Dakota County

A second contract was approved with Niewohner Construction for a Pigeon/Jones Grade Control Weir Project totaling $120,543. The grade control weir will be built upstream of Kramper Lake in the Danish Alps Recreation Area, a multi-purpose project under construction to provide grade stabilization, flood control, and recreation in the Dakota County community. The project was designed to reduce the amount of sediment potentially entering Kramper Lake. The District will receive $72,000.00 in reimbursement upon completion of the project through the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ).

Proactive hazard mitigation planning includes working with the NRD and other agencies to prioritize and complete projects designed to make communities safer and ease potential damage from natural disasters. According to FEMA, every dollar spent on hazard mitigation planning results in a four-dollar savings on post-disaster cleanup and rebuilding.

Public input will be gathered during the plan update through online tools and public meetings over the next 12 to 18 months. JEO Consulting Group, Inc. assisted with development of the original plan and will also help with the updating process, which is funded by a FEMA planning grant. The cost is shared 75% through federal funding and 25% through a local match. The Lower Platte South NRD is providing the 25% local match. The update team consists of representatives from the NRD, Lancaster and Cass Counties, the City of Lincoln, several schools, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

A groundwater transfer is the act of pumping water from a well in one section of land and piping it to another section of land to irrigate. The NRD has had regulations limiting such transfers since 1982; however, the proposed changes to the regulations would prohibit new groundwater irrigation transfers in designated marginal groundwater areas. The proposed change would not affect groundwater transfers that already exist. Existing groundwater transfers in the designated areas may continue, but may not increase irrigated acres. The areas that would be closed to new transfers are shown on the attached map. In the portion of the NRD that is not designated as a groundwater transfer limitation area on the map, the new transfer must be authorized by the NRD Board of Directors prior to

The proposed second regulation change addresses artesian wells. An artesian well is a well from which groundwater flows under natural pressure. This occurs when a well is constructed in to a groundwater aquifer that is "confined" by a layer of clay material which the water cannot flow through naturally; and the groundwater is under pressure that is great enough to push the water up the well casing to a point above the land surface. This condition may occur in a few areas of the NRD. The major area where it is known to occur during the fall and winter months is in the Beaver Creek Valley and the West Fork of the Big Blue River Valley in eastern York and western Seward Counties near the Village of Beaver Crossing. Three additions to the regulations are proposed regarding artesian wells. They are: 1). Artesian wells constructed on or after July 1, 2013, must be operated in such a manner as to prevent groundwater from the well to flow out and run to waste in an amount that exceeds what will flow through a pipe one-half inch in diameter; 2). Artesian wells constructed prior to July 1, 2013, may continue to operate as constructed until such time that the allocation provisions of the Groundwater Management Area regulations are implemented. Upon implementation of allocation, artesian wells must be operated in such a manner as to prevent groundwater from a well to flow out and run to waste in an amount that exceeds what will flow through a pipe one-half inch in diameter; and, 3). An artesian well decommissioned after July 1, 2013, must be decommissioned in such a manner as to stop the flow of groundwater to waste.

A public hearing on these proposed changes to NRD regulations will be held on April 23, 2013, at the Holiday Inn at the intersection of I-80 and US Hwy 81 in York, Nebraska. An Informational Meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m., with the Public Hearing to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m. A copy of the proposed changes to Rule 5 is available upon request at the NRD office at 105 N. Lincoln Avenue, York, Nebraska, and on the NRD website at: www.upperbigblue.org. Activities and projects of the Upper Big Blue NRD are reviewed and approved by a locally elected Board of Directors. The Upper Big Blue NRD is one of 23 Natural Resources Districts across the state. For more information call (402) 362-6601.

North Platte NRD offers full scholarships to Youth Range Camp

The first public hearing is a joint hearing between the NRD and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on the proposed amendments to the IMP. The proposed amendments to the IMP include: (1) inclusion of language related to the use of the occupation tax authority authorize by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 2-3226.05 for qualified projects; (2) changing the allocation in the overappropriated portion of the NRD, excluding the Pumpkin Creek Subarea, from 56 acre-inches per acre for four years to 70 acre-inches per acre for five years; and (3) removing obsolete language. Since the IMP is a joint document between the NRD and DNR, both entities must approve any amendments.

The second public hearing is on the proposed changes to Chapters 6 & 7 of the Rules. The proposed amendments to the Rules are as follows:

The primary purpose of the proposed amendments to the Rules is to allow producers more flexibility in managing ground water, especially under the current drought conditions.

Both hearings will be held at the North Platte NRD conference room, 100547 Airport Road, Scottsbluff.

YORK, NE -- A Public Hearing concerning proposed changes to the District's Rule 5 is scheduled for April 23, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at the York Holiday Inn (I-80 & HWY 81 south of York, Nebraska). From 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. an informational meeting will take place outlining the reasons proposed for the rule changes, and to also allow the public to ask questions. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. public testimony will commence and be recorded. The two proposed changes are regarding groundwater transfers and artesian well migration/abatement.

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District Proposes New Rules for Groundwater Transfers and Artesian Wells:
As far as existing artesian wells are concerned, discussion will address uncontrolled artesian well flow, artesian well flow in relation to possible future allocations of irrigated acres if the groundwater table reaches the allocation trigger, and proper abandonment of artesian wells. Rule changes are also proposed for proper well construction in areas that have artesian conditions.
In regard to groundwater transfers, possible changes to Rule 5 would include prohibiting transfers into, or out of the government survey sections in designated areas in the District. In other words, the rule change could include enactment of Groundwater Transfer Limitation Areas where groundwater should not be transferred into, or out of specific areas where geological conditions have with limited groundwater. The proposed rule changes and a map are available for viewing online at www.upperbigblue.org and at the Upper Big Blue NRD office, 105 N. Lincoln Avenue, York, Nebraska.
The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) protects lives, property and the future of this area through a wide-range of stewardship, management and education programs-from flood control to groundwater monitoring, from irrigation management to outdoor recreation and more. From time to time, the Board of Directors deem it necessary to review existing rules for modification, and/or establish new rules to maintain proper stewardship in order to protect the quality and quantity Nebraska's natural resources.
Activities and projects of the Upper Big Blue NRD are reviewed and approved by a locally elected Board of Directors. The Upper Big Blue NRD is one of 23 Natural Resources Districts across the state. For more information, visit www.upperbigblue.org or call (402) 362-6601.

Applications can be submitted between March 25th and April 5th at USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices in Scottsbluff, Bridgeport, and Oshkosh. According to North Platte NRD manager Ron Cacek, this year's applications will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis and limited to one application per landowner.

The Conservation Cost-Share Program reimburses cooperating landowners for a portion of the costs of installing conservation practices on their farm or ranch. The NRCS provides technical assistance to the landowner for the installation. In most cases, the cost-share rate is 50 or 65 percent of the actual or average cost (whichever is less). Maximum annual payment per landowner per practice is $3,000. Applicants must receive approval from the North Platte NRD Board of Directors before beginning work.

Eligible practices include windbreak planting (65 percent cost-share rate) with a minimum of 300 trees planted; irrigation water management (50 percent) to conserve ground water and surface water by improving water use efficiency on irrigated lands; and planned grazing systems (50 percent) to reduce erosion and improve water quality by maintaining or improving plant cover for increased forage production, enhanced wildlife habitat, grazing uniformity, and water use efficiency.

Other eligible practices include terrace systems (65 percent); livestock water facilities (50 percent); irrigation tailwater recovery pits (50 percent); grade stabilization structures (65 percent); diversions (65 percent); grassed waterways (65 percent); range seeding or pasture planting (65 percent); and stream bank stabilization (65 percent).

For more information, contact your local NRCS office or the North Platte NRD in Scottsbluff at (308) 632-2749. You can also visit our website, www.npnrd.org.

Subdistrict 4 includes much of southern Lancaster County and a small portion of south and east Lincoln. A subdistrict map is available at lpsnrd.org. Candidates must reside within the Subdistrict. Those interested in being considered to fill the vacancy should submit a letter of application and qualifications by April 19th to:

The NRD Board consists of 21 Directors who serve four-year terms with ten or eleven of the Board seats up for election every two years. Besides holding regular monthly meetings, the Board operates several standing and special subcommittees composed of six to nine directors. More information about the NRD Board of Directors is available at lpsnrd.org. Click on About Us, then Board.

Petersen puts the NRD's Stevens Creek Watershed Project at the top of a list of accomplishments by the Board during his service. The project involved the construction of ten watershed dams, the last of which was completed in 2008. Overall, the project decreased the average annual damage from flooding in the watershed by forty percent. Petersen said recent improvements along Lincoln's Antelope Creek were another huge accomplishment.

During his 19 years, Petersen served as Board Treasurer, Vice-Chair and he was Board Chair in 2002 and 2003. He said it's gratifying to see the public getting more involved in NRD matters now than when he was first elected to the Board. Petersen said, "The public is paying more attention to natural resource issues and providing good input."

The NRD will seek candidates and appoint someone to serve out the remainder of Petersen's term, which ends in 2014.

The project is in cooperation with the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service and involves the relocation of the existing right bank levee away from Elk Creek and constructing a levee with more stable slopes. It is anticipated that seventy-five percent of the cost will be paid through the U.S.D.A's Emergency Watershed Protection program. The remaining 25 percent of the cost would be paid by the Natural Resources District.

In addition to the use of regulations to help meet the obligations of the IMP, the NRD has been investigating a variety of non-regulatory options, such as voluntary surface water leases. The NRD will continue to explore other opportunities to help protect our water resources for the future.

The Board approved opening the sign-up period for the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Cost-Share Program. Projects eligible for cost-share include: planned grazing systems, irrigation water management, and trees. The Program sign-up period begins March 25th and ends on April 8th. For more information, contact the NRD office at 632-2749, or go to www.npnrd.org.

Finally, the Board accepted the resignation of Board members Chairman George Hall and Jim Hass. Hall has been a Director since 2005, and Hass has been on the Board since 2007. Both served the North Platte NRD with distinction and will be missed. The resignations created two openings in Sub-district 4, which encompasses all of Garden and Morrill counties. If you are interested in applying for one of the two Board vacancies, contact Ron Cacek at 632-2749.

The next NRD Board meeting will be April 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the NRD office in Scottsbluff.

Embassy Suites Hotel Washington D.C. Convention Center

View the Water Programs Agenda

NRD Water Programs Conference - Kearney Holiday Inn, Kearney, NE

The program includes, agency updates, groundwater issues, surface water issues, weather, cropping information and technology updates.  We will apply for CEUs.  For more details, we've attached a link to the agenda at the top of this page.  Registration fee is $75 per person, which includes breaks and lunch. 

Maintenance began February 7 on a bridge near Walton. The latest work includes two bridges northeast of Elmwood. The MoPac East Trail was closed in the vicinity of each bridge during maintenance. The Oak Creek Trail will, likewise, be closed during work on a bridge one mile west of Valparaiso, between county roads 29 and 30. Maintenance is expected to take until about March 11.

The work was scheduled during cold weather to minimize inconvenience to trail users. All three NRD trails, including the MoPac East, Oak Creek and Homestead trails are open year-round. Progress on the project is being continually updated on the NRD website, lpsnrd.org.

Pilings and abutments on all four of the bridges will be repaired and barricades will be erected in the vicinity of work while it is being done. Theisen Construction, of Norfolk, NE, will begin work on February 7, along the MoPac East Trail, east of Walton, between 120th and 134th streets. Work will move to two bridges northeast of Elmwood, between Havelock Avenue and 310th Street on about February 14th. A bridge one mile west of Valparaiso, on the Oak Creek Trail, between county roads 29 & 30, is scheduled to be the final work site from about March first through the twelfth. NRD Resources Coordinator Dan Schulz said, "The work is being done during cold weather to minimize inconvenience to trail users."

The progress of the work and resulting trail closings will be continually updated on the NRD website, lpsnrd.org.

Using a $475,000 grant awarded for the conservation easement by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the NRD purchased the easement on 144 acres owned by Dr. David and Susan Samani, about 1.5 miles north of Spring Creek Prairie. The agreement prohibits future development on 33 acres of native prairie and 48 acres of woodlands. It also calls for the conversion of 64 cropland acres to prairie and protects the entire 144 acres from being converted to acreages.

The land is included in the proposed Haines Branch Prairie Corridor, southwest of Lincoln. Lincoln's 2040 comprehensive plan envisions a six-mile greenway corridor connecting Pioneers Park, Conestoga Lake and Spring Creek Prairie.

A conservation easement is a permanent agreement specifying future use of land. Ownership of the land is retained by the landowner, but an organization like the NRD holds the easement. If ownership of the land changes, the easement is still maintained.

Grants from the Nebraska Environmental Trust have helped the NRD acquire conservation easements on prairie land, saline wetlands, woodlands and many other types of land for the benefit of future generations.

  
Breaks (Exclusive Sponsor $500/Co-Sponsor $250)

Beverages and pastries will be available at each of the breaks throughout the conference. Your company's name will be displayed on the break table, as well as in the meeting program.
·Exclusive Sponsor - A half page ad (3.5 wide x 4 long, color) will be included in our meeting program. Artwork must accompany payment or e-mail to nard@nrdnet.org.
·Co-sponsor - A business card size ad (3.5 wide x 2 long, color) will be included in our meeting program. Artwork must accompany payment or e-mail to nard@nrdnet.org.

Advertise in the program (Business Card size $80/Half-page $110/Full-page $200)

If you would like to advertise your business in the meeting program, place a colored business card size ad (3.5 wide x 2 long) for $80, a half-page ad (3.5 wide x 4 long) for $110, or a full-page ad (3.5 wide x 8 long) for $200. Artwork must accompany payment or e-mail to nard@nrdnet.org.

Legislative Reception (Co-Sponsor $550)

A great way to make sure your presence at our conference gets noticed. With this sponsorship you'll receive:
· Two admissions to the reception.
·Appropriate signage at the reception.
·Full page ad (3.5 wide x 8 long, color) in the meeting program. Artwork
must accompany payment or e-mail to nard@nrdnet.org.

Conference Registration:

Full Registration - $220

Includes Tuesday and Wednesday meetings, breaks and luncheons, plus Tuesday Evening Reception.

Tuesday Only - $195

Includes Tuesday meetings, breaks and luncheon, plus Tuesday Evening Reception.

Tuesday Evening Reception Only - $60

Wednesday Only - $95

Includes Wednesday meetings, breaks and luncheon.

2013 NRD Legislative Conference Agenda

Refund Information:

• January 7, 2013 - Registration deadline.
• January 11, 2013 - Cancellation refunds must be in writing and will be accepted until this date.
• Cancellations received between Jan 12-16 are subject to a $25 processing fee.
• January 17, 2013 - No refunds for cancellations received on/after this date.
  Walk-in Registrations will be charged an additional $25 fee per person.

Hotel Information:

• January 6, 2013 - Deadline for motel reservations, Embassy Suites, 1040 P Street Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 474-1111 or 1-800-EMBASSY.
• Special room rates are available: $154 for single or double. Be sure to mention the room block 'Nebraska Assocation of Resources Districts 2013 Convention' when making reservations.

Because everyone has a stake in the future management of both ground water and surface water, the NRD is keeping development of the plan an open process, including a Virtual Town Hall Meeting offering the public a chance to comment on the goals and objectives through February 4th. To learn more about the process and to comment, visit TeamingUpToTalkWater.com.

A public informational meeting has been scheduled by the Little Blue NRD for January 23, 2013 beginning at 1:30 PM at the MARC facility west of Clay Center. At the meeting representatives of the Corps of Engineers, MARC and Little Blue NRD will describe the current activities underway, the plans for groundwater clean-up and the plans for beneficial utilization of the water. The public is welcomed to attend to get a better understanding of the project.

The Corps plans to treat the NAD-related groundwater contaminants to allowable drinking water concentrations before discharging the treated water to a tributary of the Big Sandy Creek on the MARC property.

The plan further includes the construction of a dozen small erosion control structures on MARC to create wetlands, facilitate groundwater recharge and provide future infrastructure which allows the MARC to withdraw the remediated water from the system during the cropping season for irrigation.

The Little Blue NRD has given support for the proposal because it provides opportunity to enhance recharge and provide for wise utilization of the water in the general area of withdrawal, thereby reducing stress on the area's water resources caused by the pump and treat activities.

Any water not used during the off-season would flow downstream into the District's large watershed dam located in the southeast corner of the MARC property. MARC officials also plan to pump irrigation water from the reservoir during the summer months to supply several nearby pivots, thereby creating storage capacity in the reservoir to capture off-season flows.

"I think this is a win-win situation for all involved," says Onnen. "Our water supply will be cleaned, the water will be recycled in the area and the additional storage provided in the MARC Dam will help reduce the potential for flooding downstream."

Conservation trees play vital roles in our environment - providing protection from wind, habitat for wildlife and beauty for our farms and homes - just to name a few. If you have an area you'd like to enhance by planting trees please contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Lewis and Clark NRD about purchasing and planting trees. There are several cost share programs available to help with the cost of establishing tree planting, call to see what could work for you.

It is important to consider how continued drought conditions could impact your tree planting. If you are planning to establish a farmstead windbreak or other tree planting you may need to have a plan to water the trees in times of stress over the next couple of years.

Tree Species Available for 2013

Broadleaf Trees: Bur Oak, Red Oak, Hackberry, Honeylocust, Cottonwood, Black Walnut, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Swamp White Oak.

Shrubs: American Plum, Golden Currant, Hazelnut, Amur Maple, Buffaloberry, Skunkbush Sumac, Honeysuckle, Chokecherry, Chokeberry, Cotoneaster, Cranberry, Elderberry, Lilac, Caragana, Sandcherry, and Redosier Dogwood.

Evergreens: Eastern Red Cedar, Austrian Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Jack Pine, Scotch Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Norway Spruce, and Concolor Fir.

Applications will be judged based on how and where the applicant plans to use this education, the applicant's awareness and preservation of natural resources, the applicant's individual initiative and the applicant's community involvement. Applicants should also list any individual or group achievements in areas such as 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, class officer, or any church or civic organizations in which they have been involved. All applicants must reside in the Lewis & Clark NRD and their course of study must be in an agricultural related field.

If you are a high school senior or know of a high school senior who would benefit from this scholarship - applications are available from your high school guidance counselor. Applications are also available on line at www.lcnrd.org under the "Info & Education" heading or by contacting the Lewis & Clark NRD at 402-254-6758. All applications must be received at the Lewis & Clark NRD by March 6, 2013.

Special Master Kayatta noted that the draft report is subject to further revision in both form and substance. Counsel for both states is invited to comment orally on the draft report at a non-testimonial hearing on January 24, 2013.

Special Master Kayatta noted that the draft report is subject to further revision in both form and substance. Counsel for both states is invited to comment orally on the draft report at a non-testimonial hearing on January 24, 2013.

Special Master Kayatta noted that the draft report is subject to further revision in both form and substance. Counsel for both states is invited to comment orally on the draft report at a non-testimonial hearing on January 24, 2013.

Since 1993, the Papio-Missouri River NRD has worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Weather Service, U.S. Geological Survey and others to provide a flood warning system for Omaha's Papillion Creek Watershed. This 402 square-mile watershed encompasses much of the Sarpy, Douglas and Washington County area. Upgrades to the system were made in 2012 under a contract with the U.S. Geological Survey. The data available from 22 electronic gages spaced throughout the watershed has significantly improved flood warning capabilities. The amount of water flowing in selected Omaha metro area creeks is reported real time and is available to the public through National Weather Service and USGS web sites.

"The system performed extremely well throughout 2012 and provided a great level of confidence on the accuracy of the readings," said NRD General Manager, John Winkler. "The National Weather Service can now better predict potential flooding and alert the public and emergency response agencies about stream conditions in this highly flood-prone Papillion Creek Watershed. Early warning can save lives," he said. The $112,000 contract is for one year and will help fund the Survey's maintenance and monitoring of the electronic gauge system.

NRD Board Chooses Officers

As comparison, in the fall of 1993 the static water table recorded a rise of +3.23 feet. In that year, through August, an average of 37.94 inches of rain had fallen.

The amount of water available under the project would provide enough water for the Twin Platte NRD to fully meet its required efforts to return river conditions to 1997 levels and assist the State of Nebraska obligations under the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. In the Platte, NRDs are responsible for returning that basin to water supply-and-demand conditions that existed in 1997 and ultimately reversing an over appropriated designation to fully appropriated status under state law.

The project would be enough to close most of the gap between supplies and allowable use under the Republican River Compact that historically has existed in the Republican Basin during exceptionally dry years.

The four NRDs partnering on the project: Upper Republican NRD based in Imperial; Middle Republican NRD based in Curtis; Alma-based Lower Republican NRD; and the Twin Platte NRD, which is based in North Platte. Like other NRDs across the state, they manage groundwater use by balancing environmental, economic, and, in the case of interstate water agreements, legal objectives tied to water supplies.

The Twin Platte NRD will be holding two information sessions on this project and the public is invited to come and learn about this project and ask questions. The first information session will be Tuesday, December, 11, 2012 from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm MT at the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center, located at 1475 Hwy 61, Ogallala. The second informational session will be Wednesday, December 12, 2012 from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm CT at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 300 Holiday Frontage Rd, North Platte.

UNWNRD Winners are as follows:
Grades 2-3:
1st Place = Jacie Coupens, Chadron Intermediate School
2nd Place = Wade Sanders, St. Agnes Academy

Grades 4-6:
1st Place = Kennady Stack, Chadron Intermediate School
2nd Place = Madeline Pelton, Chadron Intermediate School

Grades 7-9:
1st Place = Ciara McCance, Hay Springs Middle School
2nd Pace = Brenna Hawthorn, Chadron Middle School

Grades 10-12:
1st Place = Destini Fusselman, Alliance High School
2nd Place = Connor Wright, Alliance High School

Coupens, Stack, McCance and Fusselman's artwork advanced to the state competition and each took first place which earns the artists a $25 gift card. First place posters at the state competition are entered into the NACD contest which will be judged at the NACD annual meeting in January.

The contest is co-sponsored by Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts, National Association of Conservation Districts and the NACD Auxiliary and provides an opportunity for students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 to illustrate their thoughts about soil, water and other natural resources. The 2013 Stewardship Week will be celebrated in April with a new theme of "Where does your water shed?"

Each year, the poster contest starts at the local Natural Resources District level. UNWNRD first place winners received a check for $20, while second place was awarded $10 and more than 70 students submitted entries to the local level. Individuals and teachers from within the Upper Niobrara White NRD which includes Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and Northern Sioux Counties may direct questions regarding the local contest to Sheri Daniels 308.432.6190 or daniels@unwnrd.org.

Sue Martin, Ag Analyst for the television show "Market to Market":

The evening began with the regular LCNRD Board of Directors Meeting followed by a meal prepared by Merkel Catering. Directors, staff and contributing agencies had an opportunity to visit and share history with former directors and employees who served the District during the past 4o years. Three employees were honored with certificates for dedicated service. Diane Wieseler has served as District Secretary for the NRCS office in Hartington for 20 years, Gene Schroeder has served as Project Manager of the Cedar-Knox Rural Water Project for 20 years, and Marla Wortmann has been the CKRWP bookkeeper and office clerk for 10 years. The employees of LCNRD and CKRWP are essential to the success of these agencies and the LCNRD is pleased to recognize them for their dedication to conservation and the Rural Water Project.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by General Manager, Tom Moser who narrated a slide presentation of LCNRD highlights and achievements since 1972. Some of the highlights include flood protection for the communities of Ponca and Newcastle through the Aowa Creek project, implementation of numerous conservation practices through NRCS, establishment of tree belts and windbreaks, wildlife habitat compensation, information and education programs for schools, and establishment of the Cedar-Knox Rural Water Project - to name a few. The evening wrapped up with some of the Directors sharing stories of their experiences while serving on the LCNRD Board.

The Lewis and Clark NRD and Directors are proud to serve Knox, Cedar, and Dixon Counties providing protection of our precious natural resources. Locally elected Directors carry the responsibility to protect and enhance our natural resources through conservation. The responsibilities of the NRD include but are not limited to; soil conservation, erosion control, flood protection, water quality, water quantity, forestry, and wildlife habitat. We look forward to providing continued protection for those resources in the future.

Comparison with measurements from the spring of 2012 showed static water levels dropped, on average, about six feet over the summer. The average water level on the wells being used for observation in the Lewis and Clark NRD is around 86 feet from land surface to the water level, some wells north of Hartington were down about 20 feet from the spring of 2012.

The purpose of well monitoring by the Lewis and Clark NRD is to maintain a record of water levels and their fluctuations throughout the area. At present, conditions indicate some concern for the groundwater supply. Continued trends of groundwater decline are cause for action, which the NRD can initiate through its authorities for irrigation management.

The wells monitored for static water levels are located randomly across the NRD from the Elk Point Area north of Ponca to Creighton. Areas of heavy irrigation are typically monitored more than other regions. While the District anticipates water levels to recharge somewhat by next spring, further drought conditions could make 2013 a worse year for groundwater depletion.

The District requires water quality testing for irrigation wells and deep soil sampling for cropped acres in the BGMA. Knowing how much nitrogen is available to the crop from irrigation water and the soil is essential to determining how much N is needed to achieve realistic yield goals while protecting groundwater from potential leaching of excess nitrogen. Without the knowledge of what is available to the crop through irrigation water and soil nitrogen sources, estimations for N application are made based on total N requirements for the crop to be grown. These assumptions often lead to application rates which exceed the amount of nitrogen required by the growing crop. The excess N is typically flushed past the root zone by precipitation or irrigation, eventually contaminating groundwater. This also results in wasted expense for the producer.

The importance of proper timing in N fertilizer application on the sandy soils of the Creighton area cannot be emphasized enough. Nitrogen applied to these soils prior to the growth stage of the crop can result in leaching of nitrogen to the groundwater below. It is recommended that nitrogen be "spoon fed" to the crop to avoid over application. Some methods to improve nitrogen fertilizer efficiency and minimize over application and leaching, include fertigation, sidedressing, nitrification and urease inhibitors, slow release formulation, irrigation management and setting realistic yield goals (Ferguson, UNL, 2011) These methods are effective management methods for keeping nitrogen available throughout the growing season while minimizing leaching potential.

If you are interested in deep soil testing to determine N credits, there is a 75% cost share program available for acres located in the GWMA through the Lewis and Clark NRD, 402-254-6758. Application forms are available on line at www.lcnrd.org.

The acquisition cost of the land is $83 million. An additional $15 to $20 million will be needed for construction and well development if needed. In all probability some tracts of this property will be resold. Several tracts have homes and grain storage facilities which will not be needed by N-CORPE. No property taxes will be used to pay for this project.

Following the procedures developed for compact accounting in the Republican Basin, water pumped from this project can help the NRDs stay within their share of the depletions to the yearly water supply as determined by compact accounting. When the NRDs stay within their depletions and controls are placed on surface water supplies in dry years, Nebraska is in compliance with the Compact. During normal and wet years, the additional precipitation will further contribute to ground water storage. This project, along with projects previously developed by the NRDs including the Rock Creek Project and The Riverside Irrigation Company Project, provide the Republican Basin in Nebraska with a long term plan that can allow us to further develop conjunctive use projects to stabilize the supplies to both surface water and ground water users. This project and the other projects and programs developed by this NRD and the other NRDs put water in the stream and help to stabilize supplies for both surface water and ground water users. No single project benefits every area of the basin. Joint projects such as N-CORPE provide the maximum benefits per cost of input. Per acre foot cost of water made available for streamflow by these augmentation projects is much less than purchasing an equivalent amount of water through permanent retirement or leasing of irrigated acres. The timeliness of the augmentation project water is also important. That water is available in the year it is needed as opposed to acreage retirement or lease programs which have a benefit that is usually less and occurs over a period of several years depending on the location of the lands.

As N-CORPE moves forward with this long term solution we will continue to look at programs at the local level that provide for the most effective conjunctive management of the waters of the basin and maintain the maximum economic base for the area.

The Middle Republican NRD has been protecting lives, property and the future of the District through a wide range of stewardship, management and education programs for 40 years.

Kansas has sued Nebraska over Republican River Compact compliance and is seeking the permanent shutdown of roughly 300,000 irrigated acres in the basin that stretches from Haigler to Hardy, Neb. The project being pursued by the NRDs could help prevent a shutdown of that magnitude in the future. Such a shutdown would have staggering financial consequences, reducing property tax revenue from irrigated land by millions of dollars annually and potentially shifting more of the property tax burden to owners of residential, commercial and other non-irrigated property.

The stream flow enhancement will protect the existing property tax base of irrigated land and be paid for by irrigators via the occupation tax on irrigated land, not by all property owners.

"When it comes to providing long-term financial stability to our schools throughout the Basin, and assuring our kids get the first-rate educations they deserve, this project is a wise choice," said Joe Anderjaska, President of the Hayes Center Public Schools Board of Education and a Middle Republican Natural Resources District board member. Anderjaska is also president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

Lacking a stream flow enhancement project such as the one NRDs in the Republican Basin expect to operate, compliance with the Republican River Compact would still be achieved, even in dry times, because of comprehensive water-management plans they have developed with the State of Nebraska. But doing so would require the use of severe regulations that could completely shutdown irrigation in some areas in dry years. In the Middle Republican NRD, for example, all irrigators could face drastic regulations in dry years. Should exceptionally severe regulations be imposed throughout the Middle Republican NRD, for example, lost revenue from decreased yields could be roughly $200 million or more in just one year.

"The local economy would be a disaster and local businesses would be in trouble," if severely reducing water-use allocations was the only option used by NRDs to maintain compliance, said state Sen. Mark Christensen. Christensen, who supports the stream-flow enhancement project, said: "I support the ability to keep Nebraska in compliance with the Compact through the use of the occupation tax. We have to rely on projects like this to keep water allocations at reasonable levels."

The project proposes to transport water, via a pipeline, to the Republican and Platte Rivers that otherwise would have been consumed by crops on a large swath of irrigated land in southern Lincoln County. A significant amount of engineering design must still be completed, but it is expected that the project could add a total of roughly 45,000 acre feet of water to both the Republican and Platte Rivers in years when needed to maintain compliance with both the Republican River Compact and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. In the Platte, NRDs are responsible for returning that basin to water supply-and-demand conditions that existed in 1997 and ultimately reversing an over-appropriated designation to fully appropriated status under state law.

The amount of water available under the project is expected to be enough to close most of the gap between supplies and allowable use under the Republican River Compact that historically has existed in the Republican Basin during exceptionally dry years.

Water-supply alternatives to meet legally mandated objectives in both the Platte and Republican Basins could be much more expensive than costs associated with the project now being pursued by NRDs. Including land, project development and operations, producing water under the project for both river basins could cost between $300 and $500 an acre foot. By comparison, leasing surface water from irrigation districts in the Republican Basin can cost between $2,000 - $3,000 an acre foot. Permanently retiring irrigated acres close to streams without piping the water and instead allowing groundwater to seep into rivers and tributaries to increase flows can cost approximately $3,000 an acre foot, or more.

Under the proposed project, water that otherwise would have been irrigated and consumed by crops on a Lincoln County farm with 15,800 irrigated acres will instead be piped into the Republican and Platte Rivers when needed. The NRDs involved in the project - Twin Platte NRD and the Upper, Middle and Lower Republican NRDs - expect to close on the property in November.

"The project shows the tradition of local Nebraskan's working together. The local NRD Board members that voted for this project demonstrates the ability of local Nebraskans getting together, analyzing the challenges at hand and developing a long-term solution to the problem," said Dean Edson, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

One such benefit is refilling municipal well fields in the Basin by providing additional recharge to alluvial wells.

"Three irrigation districts in the Platte Basin have entered agreements in Dawson County with the Central Platte NRD which is downstream from the new augmentation site. The agreements between the Central Platte NRD and these irrigations districts provides another opportunity to put the additional water to beneficial recharge when certain conditions exist, thus providing more benefits downstream in the Platte Basin," said Ron Bishop, general manager of the Central Platte NRD.

The project will also aid the surface-water irrigation system in the Republican Basin. The project could allow more surface water deliveries during dry years and limit regulations on surface water. And running water through the canals during dry times will help water supplies by providing additional recharge.

It is uncertain when exactly the proposed project will be operational, but the NRDs hope to have it in place during the second half of 2013.

Kansas has sued Nebraska over Republican River Compact compliance and is seeking the permanent shutdown of roughly 300,000 irrigated acres in the basin that stretches from Haigler to Hardy, Neb. The project being pursued by the NRDs could help prevent a shutdown of that magnitude in the future. Such a shutdown would have staggering financial consequences, reducing property tax revenue from irrigated land by millions of dollars annually and potentially shifting more of the property tax burden to owners of residential, commercial and other non-irrigated property.

The stream flow enhancement will protect the existing property tax base of irrigated land and be paid for by irrigators via the occupation tax on irrigated land, not by all property owners.

"When it comes to providing long-term financial stability to our schools throughout the Basin, and assuring our kids get the first-rate educations they deserve, this project is a wise choice," said Joe Anderjaska, President of the Hayes Center Public Schools Board of Education and a Middle Republican Natural Resources District board member. Anderjaska is also president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

Lacking a stream flow enhancement project such as the one NRDs in the Republican Basin expect to operate, compliance with the Republican River Compact would still be achieved, even in dry times, because of comprehensive water-management plans they have developed with the State of Nebraska. But doing so would require the use of severe regulations that could completely shutdown irrigation in some areas in dry years. In the Middle Republican NRD, for example, all irrigators could face drastic regulations in dry years. Should exceptionally severe regulations be imposed throughout the Middle Republican NRD, for example, lost revenue from decreased yields could be roughly $200 million or more in just one year.

"The local economy would be a disaster and local businesses would be in trouble," if severely reducing water-use allocations was the only option used by NRDs to maintain compliance, said state Sen. Mark Christensen. Christensen, who supports the stream-flow enhancement project, said: "I support the ability to keep Nebraska in compliance with the Compact through the use of the occupation tax. We have to rely on projects like this to keep water allocations at reasonable levels."

The project proposes to transport water, via a pipeline, to the Republican and Platte Rivers that otherwise would have been consumed by crops on a large swath of irrigated land in southern Lincoln County. A significant amount of engineering design must still be completed, but it is expected that the project could add a total of roughly 45,000 acre feet of water to both the Republican and Platte Rivers in years when needed to maintain compliance with both the Republican River Compact and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. In the Platte, NRDs are responsible for returning that basin to water supply-and-demand conditions that existed in 1997 and ultimately reversing an over-appropriated designation to fully appropriated status under state law.

The amount of water available under the project is expected to be enough to close most of the gap between supplies and allowable use under the Republican River Compact that historically has existed in the Republican Basin during exceptionally dry years.

Water-supply alternatives to meet legally mandated objectives in both the Platte and Republican Basins could be much more expensive than costs associated with the project now being pursued by NRDs. Including land, project development and operations, producing water under the project for both river basins could cost between $300 and $500 an acre foot. By comparison, leasing surface water from irrigation districts in the Republican Basin can cost between $2,000 - $3,000 an acre foot. Permanently retiring irrigated acres close to streams without piping the water and instead allowing groundwater to seep into rivers and tributaries to increase flows can cost approximately $3,000 an acre foot, or more.

Under the proposed project, water that otherwise would have been irrigated and consumed by crops on a Lincoln County farm with 15,800 irrigated acres will instead be piped into the Republican and Platte Rivers when needed. The NRDs involved in the project - Twin Platte NRD and the Upper, Middle and Lower Republican NRDs - expect to close on the property in November.

"The project shows the tradition of local Nebraskan's working together. The local NRD Board members that voted for this project demonstrates the ability of local Nebraskans getting together, analyzing the challenges at hand and developing a long-term solution to the problem," said Dean Edson, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

One such benefit is refilling municipal well fields in the Basin by providing additional recharge to alluvial wells.

"Three irrigation districts in the Platte Basin have entered agreements in Dawson County with the Central Platte NRD which is downstream from the new augmentation site. The agreements between the Central Platte NRD and these irrigations districts provides another opportunity to put the additional water to beneficial recharge when certain conditions exist, thus providing more benefits downstream in the Platte Basin," said Ron Bishop, general manager of the Central Platte NRD.

The project will also aid the surface-water irrigation system in the Republican Basin. The project could allow more surface water deliveries during dry years and limit regulations on surface water. And running water through the canals during dry times will help water supplies by providing additional recharge.

It is uncertain when exactly the proposed project will be operational, but the NRDs hope to have it in place during the second half of 2013.

Kansas has sued Nebraska over Republican River Compact compliance and is seeking the permanent shutdown of roughly 300,000 irrigated acres in the basin that stretches from Haigler to Hardy, Neb. The project being pursued by the NRDs could help prevent a shutdown of that magnitude in the future. Such a shutdown would have staggering financial consequences, reducing property tax revenue from irrigated land by millions of dollars annually and potentially shifting more of the property tax burden to owners of residential, commercial and other non-irrigated property.

The stream flow enhancement will protect the existing property tax base of irrigated land and be paid for by irrigators via the occupation tax on irrigated land, not by all property owners.

"When it comes to providing long-term financial stability to our schools throughout the Basin, and assuring our kids get the first-rate educations they deserve, this project is a wise choice," said Joe Anderjaska, President of the Hayes Center Public Schools Board of Education and a Middle Republican Natural Resources District board member. Anderjaska is also president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

Lacking a stream flow enhancement project such as the one NRDs in the Republican Basin expect to operate, compliance with the Republican River Compact would still be achieved, even in dry times, because of comprehensive water-management plans they have developed with the State of Nebraska. But doing so would require the use of severe regulations that could completely shutdown irrigation in some areas in dry years. In the Middle Republican NRD, for example, all irrigators could face drastic regulations in dry years. Should exceptionally severe regulations be imposed throughout the Middle Republican NRD, for example, lost revenue from decreased yields could be roughly $200 million or more in just one year.

"The local economy would be a disaster and local businesses would be in trouble," if severely reducing water-use allocations was the only option used by NRDs to maintain compliance, said state Sen. Mark Christensen. Christensen, who supports the stream-flow enhancement project, said: "I support the ability to keep Nebraska in compliance with the Compact through the use of the occupation tax. We have to rely on projects like this to keep water allocations at reasonable levels."

The project proposes to transport water, via a pipeline, to the Republican and Platte Rivers that otherwise would have been consumed by crops on a large swath of irrigated land in southern Lincoln County. A significant amount of engineering design must still be completed, but it is expected that the project could add a total of roughly 45,000 acre feet of water to both the Republican and Platte Rivers in years when needed to maintain compliance with both the Republican River Compact and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. In the Platte, NRDs are responsible for returning that basin to water supply-and-demand conditions that existed in 1997 and ultimately reversing an over-appropriated designation to fully appropriated status under state law.

The amount of water available under the project is expected to be enough to close most of the gap between supplies and allowable use under the Republican River Compact that historically has existed in the Republican Basin during exceptionally dry years.

Water-supply alternatives to meet legally mandated objectives in both the Platte and Republican Basins could be much more expensive than costs associated with the project now being pursued by NRDs. Including land, project development and operations, producing water under the project for both river basins could cost between $300 and $500 an acre foot. By comparison, leasing surface water from irrigation districts in the Republican Basin can cost between $2,000 - $3,000 an acre foot. Permanently retiring irrigated acres close to streams without piping the water and instead allowing groundwater to seep into rivers and tributaries to increase flows can cost approximately $3,000 an acre foot, or more.

Under the proposed project, water that otherwise would have been irrigated and consumed by crops on a Lincoln County farm with 15,800 irrigated acres will instead be piped into the Republican and Platte Rivers when needed. The NRDs involved in the project - Twin Platte NRD and the Upper, Middle and Lower Republican NRDs - expect to close on the property in November.

"The project shows the tradition of local Nebraskan's working together. The local NRD Board members that voted for this project demonstrates the ability of local Nebraskans getting together, analyzing the challenges at hand and developing a long-term solution to the problem," said Dean Edson, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

One such benefit is refilling municipal well fields in the Basin by providing additional recharge to alluvial wells.

"Three irrigation districts in the Platte Basin have entered agreements in Dawson County with the Central Platte NRD which is downstream from the new augmentation site. The agreements between the Central Platte NRD and these irrigations districts provides another opportunity to put the additional water to beneficial recharge when certain conditions exist, thus providing more benefits downstream in the Platte Basin," said Ron Bishop, general manager of the Central Platte NRD.

The project will also aid the surface-water irrigation system in the Republican Basin. The project could allow more surface water deliveries during dry years and limit regulations on surface water. And running water through the canals during dry times will help water supplies by providing additional recharge.

It is uncertain when exactly the proposed project will be operational, but the NRDs hope to have it in place during the second half of 2013.

Kansas has sued Nebraska over Republican River Compact compliance and is seeking the permanent shutdown of roughly 300,000 irrigated acres in the basin that stretches from Haigler to Hardy, Neb. The project being pursued by the NRDs could help prevent a shutdown of that magnitude in the future. Such a shutdown would have staggering financial consequences, reducing property tax revenue from irrigated land by millions of dollars annually and potentially shifting more of the property tax burden to owners of residential, commercial and other non-irrigated property.

The stream flow enhancement will protect the existing property tax base of irrigated land and be paid for by irrigators via the occupation tax on irrigated land, not by all property owners.

"When it comes to providing long-term financial stability to our schools throughout the Basin, and assuring our kids get the first-rate educations they deserve, this project is a wise choice," said Joe Anderjaska, President of the Hayes Center Public Schools Board of Education and a Middle Republican Natural Resources District board member. Anderjaska is also president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

Lacking a stream flow enhancement project such as the one NRDs in the Republican Basin expect to operate, compliance with the Republican River Compact would still be achieved, even in dry times, because of comprehensive water-management plans they have developed with the State of Nebraska. But doing so would require the use of severe regulations that could completely shutdown irrigation in some areas in dry years. In the Middle Republican NRD, for example, all irrigators could face drastic regulations in dry years. Should exceptionally severe regulations be imposed throughout the Middle Republican NRD, for example, lost revenue from decreased yields could be roughly $200 million or more in just one year.

"The local economy would be a disaster and local businesses would be in trouble," if severely reducing water-use allocations was the only option used by NRDs to maintain compliance, said state Sen. Mark Christensen. Christensen, who supports the stream-flow enhancement project, said: "I support the ability to keep Nebraska in compliance with the Compact through the use of the occupation tax. We have to rely on projects like this to keep water allocations at reasonable levels."

The project proposes to transport water, via a pipeline, to the Republican and Platte Rivers that otherwise would have been consumed by crops on a large swath of irrigated land in southern Lincoln County. A significant amount of engineering design must still be completed, but it is expected that the project could add a total of roughly 45,000 acre feet of water to both the Republican and Platte Rivers in years when needed to maintain compliance with both the Republican River Compact and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. In the Platte, NRDs are responsible for returning that basin to water supply-and-demand conditions that existed in 1997 and ultimately reversing an over-appropriated designation to fully appropriated status under state law.

The amount of water available under the project is expected to be enough to close most of the gap between supplies and allowable use under the Republican River Compact that historically has existed in the Republican Basin during exceptionally dry years.

Water-supply alternatives to meet legally mandated objectives in both the Platte and Republican Basins could be much more expensive than costs associated with the project now being pursued by NRDs. Including land, project development and operations, producing water under the project for both river basins could cost between $300 and $500 an acre foot. By comparison, leasing surface water from irrigation districts in the Republican Basin can cost between $2,000 - $3,000 an acre foot. Permanently retiring irrigated acres close to streams without piping the water and instead allowing groundwater to seep into rivers and tributaries to increase flows can cost approximately $3,000 an acre foot, or more.

Under the proposed project, water that otherwise would have been irrigated and consumed by crops on a Lincoln County farm with 15,800 irrigated acres will instead be piped into the Republican and Platte Rivers when needed. The NRDs involved in the project - Twin Platte NRD and the Upper, Middle and Lower Republican NRDs - expect to close on the property in November.

"The project shows the tradition of local Nebraskan's working together. The local NRD Board members that voted for this project demonstrates the ability of local Nebraskans getting together, analyzing the challenges at hand and developing a long-term solution to the problem," said Dean Edson, executive director of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

One such benefit is refilling municipal well fields in the Basin by providing additional recharge to alluvial wells.

"Three irrigation districts in the Platte Basin have entered agreements in Dawson County with the Central Platte NRD which is downstream from the new augmentation site. The agreements between the Central Platte NRD and these irrigations districts provides another opportunity to put the additional water to beneficial recharge when certain conditions exist, thus providing more benefits downstream in the Platte Basin," said Ron Bishop, general manager of the Central Platte NRD.

The project will also aid the surface-water irrigation system in the Republican Basin. The project could allow more surface water deliveries during dry years and limit regulations on surface water. And running water through the canals during dry times will help water supplies by providing additional recharge.

It is uncertain when exactly the proposed project will be operational, but the NRDs hope to have it in place during the second half of 2013.

"The reservoir will help protect lives and property downstream along the West Branch Papillion Creek, including the cities of Papillion and Bellevue," said NRD General Manager, John Winkler. Engineering studies have shown that this area of Sarpy County is in dire need of additional flood protection. "In addition to the construction of the flood control reservoir, we will also be building a hiking/biking trail, boat ramp, picnic shelters, upstream water quality structures to protect the lake from sedimentation and a Lincoln Rd. extension and bridge," he said.

This multi-purpose flood control and outdoor recreation project is the first to be built under the Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership's watershed management plan. The partnership, established in 2001, includes representatives from Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, Gretna, Boys Town, Ralston, LaVista, Sarpy County and the Natural Resources District. The organization has a mission to address issues related to flooding and water quality in the 402 square mile Papillion Creek Watershed in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. "Construction of this reservoir is a result of many years of coordination between the NRD and our Papillion Creek Watershed partners, said Winkler. "We're working diligently to find real and accomplishable solutions for water quality and flood control challenges," he added.

Once completed, this West Papio Basin site 5 will offer significant flood prevention for the West Branch Papillion Creek area. "Our goal is to offer sustainable flood protection over the entire Omaha metro area," said Winkler. "The Papio NRD, along with our watershed partners, must continue to pursue additional resources necessary to provide adequate flood control and water quality structures that will save lives and property and preserve our quality of life," he added.

Opening of the recreation area is planned for 2015

The accuracy of the data recorded by DNR in their well registration data base is essential to maintaining an accurate record of high capacity groundwater wells across the state. Many wells which were registered at the time they were installed have changed ownership with the sale or inheritance of land and have not been updated with DNR. Other registrations may have a well use status of inactive, or the number of acres irrigated by the well may have changed since the time of registration.

An unregistered well can cause spacing violation in relationship to other wells. Registrations are used to determine if new wells can be legally constructed, new wells must be located at least 600 feet from another irrigation well and 1000 feet from an industrial or public supply well. There are currently no spacing restrictions on locating next to domestic wells. If you check your registration now it may prevent a future dispute.

The enactment of LB962 in 2004 found all or portions of nine natural resources districts to be "fully appropriated" and subject to provisions of the bill which includes stays on the construction of new wells and the use of unregistered wells. Whenever a basin is declared "over appropriated" or "fully appropriated" there will be immediate stays on new uses of ground water and surface water. Only wells which are properly registered will be eligible for irrigation usage. All other wells will be considered illegal wells.

The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District has not been declared "over or fully appropriated" at this time, however it is essential for well owners to have their wells registered with the state if the District ever were to receive the designation. The Department of Natural Resources announces the findings of appropriation determinations each year in November.

The Lewis and Clark NRD strongly encourages anyone with an irrigation well to verify the registration information on the DNR website www.dnr.ne.gov under the heading "Groundwater" and subheading "Well Registrations On-Line" or contact the DNR at 402-471-2363. The Lewis and Clark NRD can assist you with questions about your registration. To register a well or confirm proper registration you will need the legal description of the well and the number of acres irrigated by the well.

"These conferences are an important way for our districts and other agencies to meet and share their ‘best management practices' so the NRDs can do the best job possible of protecting lives, protecting property and protecting the future of our natural resources," said May Ann Wortmann, Past President of the NARD Board of Directors. "Protecting, preserving and maintaining the quality of natural resources are important not just to improve Nebraskans' quality of life, but maintaining and improving our agricultural and tourism economies," Wortmann said.

Nebraska Lt.Governor Rick Sheehy was the keynote speaker for the conference and presented a proclamation from Governor Dave Heineman to honor the 23 Natural Resources Districts for the conservation work achieved during the forty years since the NRD system was established. Lynn Heng, Natural Resource Manager, MO River Project, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Commander of the Agricultural Development Team, Nebraska Army National Guard, who has recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan, gave a presentation on the natural resources programs being developed there. Other conference highlights included presentations from NARD Board President Joe Anderjaska, State Conservationist Craig Derickson of the Nebraska Natural Resource Conservation Service, and updates from Mike Linder, Director of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, and Dan Steinkruger with the USDA Farm Service Agency.

An Awards Banquet honored the recipients of the Omaha World-Herald and the University of Nebraska 2012 Master Conservationist Awards. Casey and Keri Foster, Foster Cattle Company from Sparks, NE and Steve, Deb and Tim Leibbrands from Imperial, NE were selected as recipients of the award for their outstanding soil and water conservation efforts. The Nebraska Association of Conservation Districts Annual Awards were also announced in the following five categories: Tree Planter of the Year, Dan and Shirley Carson; Outstanding Grassland Conservation, Stan and Pam Reed; Outstanding Community Conservation, Village of Bing Springs - Pond Project; Director of the Year, Judy Ridenour; and Educator of the Year, Kevin Wetovick. Conservation efforts in the State of Nebraska are outstanding and there are many people across the state worthy of distinction for their efforts. If you know someone who deserves to be honored for their work in conservation contact your local NRD and nominate them.

2012 marks the 40th year of NRD's and a proud history of protecting lives, protecting property, and protecting the future of Nebraska's natural resources. Senator Maurice Kremer introduced, and the Nebraska Legislature enacted Legislative Bill(LB) 1357 in 1969, combining Nebraska's 154 special purpose entities into 24 Natural Resources Districts (NRD's) by July 1, 1972. Two of the NRD's combined in 1989 resulting in the 23 NRD's we have today. The directors, managers and employees who have worked with the NRD since it began in 1972 were recognized for their dedicated service to conserve our natural resources.

Natural Resource District Boundaries are based on the major river basins of Nebraska which allows for better management practices to be applied to similar topography. The NRD's were created to solve flood control, soil erosion, irrigation run-off, and groundwater quantity and quality issues.

NRD crews have used more than 65 tons of finely-crushed limestone material to fill the cracks. The cracks were up to two-inches wide; wide enough to catch a bicycle tire; and some were more than four feet deep. The NRD estimates spending approximately $2,000 to fill the cracks, as of October 15.

There is little doubt the cracking is due to the exceptionally dry summer, but the NRD still has more questions than answers about whether there's anything it can do to help prevent cracking in the future, if there's a better way to repair the cracks and what effect heavy rain or cold weather may have on the repairs. "When the cracks first started opening and we saw they were much larger than the usual summer cracking," said NRD General Manager Glenn Johnson, "we knew we had to close the trails to bikes for safety reasons. What we didn't know was how widespread the problem would become and what to do about it." Initial efforts to fill the cracks resulted in the cracks reopening, but Johnson said the cooler weather may be helping the latest repairs stay intact. He said, "Inspections following the inch of rain that fell on October 13 and 14 showed the recent repairs held up well."

Johnson thanked trail users who cooperated with the mid-summer closure to bicycles. The NRD maintains the MoPac East Trail, from east Lincoln to Wabash, the Oak Creek Trail between Valparaiso and Brainard and the portion of the Homestead Trail from Saltillo Road to Cortland. Trail users who find large cracks in the surfaces of any of these trails are encouraged to contact the NRD at 402-476-2729, by e-mail at lpsnrd@lpsnrd.org or through the NRD's Facebook or Twitter accounts.

� For those individuals replacing shelter belts, UNWNRD will provide 50% cost share on trees, fabric, planting and installation regardless of the age of the damaged shelterbelt. There is a $5,000 maximum cost share amount per individual.

� If landowners are interested in reforestation using bare root or potted seedlings, UNWNRD will offer a 50% discount for up to 1000 bare root or 500 potted seedlings for $500 maximum assistance per individual.

� UNWNRD will also offer seed for reforestation efforts to landowners at a 50% discount of the actual cost. Five to six different varieties of seed will be made available such as ponderosa pine, aspen and select shrubs and hardwoods. UNWNRD cost will range from $25 to $60 per pound depending on the species. The maximum assistance per landowner will be $500 for seed.

� NRCS has guidelines for grassland restoration. Please contact your local NRCS office for more details.

� Individuals with Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP) tree belts need to contact their local FSA office.

Please contact the UNWNRD at 308.432.6190 or stop in at 430 E. 2nd Street in Chadron to inquire before January 15, 2013 as funding is available for a limited time and seedlings will be available for spring 2013 planting.

Conference Agenda

Registration Information:

• Registration deadline is Friday September 7, 2012
• Late registrations and "walk-ins" will be an additional 10% of the listed registration fee.
• Cancellation Policies - Refunds must be in writing and will be accepted until 5 pm Wednesday, September 12th. A $25 processing fee will be charged for cancellations received between September 13h & 16th, with no refunds for cancellations received on or after September 17, 2012.

Accommodations:

Blocks of sleeping rooms have been reserved at Hampton Inn, 308.234.3400; Wingate Inn, 308.237.4400 and Fairfield Inn, 308.236.4200. Be sure to mention you are with the NARD Conference to receive your special rate of $79.95 per night plus applicable taxes. The block of rooms will be held until Sunday, August 26, 2012.

FULL REGISTRATION (Sept 24-25) $200

MONDAY ONLY (Sept 24th) $150

HALF DAY MONDAY ONLY (Sept 24th) $100
(Registration Fee Includes - Monday Awards Luncheon, afternoon break and sessions targeted to NRD support staff from 1:45 - 5:00 p.m.)

TUESDAY ONLY (Sept 25th) $105

If you have any questions, please call the NARD office at 402-471-7670 or toll free 1-877-777-6273.

The conference will be held at the Younes Conference Center, 416 Talmadge Road Kearney, September 23-25. Representatives from Nebraska's 23 NRDs will be in attendance along with other groups, agencies and organizations involved in conservation, natural resources, government and other aspects of business. We're expecting over 300 participants and 30 vendors to register for the conference. Participants assist in setting local and state policies on numerous environmental issues. Many of the people attending the conference work directly with the residents of Nebraska to protect and preserve our natural resources. What a great place to showcase your company's services, environmental tools and expertise which can assist these leaders in performing their duties.

Golf Tournament 

Sunday, September 23rd starts the meeting off right with the annual NARD Foundation Golf Tournament. Staff, directors, associates and vendors are invited to participate in a ‘best ball' tournament. Golfing will begin at 12:00 noon at Meadowlark Hills golf course in Kearney. The day's events include golf and a prime rib dinner upon your return to the clubhouse. Make sure you stick around for the ‘bad golfer' awards ceremony.

Ways you can support Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts

• Be a Hole Sponsor

• Breaks

To increase participant traffic, all breaks will be held in the exhibit area. There will be two breaks on Monday (10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.) and one on Tuesday (10:30 a.m.). It would be beneficial to staff your booth during these breaks.

• Raffle, Live and Silent Auctions

Last year the live and silent auction as well as the ticket raffle assisted the NARD Foundation in raising over $15,000. We have a list of items that will be auctioned off again this year. If you'd like to underwrite one of them, or if you'd like to donate your own item, please contact Jeanne Dryburgh at jdryburgh@nrdnet.org. 

• Program Advertising 

Advertise your business with an ad in the meeting program.

• Business card size (color or b/w)
3.5" wide x 2" long - (included with your exhibit space fee)
• Half page ad (color or b/w)
3.5" wide by 4" long
• Full page ad (color or b/w)
3.5" wide by 8" long
Camera ready artwork must be submitted to NARD prior to September 4, 2012. Art work may be emailed to jdryburgh@nrdnet.org with "NARD Conference Program" in the subject line.

 

 

Due to anticipated personnel retirements, an additional staff person was hired to cover plant operations and maintenance and emergency operations.

All the treatment plant modifications needed to meet federal guidelines and pipeline extension costs incurred in the last 6 years have been paid from reserve accounts dedicated for project improvements. The good news is the water treatment process has been updated to meet TTHM (Total Trihalomethane) requirements; unfortunately we now face unexpected expenses due to sand infiltrating our intake caused by the 2011 flood.

These expenses plus a trend for higher systems repairs due to the age of our 30-year old system prompted the board to also include a $5.00 per month maintenance fee effective October 1, 2012 for water used in October and payable in November. The summary chart below shows the new charges. Monthly minimums remain the same. Bulk rates on all usage will go up to $4.50/1000 gallons. Multiple Benefit Users will have an alternate schedule for payment.

Original Cedar-Knox Rural Water Project:

Bow Creek Expansion Rural Water Project:

The District would like to thank the towns and individual users for their continued support of the project. Any comments or questions can be directed to the Cedar-Knox Rural Water Project at the Lewis & Clark NRD Office, P O Box 518, Hartington, NE 68739 or phone (402) 254-6758.

The total budgeted amount of NRD expenditures for fiscal year 2013 is $804,000. The tax requirement will be $458,000 which is a slight increase from last year. The budget includes $335,000 for project expenses and falls within budget law requirements. Carry over funds and state money will be used to offset several expenses. The NRD covers the majority of Cedar, Dixon and Knox Counties.

Rural Water Project costs are not reflected in this NRD budget explanation because property taxes are not used to subsidize revenue-producing projects. Users on the system are required to meet the operation cost and bond payments. The rural water project budgeted expenses will see a slight change this year from $1,146,694 to $881,919 with the remaining funds coming from rate adjustments. Rate payments cover operation and loan costs, and keep reserve accounts adequately funded.

The District utilizes state funding to supplement the Habitat Program, Water Quality Projects, Well Abandonment, and administers another $105,000 under the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Cost Share Program. The NRD works to protect resources for lives property and the future over a three county area.

During times of drought, the best thing for trees is water. If you have the means to water your trees this fall it is highly recommended. Coiling a soaker hose around the tree several times from the trunk to the drip line and allowing it to run until the soil is moist 8 to 12 inches down is an effective way to achieve deep soil penetration. Watering the tree slowing and thoroughly will provide the most benefit to the tree by promoting a healthy root system. Trees also benefit from 2 - 3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and insulate the soil. Mulch doesn't compete with trees for nutrients or moisture, and it provides nutrients the tree requires.

If you have a conifer or hardwood tree you think has been killed by the drought, don't be too quick to write it off. There are a couple of things you can do to see if the tree may still be alive. First, try to break some of the twigs on the tree that are about 1/8 inch in diameter. If the twigs snap and break it could mean the tree has died. If the twigs bend and don't break with a snap it could still be alive. Next, use your fingernail to scrape bark from small branch or twig. If the tissue under the bark is green and moist, the tree may still be alive. Finally, if you are not sure the tree is dead, wait until spring to see if it sprouts new leaves or new candles on the ends of conifer branches.

The proposed budget calls for a FY 2013 property tax levy of .032753, the same as the current FY 2012 tax levy. This levy would mean that the owner of property valued at $200,000 would pay a total of $65.50 in property taxes next year to support NRD projects and programs. The levy is based on an estimated 1.25 percent increase in valuations across the district. The Papio-Missouri River NRD area includes all of Sarpy, Douglas, Washington and Dakota Counties plus the eastern halves of Burt and Thurston Counties.

The budget outlines total spending estimated at $87.4 million. Of this amount, $17.2 million in revenue will be raised through the property tax levy. NRD revenue includes the tax levy, bonds, federal and state cost sharing for specific projects and income from Improvement Project Areas.

"The District may find it necessary to seek additional revenue sources if we are to continue to construct projects to protect life and property and enhance the quality of life of our constituents," said Winkler. "Delaying projects needed to protect our citizens from flooding or the elimination of vital infrastructure are not wise options. Stagnant economic growth. is a challenge all government agencies face and the NRD will find it difficult to finance projects on our own more and more," said Winkler.

Construction nears on Flood Control Reservoir in Sarpy County

"This reservoir project will help protect lives and property downstream along the West Branch Papillion Creek, including the City of Papillion. Our studies have shown that this area of Sarpy County is in dire need of additional flood

This multi-purpose project is the first to be implemented under the Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership's watershed management plan. The partnership, established in 2001, includes representatives Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, Gretna, Ralston, LaVista and Girls and Boys Town, Sarpy County and the Natural Resources District. The organization has a mission to address issues related to flooding and water quality in the Papillion Creek watershed in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in June, 2014.

(media note: Project graphic attached. A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned for mid to late October)

Also at this meeting, the Board voted to name the Pigeon/Jones Creek Watershed flood control reservoir under construction near Hubbard NE after Dakota County resident Vince Kramper. Kramper is a member of the NE Environmental Trust Board and former member of the NE Natural Resources Commission and the Papio-Missouri River NRD Board. When completed, Kramper Lake will be 226 acres surrounded by over 500 acres of park land. The Board also voted to name the park Danish Alps Recreation Area, recognizing that the surrounding hilly terrain is reminiscent of the Danish homeland and the immigrants who settled in this area..

Space in the building is available at $310 a booth. A covered 8-ft table, two folding chairs if needed (suggested to bring your own) and electricity will be provided with your registration fee.

All exhibitors and workers need to purchase passes; you will need one pass for each individual working the exhibit area. Day passes are good for one day of the show or three day pins are good for all three days. Each person must present a day pass or pin at the admission gate entering from the exhibitor parking lot. One day passes are $5.00 a pass and three day pins are $10.00 each. There is no parking behind our new location, you must park in the exhibitor parking area (which is a short walk from our location). Each vehicle will also need an EXHIBITOR PARKING PASS. Use the registration form to order your car pass, one day exhibitor passes, and admission pins. These passes will be mailed to everyone once they're received.

"We're still very optimistic that Central Public Power's board will see the benefits in seriously looking at this proposal," said Ron Bishop, general manager of the Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD). "In this drought year, with this plan in place, we could have put more water back into the Platte River and alleviated water shortages. Just think what having the estimated additional 115,000 - 170,000 acre/feet of water in the river this year would have done. That's what our plan would do," Bishop said.

"We know some people want to know more about our proposal, and there are more studies to be completed before we move forward," said Kent Miller, general manager of the Twin Platte Natural Resources District (TPNRD). "This additional engineering report will help Central Public Power's board understand better why we think this is a feasible project that will provide benefits to the state and irrigators," Miller said.

The NRDs also released some answers to questions about their proposal they have heard so far:

1) Will the NRDs work with farmers to share the cost of drilling the estimated 450 new groundwater wells that will be needed to replace the current surface water irrigation? Answer: Yes. Part of the initial proposal by the NRDs included a proposal to share the costs of drilling the new wells with farmers.

2) Will the new wells be used to pump the water "mound" level down and develop new irrigated acres in the Twin Platte and Central Platte NRDs? Answer: No. The new wells will only be used for the acres currently irrigated by surface water and convert them to ground water irrigation.

3) Will this plan have a negative impact on the Republican River Basin? Answer: No. CNPPID's current canal will still have water in it to provide groundwater recharge as it always has to the areas in the Republican Basin.

4) Will putting water in the canal during the irrigation "off-season" still provide enough groundwater recharge? Answer: Yes. The seepage occurs whenever water is in the canal no matter what season it is.

5) Will the NRDs work WITH Central Public Power so everyone is treated fairly? Answer: Yes. The NRDs' original proposal discussed working together with CNPPID on an arrangement that still serves CNPPID's needs, as well as their surface water irrigation customers.

6) Is the original proposal the NRDs made to Central Public Power the final proposal? Answer: No. The first proposal was merely to begin discussions for the project. Future studies will be done and the NRDs will help pay for many of these.

7) Are there assurances that water will be available for irrigation in the areas converted to groundwater? Answer: Yes. The NRDs' proposal does not call for any reduction in the number of acres currently irrigated.

"We want this study process to be as informational and transparent as possible for the entities involved and for the individual farmers affected by our proposal," Bishop said.

"We're still very optimistic that Central Public Power's board will see the benefits in seriously looking at this proposal," said Ron Bishop, general manager of the Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD). "In this drought year, with this plan in place, we could have put more water back into the Platte River and alleviated water shortages. Just think what having the estimated additional 115,000 - 170,000 acre/feet of water in the river this year would have done. That's what our plan would do," Bishop said.

"We know some people want to know more about our proposal, and there are more studies to be completed before we move forward," said Kent Miller, general manager of the Twin Platte Natural Resources District (TPNRD). "This additional engineering report will help Central Public Power's board understand better why we think this is a feasible project that will provide benefits to the state and irrigators," Miller said.

The NRDs also released some answers to questions about their proposal they have heard so far:

1) Will the NRDs work with farmers to share the cost of drilling the estimated 450 new groundwater wells that will be needed to replace the current surface water irrigation? Answer: Yes. Part of the initial proposal by the NRDs included a proposal to share the costs of drilling the new wells with farmers.

2) Will the new wells be used to pump the water "mound" level down and develop new irrigated acres in the Twin Platte and Central Platte NRDs? Answer: No. The new wells will only be used for the acres currently irrigated by surface water and convert them to ground water irrigation.

3) Will this plan have a negative impact on the Republican River Basin? Answer: No. CNPPID's current canal will still have water in it to provide groundwater recharge as it always has to the areas in the Republican Basin.

4) Will putting water in the canal during the irrigation "off-season" still provide enough groundwater recharge? Answer: Yes. The seepage occurs whenever water is in the canal no matter what season it is.

5) Will the NRDs work WITH Central Public Power so everyone is treated fairly? Answer: Yes. The NRDs' original proposal discussed working together with CNPPID on an arrangement that still serves CNPPID's needs, as well as their surface water irrigation customers.

6) Is the original proposal the NRDs made to Central Public Power the final proposal? Answer: No. The first proposal was merely to begin discussions for the project. Future studies will be done and the NRDs will help pay for many of these.

7) Are there assurances that water will be available for irrigation in the areas converted to groundwater? Answer: Yes. The NRDs' proposal does not call for any reduction in the number of acres currently irrigated.

"We want this study process to be as informational and transparent as possible for the entities involved and for the individual farmers affected by our proposal," Bishop said.

The dark gray shaded area on the map accompanying this article shows subsurface areas of very little sand and gravel concentrations north of Hartington as an example. Sand and gravel formation of the aquifer are where groundwater is usually found. The black dots on the map are locations of irrigation wells registered with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The map indicates what new wells could find for water bearing material in the region. The difficulty with developing irrigation in this area of the aquifer is that most wells will not recharge fast enough to meet demand with the continuous draw down we saw in 2012.

NRD officials urge anyone with water problems to consult with a well driller who understand the geology of the area. The District also has general aquifer maps available to show estimates of sand and gravel deposits which can yield sufficient quantities to help determine if irrigation is a wise investment. The maps cover the portions of Cedar, Dixon, and Knox Counties located within the District, the maps cannot give specific detail down to the section.

Sealing unused wells protects the health and safety of the residents of the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District by preventing personal injury due to accidents that can occur around forgotten, unused wells. Improperly sealed wells increase the risk of groundwater contamination by sediment, fertilizers and pesticides. Wells that are left open are a direct passage for these and other contaminates to reach the groundwater supply, bypassing the earth's natural filter - soil and subsoil components.

It is important that unused wells are sealed properly to achieve maximum protection from accidental injury and or groundwater contamination. Because of the potential threat to lives and groundwater the LCNRD provides financial assistance, through cost-share, to properly seal abandoned wells. Applications are available from the LCNRD office or from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Completed applications must include a bid from a licensed well contractor and work to seal the well cannot begin until the request is approved. The approved cost of sealing the well is reimbursed by the NRD at a 75% rate, upon receipt of the contractor's bill. Components of sealing a well that are not eligible for cost-share include, but are not limited to removal of the windmill tower, pumps, and concrete covers.

If you have an abandoned well on your property take advantage of the opportunity to seal it properly. Protect yourself, your family and your neighbors by protecting our groundwater.

The NRD, according to General Manager Glenn Johnson, has been trying to repair the cracking for about two weeks, "but new cracks keep opening up and the filled ones are re-opening." Johnson said the cracks are deep and some are wider than a bicycle tire and more open up every day. He said, "At certain times of the day, shadows make it difficult to see the cracks, making it very hazardous for bicycles." Signs will go up as-soon-as possible, but Johnson said the NRD's MoPac East and Oak Creek trails are closed to bicycles effective immediately and the portion of the Homestead Trail owned and maintained by the NRD, from Saltillo Road to Cortland is also closed to bicycles, totaling about 50 miles of trails.

The NRD was able to include more in last year's budget than in recent years on the rehabilitation and maintenance of existing dams, as the District's expenditures for the Antelope Valley Project decreased significantly. The new budget continues that same commitment, with plans to construct one large flood control dam, design and obtain right of way for another, construct a road structure-type dam and rehabilitate eleven watershed flood control and grade stabilization dams throughout the District. The District operates and maintains nearly 200 watershed dams to help protect downstream lives and property.

The NRD budget also includes design and rehabilitation of several of the storm sewer pipes that drain through the Salt Creek Levees into Salt Creek. Most of these pipes were installed with the original construction of the Flood Control Project in the mid-1960's, and based on a detailed inspection last year, a number of them show need for repairs.

In addition to Wednesday's final Budget consideration, the entire budget process offered several opportunities for public input during the budget process that began in June, when the first budget draft was introduced, including the Annual Budget Public Hearing, held August 9th.

More about the NRD budget can be found at lpsnrd.org.

A summary of planned expenditures from the budget follows:

Ground Water Management
$1,218,997
• Voluntarily prepare an Integrated Management Plan for ground water and surface water throughout the District
• Develop Phase II rules and regulations for Hickman, Pleasant Dale, Davey and Union designated ground water management areas
• Administer established Phase II and Phase III programs
• Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment programs
• Quality/Quantity monitoring
• Water well permits, meters, certification of irrigated acres and best management practices

Flood Control
$2,142,550
• Construct Piening Flood Control Structure (north of Hwy 34 in Lancaster County, near Seward County line)
• Design and right-of-way for Gabel Flood Control Structure (near Hwy 50 & Church Road, Cass County)
• Right-of-way and construction of Havlat Dam (south of Pleasant Dale)
• Rehabilitate two Upper Salt Watershed flood control dams
• Rehabilitate nine Upper Salt Watershed grade stabilization dams
• Operate and maintain nearly 200 dams
• Surface water monitoring

Soil & Water Conservation
$1,582,910
• Cost-sharing on conservation practices for erosion control and water quality in partnership with NRCS/USDA
• Targeted programs: Salt Valley Lakes, Stevens Creek and Conestoga Lake
• Technical and financial assistance to landowners in project design and layout
• Cost-sharing on aerial imagery mapping with communities and counties

Recreation Trails/Conservation Corridors
$816,250
• Mopac East to Lied Platte River Bridge - alternative alignment study
• Construct Salt Creek Levee Trail, Haymarket Park to N 14th & undercrossing of BNSF
• Walton restroom and Roca trailhead
• Operate MoPac East, Homestead and Oak Creek trails and conservation corridors

Wetlands, Conservation Easements, Forestry, Recreation and Wildlife
$1,636,066
• Enhancement and maintenance of three wetlands and eight public access lakes
• Obtain conservation easements over native prairies
• Tree planting programs
• Management/development of NRD public access lakes

Antelope Valley Project
$3,598,500
• Settlement of federal flood control reimbursement funds
• Complete Union Plaza
• Complete Antelope Creek Parkway, P Street to K Street
• Complete South Street bridge replacement
• File LOMR for Upper Antelope Creek Improvement
• Develop floodplain Management Plan and Operation and Maintenance Manual

Urban Stormwater/Flood Control
$8,492,641
• Salt Creek erosion repairs and pipe rehabilitations
• Complete Beal Slough flood control project, South 14th Street
• Community Assistance projects -Cedar Creek, Ceresco, Waverly, Omaha Fish & Wildlife Club, etc
• Implement Lincoln basin master plans
• Construction site erosion and sediment control
• Flood Warning System

Platte River
$2,186,426
• Participate in activities of the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance
• Invasive species assistance
• Endangered species activities
• Watershed restoration
• Participate in Western Sarpy/Clear Creek Flood Control Project
• Participate in ice jam agreement

Information & Education
$319,050
• Assist with all programs and projects by furnishing public information and opportunities for learning
• Utilize newsletter, web site and media for awareness and education
• Promote environmental education with schools
• earth wellness festival

Operations and Personnel
$3,335,423

Project Sinking/Reserve Funds
$2,082,476

Cash Reserve
$1,000,000

NRD Manager, Tom Moser, who received some of the reports, has contacted hydrogeologists with the University of Nebraska, Conservation and Survey Division for information on the cause of the problem and possible remedies which might be available.

Sue Lackey, UNL Conservation and Survey specialist, of Norfolk, attributes the shortage to "prolonged pumping and a confined aquifer" geologic condition located in parts of the NRD. "There appears to be only a thin layer of water-bearing gravel (maybe 20 feet deep in spots) providing groundwater to many wells in those areas," she stated; "and water can't move sideways fast enough to replenish heavily pumped areas because of the glacial aquifer material and quantity limitations. There can also be an associated loss of hydrologic pressure which causes water levels to drop."

It is quite likely that extensive tiling the last few years have depleted groundwater recharge potential. The loss of tile drained water in many areas contributes to the shortage of groundwater availability. "Dry surface conditions and extensive irrigation use has likely contributed to make the problem worse than in previous years," Moser noted. He encouraged neighbors to work together if there appears to be groundwater conflicts across property lines because groundwater is a shared resource.

Legally, Nebraska's statutes give priority to domestic users in periods of short supply and if there appears to be a provable hydrologic connection between a domestic well owner and an irrigation well owner, the owner of the domestic well can file a lawsuit to assure him of a supply by having the irrigation well shut down for periods of time.

There are further legal regulations which could be brought in to control irrigation usage under Nebraska's Groundwater Management Act. They include allocation of available supplies or rotation of use according to metered irrigation quotas. These regulations are typically used when groundwater quantities show continuous annual loss and not seasonal drawdown. They would take several months to implement. NRD's do not have the authority to require wells to be shut off.

Individually affected well owners have a few options to consider for meeting their water needs. If the well is older, they may consider a new well or try acidizing their existing well to dissolve hardness deposits and improve the groundwater flow through well screens. Deepening the pump location in the well might be possible to attain a better supply.

"Those people living in or near the areas experiencing problems should contact a competent well driller for guidance on how best to deal with their particular situation," said Moser. "Hopefully this is just the short term effect of the drought we have to live with until rainfall returns to reduce the competition for groundwater resources."

If you are interested in having the flow of water in your irrigation pipes measured please contact Annette Sudbeck at 402-254-6758. The service is provided at no charge.

The Lewis and Clark NRD was formed through the consolidation of three Soil and Water Conservation Districts and comprised of the western half of Knox and the majority of Cedar and Dixon Counties. Originally called the Upper Missouri River Tributary NRD, the name was changed to the Lewis and Clark NRD by the original Board of Directors to reflect the location and historical importance of the region. The Lewis & Clark NRD was one of the smallest districts created with 956,300 acres and a population, at last census, of 15,018 people.

The Lewis and Clark NRD met for the first time on July 7, 1972 at the Hartington "SCS" (Soil Conservation Service) with 28 members representing Knox, Cedar and Dixon Counties. In 1973 elections reduced the number of directors to 17 and subsequently to 11 in 1987. At the July 1972 meeting the directors approved an NRD budget of $76,000 and asked Helen Eskins to be the District Clerk earning $130 in salary that month. Tom Moser was hired the next April as the District's first manager earning a salary of a little over $500 per month. Janet Roeder (later Janet Lammers), the NRD's first secretary, was hired in July 1973 for $2.10/hour.

The office furniture in July, 1973 consisted of two desks, two chairs, and an adding machine; all purchased at a cost $140. The NRD later purchased 24 chairs and a table from the Ice House Bar in Yankton for $183 to be used for meetings. The office itself was initially located in the back room of an insurance company, moving twice before settling at the present location, on the North edge of Hartington, in 1991.

The mission of the NRD includes soil and water conservation, water supply, flood control, erosion prevention and groundwater management. Decisions are made by eleven locally elected board of directors who serve to represent their sub-districts. The current directors are; Jack Fuchtman, Danny Schaefer, Marcel Kramer, Mary Ann Wortmann, Gary Howey, Curtis Armstrong, Dan Kollars, Bill Christensen, Mark Fehringer, Leroy Hoesing and Ron Wortmann. The NRD office staff includes General Manager Tom Moser, Administrative Secretary Marilyn Schumacher and Resource Technician Annette Sudbeck. They work closely with the federal agency of Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) which provides technical guidance on conservation programs. The district also provides clerical support to the three county offices in the district with NRCS Field Office Clerks; Jeanne Koenig, Knox County, Diane Wieseler Cedar County and Joan Taylor Dixon County.

Over the past 40 years projects and programs implemented by the Lewis & Clark NRD have built a strong tradition of protecting the natural resources of Dixon, Cedar, and Knox Counties. The Cedar-Knox Rural Water Project was established in 1981, providing 100 million gallons annually of soft, quality drinking water to farms and communities is Cedar and Knox Counties. The system is guided by an advisory committee of users and operated by five employees; Project Manager Gene Schroeder, Field Technicians Andy Jueden, Water Plant Operator Gary Eckmann and Jake McManigal, and Bookkeeper Marla Wortmann. The LCNRD has also established the Aowa Creek Watershed flood and erosion control project, cost share programs, groundwater management programs, and many other conservation programs to protect the natural resources of Northeast Nebraska. Following is a list of some of the accomplishments achieved by the Lewis & Clark NRD over the last 40 years.

Cedar-Knox Rural Water Project: Started in 1981the project provides over 100 million gallons per year of soft quality drinking water to farms and communities. The project in 2012 serves Crofton, Fordyce, St. Helena and Obert along with 800 rural users. The Cedar-Knox Rural Water Project is valued at nearly 7 million dollars.

Aowa Creek Watershed: This Dixon County flood and erosion control project features 50 dams built to protect the Newcastle and Ponca areas and also provide recreation opportunities. Total cost for land rights and construction upon completion totaled over 8.8 million dollars. The district also maintains these structures.

Conservation Cost-Share: Incentive programs to encourage conservation practices including dams, terraces, grass seeding, tree planting and planned grazing systems on individual farms have totaled 4.3 million dollars from state and local funding.

Community Assistance Program: The program provides financial aid to the communities in the NRD which need conservation practices such as tree planting, outdoor classrooms, rural fire hydrants protection or other qualifying project. Eight communities have utilized the program.

Groundwater Management: The NRD has more than ½ million acres of cropland and 143,000 irrigated acres. Monitoring of groundwater quantity shows static water levels in the district have remained stable through the spring of 2012. With bi-annual monitoring, the district is continually watching for changes in static water level which may indicate signs of decline. District concerns in the Creighton area are groundwater quality. This has led to studies, regulations and programs to reduce the nitrate nitrogen levels in the groundwater of the area. Almost $450,000 has been spent on the Deep Soil Sampling program alone. The NRD also provides other programs to improve nitrogen management and application.

Missouri River Bank Protection: The NRD served as local sponsor for 2.6 million dollars of river bank protection at 5 sites along the Missouri River in the late 70's and 80's. Currently the district remains involved in the management advisory capacity to federal agencies which control river activities.

Tree Planting and Conservation Mulch: Annually, the district provides services necessary to install more trees to benefit farm, livestock, fields and wildlife. The NRD has sold 1,778,500 trees and provided over 617 miles of conservation mulch to residents in the three county area.

Sealed Well Abandonment Program: Old and unused wells present a risk to the groundwater and landowners, and are illegal. The NRD has reimbursed landowners 75% of the cost to seal wells. More than 650 wells have been properly abandoned within the district.

Nebraska Wild: Lewis & Clark NRD was the 1st NRD to offer this program in 1978 as Land for Wildlife. Currently the set aside program offers annual payments for leaving grass or woodland to wildlife and has paid out $1,035,000. In 2012 there are nearly 400 acres on 17 farms enrolled.

This is just some of the highlight of the past 40 years for your local NRD. The director and staff look forward to serving the residents of the Lewis & Clark NRD for generations to come.

The budget, to be considered for final approval in August, calls for more than $2 million less in revenue and spending when compared to last year. Besides funding for a new watershed dam above Pawnee Lake, the budget also includes construction of a road structure dam south of Pleasant Dale and the design of a new dam in Cass County, near Highway 50 and Church Road. Two flood control dams and ten smaller grade stabilization dams are also slated for rehabilitation in the coming year in the District's Upper Salt watershed. The pending budget also includes ground water monitoring and management, the management of urban stormwater in partnership with the City of Lincoln and funding for cost-sharing programs to help District landowners protect surface and ground water quality.

The next of several opportunities since June for public input on the budget will be August 9, during the NRD's annual Budget Public Hearing, starting at 7pm at the NRD office, 3125 Portia Street, in Lincoln. Final consideration of the budget by the Board is set for August 15, during the Board's regular monthly meeting, at 7pm and public comments will also be invited at that time.

LENRD Groundwater Management Area Specialist Brian Bruckner speaks daily with people about well interference problems. Bruckner said, "Well interference problems arise when groundwater withdrawals from one or more wells causes water quality or quantity issues with another well. In our area, this typically happens in localized areas when hot, dry weather increases the need to irrigate crops."

The LENRD will hold a workshop Wednesday, July 18, to help the public understand the potential causes of and solutions to this problem as well as the laws and regulations that address well interference issues. The meeting is at 7:00 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk.

LENRD Water Resources Manager Rick Wozniak, said, "Being without water can damage pumps, and can be dangerous for people, pets and livestock. People experiencing well interference issues are encouraged to confirm that their well and pump are sound and function properly by contacting a water well professional. In many cases, the pump in the affected well can be lowered or replaced to resolve this problem, but in some cases, a new, deeper well must be installed."

Bruckner added, "Groundwater is a shared resource, and we can help each other by working together to protect it."

The LENRD's Subcommittee Meeting will be held this Thursday night in the Lifelong Learning Center at 7:00 p.m. The Agenda will include a report on Pumping Conflicts as well as possible action to reconsider the variance application period in August for new irrigated acres. Contact the LENRD office for more information or visit their website at www.lenrd.org

Several rural communities in Northeast Nebraska experienced issues with their water quality (nitrates) and, in some instances, quantity. The common water issues that these communities and rural areas faced prompted the development of a regional water source. This project involved the collaboration of a number of parties to bring it to fruition, including the Lewis and Clark NRD, Lower Elkhorn NRD, Northeast Nebraska Resource Conservation and Development, Midwest Assistance Program, Nebraska Rural Water Association, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Villages of Wausa, Coleridge, Belden, Magnet, McLean, and the rural users located adjacent to these communities. The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District took over the administration of the rural regional water system which serves approximately 275 residents.

The scope of the project included the development of a new water source for the communities of Magnet, McLean, Belden and approximately 15 rural users. The new system consists of two water sources and transmissions systems. One water source will be provided by the Village of Coleridge and will supply water to the Village of Belden. This system, Phase I, has been completed and is now operational. The second water source will be provided by the Village of Wausa and will supply water to the Villages of Magnet and McLean and approximately 15 rural users. The Village of Wausa's water source also included the development of a new water storage tank, which not only serves the needs of the regional water system, but also that of the Village. The regional water system will allow these communities to bring their water systems back into compliance with the standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

State and local dignitaries will be on hand to dedicate the completed Wau-Col water system on August 11th at 1:30 P.M. under the newly constructed water storage tank on the northeast side of Wausa. The public is invited to attend.

The average groundwater levels of the wells observed by the Lewis and Clark NRD have been relatively steady over the past few years. The ability of the levels to remain constant over time in spite the increase of irrigated acres is welcome. Following studies by the State Department of Natural Resources, the Lewis and Clark NRD will not be declared "Fully Appropriated" for 2012. If a designation of "Fully Appropriated" was declared construction of new irrigation wells would be limited.

Groundwater levels of irrigation wells are monitored and recorded by the District in order to observe potential fluctuations in the water levels. A downward trend observed over a period of more than five years would be considered cause for concern. Groundwater levels do not currently indicate a serious threat to the supply. However it is important to employ wise irrigation practices at all times to maximize crop yield and ensure desirable groundwater levels. We have experienced considerably higher rainfall than usual in the past couple years and the pressures on groundwater have not been as significant as they could be.

Unregistered wells can cause spacing violation in relationship to other wells. Well registrations are used to determine if new wells can be legally constructed, new wells must be located at least 600 feet from another irrigation well and 1000 feet from an industrial or public supply well. If you check your registration now it may prevent a dispute in the future.

The enactment of LB962 in 2004 found all or portions of nine natural resources districts to be "fully appropriated" and subject to provisions of that bill which includes stays on the construction of new wells and the use of unregistered wells. Whenever a basin is declared "over appropriated" or "fully appropriated" there will be immediate stays on new uses of ground water and surface water. Only wells that are properly registered will be eligible for irrigation usage. All other wells will be considered illegal wells.

The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District has not been declared "over or fully appropriated" however it is essential for well owners to have their wells registered with the state if the District ever were to receive the designation.

Anyone with an irrigation well on their property should verify it is properly registered. To register a well or confirm proper registration you will need to know the legal description where the well is located, the acres that are irrigated by the well, and current ownership of the well. Registration information can be viewed on the DNR website www.dnr.ne.gov under the heading "Groundwater" or contact the DNR at 402-471-2363. The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District can help you with your registration.

An open house reception will be held in Holloway's honor on Friday, June 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tri-Basin NRD office, 1723 Burlington Street, in Holdrege.

In the event of a Compact Call Year, the above allocations could become more restrictive with a public hearing.

Other revisions to the Rules & Regulations adopted at last night's meeting included changes to Supplemental Well acres; Compact Call Year Response and; Certification of non use. Additional revisions were made to the Rules & Regulations during the April 2012 Board Meeting. All revisions become effective August 1, 2012 and are avaible for viewing or downloading at www.mrnrd.org

More specifically, several definitions were added to the rules as needed to address compact call year and allocation provisions. Revisions to the sections on Certification, Recertification and Decertification of uses were approved. A section for Compact Call Year was added and a rule was added to require that the installation of all flow meters meets district standards for the 2013 crop year.

Additionally, rules were revised dealing with transfers. Previous provisions for Transfer of Use and the Permanent Transfer of a Well were removed. Additional conditions and restrictions were placed on the source and destination of the Permanent Transfer of Acres. Allocations for all sub areas were revised and are now referenced in Appendix 1. New provisions were added for the certification of non irrigation status and the combined allocation to acres certified to supplemental wells.

The Rules and Regulations for the Ground Water Management Area were first adopted on May 18, 1998 and were last revised on March 16, 2009. The Integrated Management Plan was first adopted on November 9, 2004 and was last revised on November 1, 2010.

During the financial report, Dan Smith, General Manager, reported that the 2007 Occupation Tax is now fully paid. No foreclosures resulted. This tax is used to fund projects and programs that help the District stay in compliance with the Integrated Management Plan. The Riverside Irrigation Co. purchase is one such project.

The Frenchman Valley Irrigation District Manager Don Felker spoke before the Board last night providing canal flow information that may help the board decide on an intentional aquifer recharge project agreement that would benefit two surface water districts and further help the NRD district move towards conjunctive management of water supplies. Such a project might include as many as 20,000 acres.

During a variance Public Hearing, the board denied a variance request from O'Neil Cattle Co. The Cattle Co. was requesting 35.2 acres be added to their current certified acres.

Under the Acres Retirement Program the board approved the purchase of 47.4 ground water acres adjacent to the Riverside Irrigation Co. service area. Zapp Farms also owned acres within the Riverside Irrigation Company in Hitchcock Co. The purchase of these acres completes the District's original work with the Riverside Irrigation Co. purchase.

Jason Kennedy, District Conservationist with the NRCS, spoke to the board about a proposed remedy to address a significant erosion problem on a property in Hitchcock Co. The remedy was born out of an erosion and sediment complaint. The proposed remedy involves terracing the uplands of four adjoining properties surrounding the area that is being washed out. The terracing would slow and limit runoff into the low lying area, preventing further erosion. District dollars will be made available to supplement federal dollars to fund the project.

The Middle Republican Natural Resources District protects lives, property and the future of this district through a wide range of stewardship, management and education programs-from flood control to groundwater monitoring, from irrigation management to outdoor recreation and more. Activities and projects of NRD's are reviewed and approved by a locally elected board of directors. There are 23 natural resources districts across the state. For more information, visit www.mrnrd.org.

Funding for the Phase 1 portion of the Bike Trail project came primarily from Nebraska Dept. of Roads Trail Fund. The Lewis & Clark NRD together with Cedar County and the City of Yankton contributed equally for a share of the costs, which totaled $284,513 for construction alone on the 6,200 foot trail section. The trail surface is a base of recycled crushed concrete with an asphalt armor coat and fog seal to give a hardened surface. The cost of crushed concrete was about half the cost of paved concrete on the project. It will be pleasant walking and biking, but may not hold up well for any motorized vehicles which are prohibited on the trail.

The trail itself winds through a wooded area along the bank of the Missouri River and provides an inviting opportunity for bird watching as well as other wildlife. Plans are being proposed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to eventually extend the west end to the dam area and Visitors Center. The Lewis and Clark NRD also recently agreed to extend the east end as Phase 2 east from Murdo's on the condition that the trail will be in the highway right of way and be paid 100% by Nebr. Dept. of Roads. Preliminary design on this phase will also be done by Eisenbraun and Associates. Future phases of the trail remain in doubt because Nebraska Department of Roads has changed their policy and will not allow trail construction in the highway right of way. "The Dept. of Roads in the state office has been extremely difficult to work with on funding and paperwork requirements", said Lewis & Clark NRD manager Tom Moser. "If we are unable to find willing sellers or private property it's unlikely the trail will continue to reach the Meridian Bridge."

The District also has a request to change the name to "Private George Shannon Trail', which they will consider. Users of the new trail are asked to refrain from littering as there will not be any trash barrels provided. The NRD also encourages citizens to report any violations such as motor vehicle use to the Cedar County Sheriff so the trail will remain in good condition.

The recipients of the 2012 Patefield-Green Scholarships are:

• Caitlin Wiebelhaus, Creighton Community Schools

Each Scholarship recipient will be presented a $500 scholarship to use towards tuition and fees at the college of their choice.

The Patefield-Green Memorial Scholarship is in remembrance of two outstanding NRD directors. Warren Patefield of Laurel was a conservation leader on a local, state, and national level. Ken Green of Allen worked tirelessly on resource projects in the community. They served their communities and believed in providing educational opportunities to local youth to encourage natural resource awareness. Their generosity continues to serve the graduating seniors of the Lewis and Clark Natural Resource District.

The trees and shrubs were planted for a variety of uses including, farmstead windbreak renovation, farmstead windbreak establishment, field windbreaks, livestock windbreaks and wildlife habitat plantings. Sixteen varieties of shrubs, ten species of broadleaf trees and eight species of evergreens were offered for sale. Star Tree Service from Sioux City provided two crews to do the machine planting.

The family of Raymond A. Burke established this scholarship in his memory for the benefit of students interested in pursuing careers in natural resources related fields. Mr. Burke was a land improvement contractor and farmer with very strong interests in the management of conservation and educating young people. He served for 40 years on the elected boards of the Polk County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District.

The decision came after analysis completed by Brown and Caldwell Engineering Consulting Firm showed that converting most of the system to groundwater recharge and converting the 100,000 acres served by the CNPPID canals in the E65 and Phelps service areas from surface water irrigation to groundwater irrigation could return the Platte River Basin below Lake McConaughy from over-appropriated to a fully appropriated status. The proposal would also allow all existing irrigated acres to maintain irrigated status, provide beneficial flows for the Platte River Recovery Implementation Programs (PRRIP), increase hydro-elected power generation and provide recreational benefits for Lake McConaughy and other lakes in the canal system. The existing canal structure would also remain, providing beneficial recharge for the area.

Proposed project benefits include:

The proposal as approved by both TPNRD and CPNRD boards of directors would offer a financial incentive payment to the landowners under the CNPPID service area to help them convert to groundwater use and a financial incentive to CNPPID for assisting them in planning and implementing the conversion use of the canals for recharge purposes. Terms of the financial incentives were not released at the joint meeting but would be discussed with the CNPPID Board. Both the TPNRD and CPNRD would welcome the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) in the discussions to verify the benefits of conjunctive management of water on the CNPPID.

Other existing partnerships on conjunctive use water management show benefits to all users

Both districts worked with the NDNR in 2011 to take excess flows from the Platte River and provide recharge to the Platte Basin through existing irrigation canals. Agreements were reached between the NDNR, TPNRD, CPNRD and local irrigation districts to take the flows early to provide groundwater recharge, meet requirement in the PRRIP and alleviate flooding. The local irrigation districts involved in this project in the TPNRD were Suburban, Keith-Lincoln, Platte Valley, Western and Paxton - Hershey. Those in the CPNRD included Gothenburg Canal, 30 mile Canal, Cozad Ditch, Dawson County Canal, Southside Canal, and the Kearney Canal.

In addition, the CPNRD has reached agreements with three canal companies in Dawson County to undertake conjunctive use plans for those canals. All arrangements with the irrigation canals and the CPNRD were voluntary and provided positive benefits for all water users, the Platte River Recovery Implementation program, and recharge to the Platte Basin. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources has played a key role to assist the CPNRD and local irrigation districts with the agreements on conjunctive water management.

• The partnership between Central Platte NRD and Thirty Mile Canal Co. includes a purchase agreement. The CPNRD will pay about $2 million for a 1/2 interest in the irrigation district; which includes 1/2 of the irrigation district's water rights and 1/2 of the value of buildings and equipment. CPNRD will use the canals after irrigation season to hold diverted off-season excess Platte River flows, when available. Water will seep from the canals into groundwater that is hydrologically connected to the river and provide river enhancement credits for the NRD. Rehabilitation of the canals is estimated to cost about $3 million. Grants from the Platte Basin Habitat Enhancement Program (PBHEP), which involves money from Platte Basin NRDs, the Nebraska Environmental Trust and state water management fund; will pay 60 percent of project costs or $2.75 million. Thirty Mile project was constructed in 1927 and now has 52 structures, including bridges, siphons and culverts that will be replaced in the later phases.

• The Central Platte NRD and the Southside Irrigation Company, also known as the Orchard-Alfalfa canal, have entered a management-lease agreement. As part of the agreement, the CPNRD will assist in operations for all of the irrigation district's benefits, pay half of the operations and maintenance costs, and get half the revenues. The CPNRD will use the canals after irrigation season to hold diverted off-season excess Platte River flows, when available. Water will seep from the canals into groundwater that is hydrologically connected to the river and provide river enhancement credits for the NRD. Rehabilitation work is estimated to cost about $3 million. The project will be funded through the Department of Natural Resources Water cash fund (60%), Southside Irrigation Company (20%) and Central Platte NRD (20%).

• The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) is partnering with the Cozad Ditch Company to manage the canal and to lease surface water as part of its efforts to increase Platte River flows and protect endangered species. The increased flow levels are required under the three-state PRRIP and state law. The lease will divert unused surface water flows from the irrigation canal back into the Platte River. CPNRD will also utilize the canal after irrigation season to store excess Platte River flows, when available. By diverting the excess flows into the canal, water will recharge the aquifer and will filter back into the Platte River.

Similar to the proposal for CNPPID, all three agreements between the CPNRD and irrigation districts protect the local agriculture economy by allowing acres to continue to be irrigated while providing excess flows for other benefits such as recharge, the PRRIP, protect endangered species, and provide increased flows in the Platte Basin.

The NRDs protect lives, property and the future availability of water resources through a wide range of stewardship, management and education programs. Activities and projects of NRDs are reviewed and approved by a locally elected board of directors. There are 23 natural resources districts across the state. For more information visit www.nrdnet.org, www.tpnrd.org or www.cpnrd.org.

The decision came after analysis completed by Brown and Caldwell Engineering Consulting Firm showed that converting most of the system to groundwater recharge and converting the 100,000 acres served by the CNPPID canals in the E65 and Phelps service areas from surface water irrigation to groundwater irrigation could return the Platte River Basin below Lake McConaughy from over-appropriated to a fully appropriated status. The proposal would also allow all existing irrigated acres to maintain irrigated status, provide beneficial flows for the Platte River Recovery Implementation Programs (PRRIP), increase hydro-elected power generation and provide recreational benefits for Lake McConaughy and other lakes in the canal system. The existing canal structure would also remain, providing beneficial recharge for the area.

Proposed project benefits include:

The proposal as approved by both TPNRD and CPNRD boards of directors would offer a financial incentive payment to the landowners under the CNPPID service area to help them convert to groundwater use and a financial incentive to CNPPID for assisting them in planning and implementing the conversion use of the canals for recharge purposes. Terms of the financial incentives were not released at the joint meeting but would be discussed with the CNPPID Board. Both the TPNRD and CPNRD would welcome the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) in the discussions to verify the benefits of conjunctive management of water on the CNPPID.

Other existing partnerships on conjunctive use water management show benefits to all users

Both districts worked with the NDNR in 2011 to take excess flows from the Platte River and provide recharge to the Platte Basin through existing irrigation canals. Agreements were reached between the NDNR, TPNRD, CPNRD and local irrigation districts to take the flows early to provide groundwater recharge, meet requirement in the PRRIP and alleviate flooding. The local irrigation districts involved in this project in the TPNRD were Suburban, Keith-Lincoln, Platte Valley, Western and Paxton - Hershey. Those in the CPNRD included Gothenburg Canal, 30 mile Canal, Cozad Ditch, Dawson County Canal, Southside Canal, and the Kearney Canal.

In addition, the CPNRD has reached agreements with three canal companies in Dawson County to undertake conjunctive use plans for those canals. All arrangements with the irrigation canals and the CPNRD were voluntary and provided positive benefits for all water users, the Platte River Recovery Implementation program, and recharge to the Platte Basin. The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources has played a key role to assist the CPNRD and local irrigation districts with the agreements on conjunctive water management.

• The partnership between Central Platte NRD and Thirty Mile Canal Co. includes a purchase agreement. The CPNRD will pay about $2 million for a 1/2 interest in the irrigation district; which includes 1/2 of the irrigation district's water rights and 1/2 of the value of buildings and equipment. CPNRD will use the canals after irrigation season to hold diverted off-season excess Platte River flows, when available. Water will seep from the canals into groundwater that is hydrologically connected to the river and provide river enhancement credits for the NRD. Rehabilitation of the canals is estimated to cost about $3 million. Grants from the Platte Basin Habitat Enhancement Program (PBHEP), which involves money from Platte Basin NRDs, the Nebraska Environmental Trust and state water management fund; will pay 60 percent of project costs or $2.75 million. Thirty Mile project was constructed in 1927 and now has 52 structures, including bridges, siphons and culverts that will be replaced in the later phases.

• The Central Platte NRD and the Southside Irrigation Company, also known as the Orchard-Alfalfa canal, have entered a management-lease agreement. As part of the agreement, the CPNRD will assist in operations for all of the irrigation district's benefits, pay half of the operations and maintenance costs, and get half the revenues. The CPNRD will use the canals after irrigation season to hold diverted off-season excess Platte River flows, when available. Water will seep from the canals into groundwater that is hydrologically connected to the river and provide river enhancement credits for the NRD. Rehabilitation work is estimated to cost about $3 million. The project will be funded through the Department of Natural Resources Water cash fund (60%), Southside Irrigation Company (20%) and Central Platte NRD (20%).

• The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) is partnering with the Cozad Ditch Company to manage the canal and to lease surface water as part of its efforts to increase Platte River flows and protect endangered species. The increased flow levels are required under the three-state PRRIP and state law. The lease will divert unused surface water flows from the irrigation canal back into the Platte River. CPNRD will also utilize the canal after irrigation season to store excess Platte River flows, when available. By diverting the excess flows into the canal, water will recharge the aquifer and will filter back into the Platte River.

Similar to the proposal for CNPPID, all three agreements between the CPNRD and irrigation districts protect the local agriculture economy by allowing acres to continue to be irrigated while providing excess flows for other benefits such as recharge, the PRRIP, protect endangered species, and provide increased flows in the Platte Basin.

The NRDs protect lives, property and the future availability of water resources through a wide range of stewardship, management and education programs. Activities and projects of NRDs are reviewed and approved by a locally elected board of directors. There are 23 natural resources districts across the state. For more information visit www.nrdnet.org, www.tpnrd.org or www.cpnrd.org.

The NRD is also contributing $100,000, bringing total project funding over the next two years to $200,000 to encourage the use of soil-moisture probes in the District to help conserve water while maintaining and hopefully increasing yields. The grant and NRD funds will pay for 2/3 of the costs of probe equipment and/or services. The initial limit on probes is two per person. Funding is available over a two-year period and will be capped at $3,000 for probes that are purchased; $1,500 for probes that are leased.

Funds will be allocated on a first-come basis.
Because the NRD just recently learned of the grant award and irrigation season is nearly here, the initial sign-up period for the program will be relatively short. The NRD is requesting that applications for the program be submitted to the NRD no later than May 31. Applications are available on the NRD website, www.urnrd.org, and in coming days will also be available from area dealers of probes. Additional sign-up periods may be established depending on availability of funds.

The grant that the NRD has been selected by the Bureau of Reclamation to receive is one of 34 new WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency grants in 11 states. A total of 167 grant applications were submitted under the program.
If you have questions, contact the NRD in Imperial at 882-5173.

The first mile of the trail east of 84th Street was closed for most of April, while the crushed limestone trail surface was reconstructed. NRD General Manager Glenn Johnson said, "We realize the closing was an inconvenience to trail users during a busy time of year on the trails and we really appreciate their cooperation in staying off of the trail during the project." Johnson said he hopes hikers the public will plan to visit the trailhead that evening and try-out the new smooth trail surface. Bottled water will also be available for trail users and Froggy 98 will broadcast live from the trailhead during the event.

In case of rain or threatening weather, the event will be held the following evening; Thursday, May 17th.

Over the 40 years since their creation by the Nebraska Legislature, NRDs have provided strong leadership in helping educate Nebraskans of all ages about the environmental benefits of planting trees and shrubs in our rural and community landscapes. Statewide, the NRDs have provided more than 85 million tree/shrub seedlings to Nebraska landowners. Most of these seedlings were planted for landowners by local NRD employees, either by hand or by machine. Known today as the "Conservation Trees for Nebraska" program, efforts are coordinated by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) with each NRD independently managing its own conservation tree and shrub program to best benefit its local district.

The Upper Niobrara White NRD proudly provides assistance to landowners, including a seedling distribution system, planning, site preparation, planting and guidance for windbreak renovation. One might say the NRDs are a one-stop shop for conservation tree and shrub establishment. Your local NRD offers cost-share funding, and products and services that help increase seedling survival rates, including moisture-conserving weed barrier fabric and installation services.

For more information on the UNWNRD Conservation Tree Program or to order tree seedlings and shrubs, please contact Shar Sapp with the Upper Niobrara White NRD at 308.432.6190 or sapp@unwnrd.org.

In an effort to educate our youth about environmental issues and promote stewardship for our surroundings, the NRD hosts the Northwest Nebraska Conservation Festival every year. The event is open to fifth-grade students throughout the District. At the end of the event, each student was sent off with a Colorado Blue Spruce seedling and prizes from participating agencies.

For more information about the education programs available from UNWNRD, please visit unwnrd.org, or call 308-432-6190.

"Helping students make the connection between the soil and the supermarket is so important," says LENRD Information & Education Specialist Julie Wragge. "Making the connection back to the soil, where our food gets its start is vital. The next time you sit down to a meal, take a minute to think about where your food came from, and the farmers and ranchers who helped produce it," Wragge added. As they work to produce food for the growing population, today's farmers and ranchers are dedicated to using responsible land-management practices to ensure a sustainable food supply and healthy land and soil for future generations.

The LENRD is a member of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) which oversees the Stewardship Week program. Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation. NACD represents the nation's 3,000 conservation districts, which were established to encourage resource conservation across the country.

For more information about Stewardship Week and conservation, contact the LENRD at 402-371-7313 or visit our website at www.lenrd.org
Additional information about the Soil to Spoon project and other natural resource education is available on the NACD website at www.nacdnet.org/education/resources/.

J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day, once said that "The cultivation of flowers and trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful, and the ennobling in man, and for one, I wish to see this culture become universal." Morton proposed to the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture "to set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit." The State Board of Agriculture accepted this resolution in 1872 and the first "Arbor Day" was celebrated with more than 1,000,000 trees being planted on that day. Sterling's idea of Arbor Day, "A day set aside each year to plant trees, both flower and fruit" is celebrated each year throughout the United States and in many other countries around the world as well.

Being the birth state of Arbor Day, it's only appropriate that the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) promotes tree-planting programs each year. To celebrate the 140th Anniversary of Arbor Day the LENRD will have tree seedlings available for purchase this Friday. Species and inventory are limited; however, the LENRD will try to have as many seedlings available as possible for those who want to plant a tree on Arbor Day. Those interested in purchasing trees on Arbor Day should go to Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area to the LENRD Tree Distribution Center, north of Stanton. 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 trees. The Center will be open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Arbor Day. Seedlings can be purchased in bundles of 25 for $23.

J. Sterling Morton said, "Other holidays repose on the past; Arbor Day proposes the future." LENRD Assistant General Manager Ken Berney said, "Plant a tree for the future. Our parents did it for us we should return the favor and do it for our children and grandchildren."

The Lewis and Clark NRD has worked to promote soil and water stewardship across Dixon, Cedar and Knox Counties since the establishment of the NRD system in Nebraska in 1972. The NRD system was formed to assist people in the communities and rural areas of Nebraska to protect and enhance soil and water quality. The Lewis and Clark NRD monitors groundwater quantity and quality, seals abandoned wells, assists in the planting of thousands of trees each year, and undertakes many other conservation projects across the District.

"Making the connection back to the soil, where our food gets its start is so important," says National Association of Conservation Districts President Gene Schmidt. "The next time you sit down to a meal, take a minute to think about where your food came from, and the farmers and ranchers who helped produce it." As they work to produce food for the growing population, today's ranchers are dedicated to using responsible land-management practices to ensure a sustainable food supply and healthy land and soil for future generations.

The Lewis and Clark NRD is a member of the NACD which oversees the Stewardship Week Program. Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation. For more information about Stewardship Week and conservation, contact the Lewis and Clark NRD at 402-254-6758 or check out our web site at www.lcnrd.org. Additional information about the Soil to Spoon project and other natural resource education is available on the NACD website at www.nacdnet.org/education/resources/.

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization which represents the nation's 3,000 conservation districts, their state associations and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For almost 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. NACD's website is www.nacdnet.org.

The work will complete the NRD's Upper Antelope Creek Flood Reduction Project, the bulk of which was completed last fall. The project increased the conveyance capacity of Antelope Creek, widened the Billy Wolff Trail and decreased the likelihood of flooding in an area that includes the Lincoln Children's Zoo with construction of a detention cell in Antelope Park and two flood control berms along Memorial Drive.

Locally, the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) assists the Scouts each year in ordering trees from Bessey Nursery near Halsey, Nebraska. For the 2012 replant, the UNWNRD donated $2,000 toward the purchase of the Ponderosa Pine seedlings.

Additionally, funds were contributed for this spring's plant by the Buckley Trust (Chappell, Nebraska), C.A. Story (Sidney, Nebraska), Peter Kiewit Foundation and the Longs Peak Conservation Committee. It is through the generosity of these donors, and those from years past, that thousands of trees are available for planting into the burned Fort Robinson landscape by Scouts from all over the region.

The UNWNRD, along with the rest of Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts, strives to educate youth about the importance of protecting natural resources and will continue to assists the Scouts in their effort to replant the seedlings near Fort Robinson.

For additional information on the annual tree plant, call Jim Schmitt, Tree Plant Coordinator at 308.377.2240.

It is expected that Kansas City-based Garney Companies will begin laying the pipeline in June and be completed this fall. A consulting engineer estimated that the low bid for the work would be $2.5 million to $2.8 million; the low bid from Garney was significantly less, coming in at $2,142,360. Tight competition regionally and nationally for pipeline work is believed to have produced the relatively low bids from seven contractors who vied for the project.

Just travel south central Nebraska and you will find more and more trees and grassland being eliminated for cropland development. Progress is good and making a living is a top priority, but we can also think about establishing proper windbreaks and grass plots for environmental and wildlife sustainability. Properly placed trees around farmsteads and fields help to cut down on fuel costs, protect crops from wind, reduces erosion and creates some habitat.

Earth Day raises an awareness. Especially in times of increasing populations, demands of our natural resources will climb. We should celebrate Earth Day to remind us to conserve natural resources for future use. Earth Day is very important because it encourages us to "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" our natural resources!

Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives. As a formal holiday, it was first observed in 1872, in Nebraska. The founder of Arbor Day was among the pioneers moving into the Nebraska Territory, Julius Sterling Morton from Detroit. He and his wife were lovers of nature and the homestead they built in Nebraska was quickly planted to trees, shrubs and flowers. The territory was referred to as a treeless plain when they arrived.

Morton was a journalist and soon became editor of Nebraska's first newspaper. With that forum he spread agricultural information and his love for trees to a receptive audience. And in 1872, the State Board of Agriculture accepted a resolution by Mr. Morton to set aside one day each year to plant trees, both forest and fruit.

"Each generation takes the earth as trustees," stated J. Sterling Morton. With Morton's vision, we need to keep passing the torch to our children. It's our responsibility to teach kids what they need to know to preserve the planet, not just on these two days but every day. First and foremost, kids learn by example. They need to see how protecting and preserving the Earth is important to us, not just by words but by actions. Don't take a backseat in keeping Mother Earth clean or planting trees, be the driver.

In 2010, Anderjaska was appointed by Governor Heineman to serve on the Republican River Basin Water Sustainability Task Force. Anderjaska is also a member of the Hayes Center School Board, involved in his local church parish, and member and past director of the Nebraska Angus Association.

"I'm looking forward to serving as the President for the state association. This provides a great opportunity to help protect the future of Nebraska's natural resources," Anderjaska said.

During his tenure on the NARD Board, the NARD Board has saved taxpayers money by managing the employee NARD Intergovernmental Risk Pool Health Insurance Program. Anderjaska is particularly proud of the money raised by NRD staff, board members and partners through auctions and other activities for the NARD Foundation. The foundation proceeds are used to support youth education and programs where young people can learn more about natural resources. Programs supported by the NARD Foundation include the Envirothon, National Ag Day on the Hill, Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute, Adventure Camp about the Environment and Nebraska FFA to name a few.

Anderjaska has been guided all his life by his father's and grandfather's land ethic, "We are borrowing this Earth from God. It is not ours to keep but to nurture for the generations to follow", said Anderjaska.

Anderjaska is a lifelong resident of Hayes Center and a 4th generation rancher. Anderjaska recently celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with wife Brenda. They have four children; three sons Erik (22), Joey (16), Jakob (10) and a daughter Jessica (21).

The NARD Board elected Terry Martin from the Upper Republican NRD to the Vice President position. Jim Bendfeldt from the Central Platte NRD was elected Secretary/Treasurer. The officers serve on the NARD executive committee along with chairs from the Information and Education, Legislature committees and the past NARD Board President. Anderjaska re-appointed Jim Johnson from South Platte NRD as chair of the Information and Education committee and Jim Meismer as chair of the Legislative committee. Mary Ann Wortman will continue to serve on the executive committee as the past NARD Board President.

The NARD board consists of representation from each of the local 23 NRDs. The board members meet five times throughout the year and help guide the Association and the NRDs in decision making that protects lives, protect property and protects the future of Nebraska's natural resources.

Middle Republican Natural Resources District protects lives, property and the future of this district through a wide range of stewardship, management and education programs-from flood control to groundwater monitoring, from irrigation management to outdoor recreation and more. Activities and projects of NRD's are reviewed and approved by a locally elected board of directors. There are 23 natural resources districts across the state. For more information, visit www.mrnrd.org.

The MoPac East Trail is a 25-mile recreational trail between Lincoln and Wabash that also extends through the towns of Walton, Eagle and Elmwood. The trail currently begins at 98th and "A" streets in Lincoln, due to another closing for construction from the trail's 84th Street trailhead to "A" Street, which is expected to last most of April.

The four-day adventure camp focuses on water resources, soil and land, forestry, range and grassland, and wildlife, while educating campers through hands-on activities on the importance of protecting our natural resources. During ACE, campers have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and dig into nature and form a new understanding of the environment through interactive participation.

ACE is sponsored by Nebraska NRDs, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, Olsen Agricultural Laboratory, Hooker County Turner Youth Initiative, the Nebraska Environmental Trust and Nebraska Academy of Science, Inc. Nebraska NRDs and the NARD partnered with several organizations to help make the camp a success, including the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nebraska National Forest, Nebraska State 4-H Camp, and Nebraska Pheasants Forever.

This year's pre-approved camps are the Nebraska Range Youth Camp for 7th- 10th grade students and the Adventures Camp about the Environment (ACE) for middle school students.

Landowners will work with their county Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office to establish a variety of best management practices on their land, such as terraces, grassed waterways, buffer strips, grade stabilization structures, well decommissioning and septic system inspection and maintenance. A 13-member advisory group helped to create the list of eligible improvements. The group of landowners, residents and lake users from within the watershed included:

Farmers - Scott Minchow, of Pleasant Dale; Brian Brhel, of Pleasant Dale; Steve Hollman, of Crete; Bill Hoffman, of Denton; and David Brhel, of Denton

The NRD will offer 85 percent cost-sharing on many of the improvements, utilizing the federal assistance funds, with watershed landowners paying only 15 percent of those costs.

Besides improving overall water quality in the watershed, the best management practices will also compliment renovations to the lake itself, which are expected to begin in 2014. Conestoga watershed landowners interested in the program should contact their county NRCS office. In Lancaster County, contact Dennis Schroeder at 402-423-9683, extension 2. In Seward County, contact Sarah Reece at 402-643-6231, extension 3. Schroeder, the district conservationist for Lancaster County, said the NRCS, "hopes to complete the field work for landowners within the next three years."

The limestone-surfaced trail will be completely rebuilt, eliminating the many ballast rocks that have worked their way through the surface, making the trail rough for users. The nearly $103,000 contract also includes drainage repairs in the trail corridor and the construction of some guard rail. NRD Resources Coordinator Dan Schulz said, "It's up to the contractor to decide exactly when the trail will be closed. Gana has until April 28th to complete the work." Schulz added that keeping the trail open during the project was not an option. "The work will require heavy equipment to be on the trail, the trail surface will be extremely rough at times and in some places there may not be any trail surface at all," he said.

The 84th Street Trailhead, just south of 84th and "O" streets, is a popular spot for trail users to park their vehicles and bike or walk the trail to Walton, Eagle, Elmwood and Wabash. Alternate parking will be available at the Charles L. Warner Equestrian Trailhead, 98th and "A" streets and at the trailhead in Walton during the project.

The 25-mile MoPac East is one of three recreational trails maintained by the NRD. The others are the Oak Creek Trail, a 12-mile trail between Valparaiso and Brainard and the Homestead Trail, which begins at 2600 Saltillo Road and currently ends at Cortland, a distance of 13 miles.

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for crop production; however, outside of the root zone, nitrogen can cause problems with water supplies. Fertilization programs must account for multiple factors when determining the most appropriate nitrogen application method. In groundwater quality protection areas, NRDs require nitrogen accounting, including soil and water analysis. Soil sampling is used to determine residual nitrogen and is recognized as an important tool for fertilizer management. Irrigation water analysis should carry as much value, especially in areas where precipitation is, on average, not meeting the crops' needs. This analysis can actually reduce fertilization costs and benefit producers.

By using best management practices and soil and water analysis producers can save money by keeping fertilizers where crop utilization is most efficient. The University of Nebraska has determined that nitrogen concentrations of 1 part per million in 12 inches of irrigation water can account for 2.7 pounds of nitrates per acre. A concentration of 10 ppm applied to 160 acres is the equivalent of more than two tons of nitrogen fertilizer; at $700 per ton, this would save over $1,500. Along with the economic benefit, crops remove the nitrogen from the water and help reduce aquifer concentrations. It should also be noted that the bulk of irrigation occurs when the plant is in most need of nutrients.

Groundwater management programs and regulation have worked in several areas to reduce nitrate levels. "After implementing an aggressive groundwater quality management plan in 1988, areas of our district have seen a 21 percent decrease in average nitrate concentrations in the groundwater," said Ron Bishop, general manager of the Central Platte NRD. "Corn yields during the same time period, in most cases, have seen an increase," said Bishop.

There are still areas of the state where more work needs to be done on reducing nitrate contamination. The requirements of these areas may prohibit application of nitrogen fertilizers prior to March 1. While this may seem like an inconvenience during mild winters such as is being experienced, the action helps keep nitrogen available for crop production rather than being flushed into groundwater. For more information on nitrates or nitrate programs contact the Lewis and Clark NRD or visit www.nrdnet.org.

The NARD, the trade association for Nebraska's 23 natural resources districts, works with individual NRDs to protect lives, protect property and protect the future of Nebraska's natural resources. 2012 marks the 40th Anniversary of Nebraska's unique Natural Resources District system. NRDs are local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect our natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond best to local conservation and resource management needs.

ACE camp focuses on our valuable natural resources: water, soil and land, forestry, range and grassland, and wildlife and educates campers of the importance of these natural resources through hands-on activities. Campers have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, dig into nature, and form an understanding of the environment through interactive participation.

Additional activities designed to allow campers the opportunity to experience nature include canoeing, archery, zip line, water rockets, water slide and numerous other adventures. Natural Resource professionals will be on hand to show the kids potential careers associated with the environment and natural resources.

Take advantage of the opportunity to get your child involved and excited about our natural resources and the importance of conserving them. The cost of registration is $185.00 per camper. The Lewis and Clark NRD offers up to four $100 scholarships to students who would like to attend the camp. The registration deadline is May 25, 2012. If you would like more information, or would like to sign up for ACE camp, contact the Lewis and Clark NRD at 402-254-6758.

Nebraska NRDs and NARD partnered with several organizations to make ACE camp a success. The organizations include: University of Nebraska, Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nebraska National Forest, Nebraska State 4-H Camp, Chadron State College, University of Nebraska Conservation & Survey, and Nebraska Pheasants Forever.

Over the past four years, the Ross's have planted 6,382 trees on their property for the benefit of wildlife. Many of these trees were planted on Conservation Reserve Program and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program acres.

During the awards ceremony, Board of Director James Uerling presented a framed 16 x 20 ariel photo of the Ross's operation. Crop Production Services of Loveland, CO with a local office in McCook, sponsored the award.

The Board of Directors also accepted Ron Thompson's nomination last year for Byron and Deb Alberts as Honor Conservationist for the District. The Alberts own and operate Land a Life Farms, Inc. out of Palisade. Thompson is the Resource Conservationist for Hayes County. The Alberts were not able to attend the water conference. Other arrangements will be made for the presentation of their award.

The District seeks nominations for three different conservation awards each year: Outstanding Grass Planter, Outstanding Tree Planter, and Honor Conservationist. Nominations for these awards are currently being sought for 2012. Nomination forms are available at the District office in Curtis and on their website www.mrnrd.org .

The five-member teams compete in seven areas of environmental studies: Soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife, range, policy and a current environmental issue pertaining to nonpoint source pollution. Test questions included written, and many required hands-on observations, measurements and calculations.

"The Envirothon gives high school students a chance to learn more about natural resources and serves to educate youth on the importance of protecting the future of Nebraska's natural resources," said Mary Ann Wortmann, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Board President. "The Envirothon also serves to introduce students to potential careers in natural resources management," Wortmann added.

The Southwest Nebraska Water Conference began in 1987 as a means to educate irrigators who had water quality problems. During the lawsuit with Kansas, the conference served to update people on the progress of the lawsuit. In the coming years, the conference aims to educate producers on integrated management, water policy changes, new technologies and practical application suggestions that irrigators and professionals can implement in their businesses and operations.

Contact the Middle Republican NRD at (800) 873-5613 for more information.

"It looks like a whole new system with trees being removed and debris being cleaned out of the canals," said Ron Stear, President of the Cozad Ditch Company. "This will make the canal more efficient and easier to maintain," said Stear.
The Cozad Irrigation Canal has been in place and diverting Platte River water since its water right was approved by the state nearly 120 years ago on December 28, 1894. As recent as the mid-1980s, the Cozad Ditch Company had water rights to irrigate over 25,000 acres of land in the area between Gothenburg and Lexington in Dawson County. In the late 1980s, the State reviewed the water rights and irrigated acres of several canal and irrigation companies to ascertain that all of the water rights were being put to a beneficial purpose and that all the acres authorized to be irrigated with the Platte River water were, in fact, being irrigated. The State found that nearly 9,000 acres in the Cozad Ditch Company's area that had previously been irrigated with water from the Platte River had stopped using river water delivered by the canal and switched to groundwater for their supply. As a result, the state adjusted the water right and the acres that were authorized to use Platte River water for irrigation from 25,190 acres down to 16,186 acres.
"Landowners and farmers along the Cozad Canal are eager to improve the efficiency of the canal, recharge the aquifer, and help protect river flows," said Jim Brownfield, Cozad Ditch Company board member and landowner. "This partnership helps keeps the canal viable while still providing water to the service area and at the same time help keeps the Platte River in compliance with state agreements," said Brownfield.
Project benefits include:
• Providing groundwater recharge that protects supplies and protects quality.
• Providing enhanced flows to the Platte River by returning excess flows to the river during times of need and returning excess natural flow irrigation rights to the river for enhanced flows.
• Protecting water supply for surface water and groundwater users.
• Helping meet the requirements of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) agreement between Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and the U.S. government.
• Helping meet the requirements of LB 962 to return the Platte River to its 1997 level of use (3,400 acre-feet).
• Helping meet the additional requirement of LB 962 to return the area above Elm Creek to a "fully appropriated" condition from the current "over-appropriated" condition.
"We have now reached a point where there are additional water right acres that would like to convert to a groundwater source, so part of the management strategy is to convert part of those rights that want to convert into recharge rights to protect the groundwater supply and convert part of the rights to augmenting flows back to the river," said Bishop.
The rehabilitation project is being funded through the Central Platte NRD and the Platte Basin Habitat Enhancement Project (PBHEP). The PBHEP was established to provide an added solution to help landowners in Nebraska's Platte River Basin meet the region's water needs, wildlife needs, and to protect the state's valuable agricultural economy.
The Central Platte Natural Resources District protects lives, property and the future of this district through a wide range of stewardship, management and education programs-from flood control to groundwater monitoring, from irrigation management to outdoor recreation, and more. Activities and projects of NRDs are reviewed and approved by a local-elected board of directors. There are 23 natural resources districts across the state. For more information, visit www.cpnrd.org.

The Lewis and Clark NRD is announcing a new practice as part of its Nebraska WILD Program. The CATTAIL Practice will be made available in 2012 to provide a payment of $100/acre to leave and protect existing slough grass areas in cropland. The program was originally tried in 1998 and faded for lack of interest at that time.

"The last few years, with all the tiling being done in in Northeast Nebraska, we're losing a lot of cattail areas that are beneficial for groundwater recharge and provide wildlife cover for pheasants and quail" Said NRD Manager Tom Moser. "We're hoping this program provides an option for some landowners to save and protect these areas."

Areas offered for enrollment in the CATTAIL Practice can be from one to 40 acres in size. Enrolled areas must be comprised of wetland vegetation and include an adjacent perimeter of cropland seeded to grass equivalent to 30' wide. Seeding of the cropland perimeter is eligible to receive cost-share assistance. The acres included in the CATTAIL Practice cannot be harvested but may have incidental grazing. The area must remain in "cattails" for a 5 year term and the payment of $100/acre can be issued in a lump sum at the end of the 1st year or spread over 5 years.

Areas currently enrolled in CRP or the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) will not be eligible for enrollment in the CATTAIL Practice. Deadline for enrollment is April 1st. Forms are available at your local NRCS offices or through the Lewis and Clark NRD in Hartington.

"This is a pilot program to determine the degree of interest in holding on to the few wetland areas left" said Moser. Application approval will be coordinated by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and the Lewis and Clark NRD.

The NRD also approved additional cost-share funding to aid in planting shrubs for wildlife. Qualifying applications will now be eligible for 90% reimbursement of the expense for planting costs and materials to develop wildlife habitat. In addition, payment for contracts of newly enrolled woodland areas, has been raised to $20 per acre, an increase from $10 per acre paid previously.

Other Canal Updates: Ron Bishop, general manager, reported that Cozad Canal rehab is progressing well and will be able to complete this phase of the construction within the time limit agreed upon. He said that the NRD is planning to submit a grant to the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources for rehabilitation funds for the Southside (Orchard Alfalfa) Canal.
--Public Hearings- Directors took action to approve changes to both the Integrated Management Plan and the NRD's irrigation Rules & Regulations. Changes to the plans will not take effect until official approval from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, which is expected within the next 60 days. The major change in both plans opens up the area east of Chapman; which is defined as the area with impacts to the Platte River below Chapman within the CPNRD, to new limited irrigation. Landowners in the area may apply for new irrigated acres from February 28-April 15. An application is available on the NRD website and available by calling the NRD office. Due to the potential number of applications and limited application time period, the NRD requests that no appointments be made. Applicants will be responsible for completing and submitting all required materials. Since the DNR has not officially approved the plans, the opening up of this area is pending approval and none of the applications will be approved until the Central Platte NRD receives approval from the DNR.
--Programs Committee-
Radio Sponsorship: The board approved sponsorship of $5,000 with the Upper Republican and other NRDs for a 30-second spot that will run on KRVN, KFAB and KLIN for six months.
2013 Budgets: The committee approved the information/education proposed budget and will forward it to the Budget Committee. They also discussed the proposed cost share budget and will continue to work on it at the March committee meeting.
--NRCS- James Huntwork, district conservationist of Grand Island, reported that staff are currently working through the process of obligating Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contracts in accordance with available program funding and associated application ranking scores. Following is a summary of applications received, the requested fund total, and application treatment acres for each NRCS Field Office in the CPNRD. The current EQIP fund allocation for the CPNRD is $600,483.00.
--UNL Request for Landowner Information- The board approved the attorney's recommendation to provide information to UNL in separate databases for research, surveys and possible interviews. The databases will include landowner name and addresses in one database and crop and field information in a separate database.
--Legislation Update- Milt Moravek, assistant manager, reported on the following bills:
LB 526e- Senator Carlson's priority bill, on select file with emergency clause. Ron Bishop said this bill would benefit the NRD by allowing the transfer of both consumptive use and recharge water from Six Mile Canal to Thirty Mile Canal. Currently only consumptive use can be transferred.
LB 653- Senator Christiansen's priority bill, would allow an inter-basin transfer without a permit from the Department of Natural Resources in times of flooding.
LB950- Senator Christiansen's bill, which proposes to redirect any payments from the Republican Basin NRDs to the Water Resources Cash Fund rather than the Water Contingency Cash Fund after the bill becomes law. The bill is supported by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts and the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.
--Cost Share- The board approved 18 applications for cost share including: 1 center pivot applications at $6,843.22; 1 streambank stabilization at $3,000; 3 tree apps at $3,784.89 and 13 well decommissioning applications at $11,500. Total approved for the cost share programs is $25,128.11.
--Upcoming Board Meetings- Board of directors meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month. Upcoming dates: March 22, April 26, May 24

The first runner up and only one point behind Chase County is Hyannis FFA followed by Medicine Valley FFA, three points behind Chase County.

The Middle Republican NRD provides information to the county assessors related to the acres certified as irrigated with ground water. Using this information and existing property valuations, acres classified by the county assessor as irrigated shall be subject to the districts occupation tax, unless on or before March 1 in each subsequent year the record owner certifies to the district the non irrigation status of such acres. Landowners must provide the District with information showing the location of these acres and the reason for the non irrigation status. Information provided to the District must be detailed enough to determine what parcel of land the acres are attached to. Along with the exemption from the occupation tax provided by this certification of non irrigation, any base allocation authorized by the NRD will be reduced to zero for that year of exemption. Currently a blanket exemption has been established by the district for all acres enrolled in the CREP program. No further action is needed as long as your acres remain enrolled in that program. The board has not authorized any exemption for other temporary retirement programs.

Landowners are reminded that this process only applies to the occupation tax and not to property taxes. Should you want to apply for this exemption from the occupation tax, you should gather the information needed and contact the Middle Republican NRD. This exemption will apply to any occupation tax levied for the 2012-2013 fiscal year which begins on July 1, 2012.

To be eligible, applicants must be residents of the Middle Republican Natural Resources District. This includes all of Hayes, Hitchcock, and Red Willow counties most of Frontier County and the southern ¼ of Lincoln County. Applicants must be registered to attend an accredited post-secondary institution during the 2012-2013 school year. Preference is given to those applicants who plan to major in a natural resources or agriculture related field. While students may attend any college of their choice, preference is also given to applicants who are applying to McCook Community College or the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

Applications will be sent to district guidance counselors, vocational agriculture instructors, and natural science teachers. They will also be sent to the Financial Aid offices at McCook Community College and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. Students may also apply on the web at: http://www.mrnrd.org/programs/education/scholarships/scholarships.html.

For more information, contact the Middle Republican NRD office in Curtis at (800) 873-5613 or any district high school guidance counselor or vocational agriculture teacher. Applicants can also apply on the District website at: http://www.mrnrd.org/education/programs/education/scholarships/scholarships.html.

LINCOLN (NE) February 9, 2012 - After inspecting all three of its trails following last weekend's snow storm, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District has advised trail users to be cautious. The NRD's MoPac East, Oak Creek and Homestead recreational trails are open, but crews are expected to remain on the trails for the next several weeks, clearing debris that, in some cases, totally blocks the trail.

The NRD's 50 miles of crushed limestone trails are maintained year-round and some popular winter activities on the trails include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the trails. NRD Resources Coordinator Dan Schulz said, "Our biggest concern is the safety of trail users, especially when they're in an area where our crews are working to clear debris. We're advising them to use extra caution."

The MoPac East Trail extends eastward from 84th Street, in Lincoln, through Walton, Eagle and Elmwood, to Wabash. The Oak Creek Trail spans 12 miles between Valparaiso and Brainard. Both crushed limestone trails share their corridors with natural-surfaced equestrian trails. The Homestead Trail stretches 13 miles, from 2600 Saltillo Road to Cortland.

YORK, NE --The Upper Big Blue NRD, along with University of Nebraska Extension Education are sponsoring two No-Till and Crop Management Seminars. The dates and locations are as follows:

February 13: BRUNING - Bruning Opera House.
February 14: COLUMBUS - Ag Park Exhibit Hall.
Both meetings will begin with refreshments at 8:30 a.m., and an official start at 9:00 a.m. The end of the seminars will wrap-up around 3:00 p.m. with a FREE meal to be provided over the noon hour. There is no charge for any part of these programs.

Speakers include Paul Jasa (UNL) on February 13 and 14, Dwayne Beck (South Dakota State University) on February 13 and 14, Ray Ward (Ward Laboratories, Inc.) on 13, Dan Gillespie (NRCS) on February 14, and Al Vyhnalek (South Dakota State University) on February 14.

These speakers will share their experiences with no-till farming on such topics as No-Till Equipment, Becoming Successful with No-Till, No-Till Economics, How No-Till Improves Soil Structure and Fertility, Cover Crops, and How to Increase Organic Matter and Soil Carbon.
RSVPs for both events must be made by February 10th. Those planning to attend the Bruning event should RSVP to Patty Kyhn at the Upper Big Blue NRD at (402) 362-6601. Those planning to attend the Columbus event should RSVP to Rod Wilke at UNL-Extension at (402) 370-4000.

This two-day conference will provide producers with information on increasing their profitability, efficiency, soil fertility and improving water quality while utilizing and protecting limited water resources.

Experienced no-till researchers, including Dr. Ray Ward of Ward Labs at Kearney; soil microbiologist Dr. Jill Clapperton, Dr. Dwayne Beck, manager of Dakota Lakes Research Farm from Pierre, South Dakota, University of Nebraska Extension Engineer, Paul Jasa and others will share their knowledge of continuous no-till.

The registration fee of $75 per person includes conference information to review the latest no-till research and information, all sessions, door prizes, catered breaks, evening social, a noon meal each day and opportunity to interact with sponsors at their booths or displays. Doors will open for the two-day event at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, with sessions from 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday's sessions will run from 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Registrations made after February 10th or at the door are $100.

According to NRCS no-till education specialist and event coordinator Mark Watson, the Panhandle No-Till Winter Conference will help producers sharpen their no-till production knowledge and skills.

"With high fuel prices and other input costs, water concerns and other production challenges, more producers are looking at the benefits of no-till farming," Watson says. "This conference will be an excellent opportunity for producers to learn about the advantages of no-till from experts and also visit with local producers who have successfully incorporated it into their operations."

This year's conference is a cooperative effort between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Panhandle Resources Conservation and Development, Inc. (RC&D), South Platte, North Platte and Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources Districts (NRD's). Funding is also provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Nebraska No-Till Cadre, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln No-Till Education Fund and several individual and business sponsors.

For more information and to register for the Panhandle No-Till Winter Conference, call the Upper Niobrara White NRD at (308) 432-6190 or go to www.unwnrd.org and hit the No-Till Education link, or stop by your local NRD or NRCS office.

February 3: Organic Initiative, High Tunnel Initiative, On-Farm Energy, Ogallala Initiative, existing AWEP, WHIP and National Water Quality Initiative-1st application cutoff date.
February 21: Unobligated local funds may be swept by State Office for redistribution.
March 30: Organic Initiative, High Tunnel Initiative, On-Farm Energy, Ogallala Initiative, existing AWEP, WHIP & National Water Quality Initiative-2nd application cutoff date.
April 1: Unobligated funds may be swept by NHQ for redistribution in all programs.
June 1: Organic Initiative, High Tunnel Initiative, On-Farm Energy, Ogallala Initiative, existing AWEP, WHIP and National Water Quality Initiative-3rd application cutoff date.
--Legislation- Milt Moravek reported that there aren't many natural resources bills to watch this session, with Central Platte NRD's LB 484 unlikely to make it out of committee for discussion. Dick Mercer, director, said other bills to watch include LB 975, LB 1076 and LB 1134.
--Programs Committee- The committee discussed adding new practices to the cost share program but took no action.
--Cost Share- The board approved 44 applications for cost share. Soil & Water Conservation Program applications: amendment and range seeding for $3,123.09. CPNRD applications: 8 center pivot applications for $53,078; 1 streambank stabilization for $3,000; 13 tree cost share for $11,507.29; 3 flow meters for $1,500 and 17 well decommissioning applications for $18,750 through the Central Platte NRD Cost Share programs. Total approved for both cost share programs totaled $90,958.38.
--November Election- Filing date for incumbents in February 15; for non-incumbents it's March 1.

Well testing will evaluate potential bacterial and chemical contamination as measured by total coliform, nitrates, and atrazine.

Prior to the water quality sampling, current residents will be interviewed and complete a 28 question survey regarding demographics, personal health, and physical characteristics of the well.

To schedule a well testing appointment, contact either Sonya Carlson with the Papio-Missouri River NRD at 402-444-6222, or Erica Colbert with UNMC, COPH at erica.colbert@unmc.edu.

2) Nitrogen fertilizer applied on or after March 1st, and before planting at a rate greater than 150 pounds per acre, must also include a nitrification inhibitor;
3) Pre-plant nitrogen fertilizer applied on or after March 1st at a rate less than 150 pounds per acre DOES NOT require a nitrification inhibitor.
Nitrification inhibitors delay the conversion of nitrogen fertilizers to the nitrate form. This holds the nitrogen in the crop root zone longer, resulting in less opportunity for nitrogen loss. As an alternative to using a nitrification inhibitor, Option #3 allows the farmer to apply a lower rate of fertilizer before planting, and then apply additional nitrogen if needed after planting when an actively growing crop can utilize it.
THE PUBLIC IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THIS PUBLIC HEARING AS IT AFFECTS THE ENTIRE UPPER BIG BLUE NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT.

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) protects lives, property and the future of this area through a wide-range of stewardship, management and education programs-from flood control to groundwater monitoring, from irrigation management to outdoor recreation and more. Activities and projects of the Upper Big Blue NRD are reviewed and approved by a locally elected Board of Directors. The Upper Big Blue NRD is one of 23 Natural Resources Districts across the state. For more information, visit www.upperbigblue.org or call (402) 362-6601.

The Lewis and Clark NRD is offering a special seedling package of trees and shrubs for small acreages. The package of 50 seedling trees and shrubs includes ten each of the following species; Ponderosa Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Burr Oak, Lilac, and Arrowwood Viburnum at a cost of $40.

If you are interested in ordering the small acreage seedling package or ordering other trees and shrubs, please contact the Lewis and Clark NRD at 402-254-6758. The deadline for ordering seedlings is March 31, 2012.

The scholarship is available to High School Seniors in the primary schools within the CKRWP area or to water service customers of the CKWRP. Priority will be given to students of water system customers.

If you would like more information about the Galen Jueden Memorial Scholarship please contact the Cedar Knox Rural Water Project at 402-254-6758. The application is available from guidance counselors of the schools located within the Project service area. Applications are also available on line at www.lcnrd.org under the Info & Education heading and must be submitted by March 7, 2012.

Applications will be judged based on how and where the applicant plans to use this education, the applicant's awareness and preservation of natural resources, the applicant's individual initiative and the applicant's community involvement. Applicants should also list any individual or group achievements in areas such as 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, class officer, or any church or civic organizations in which they have been involved. All applicants must reside in the Lewis & Clark NRD and their course of study must be in an agricultural related field.

If you are a high school senior or know of a high school senior who would benefit from this scholarship - applications are available from your high school guidance counselor. Applications are also available on line at www.lcnrd.org under the "Info & Education" heading or by contacting the Lewis & Clark NRD at 402-254-6758. All applications must be received at the Lewis & Clark NRD office by March 7, 2012.

Five applications for irrigation well permits were scrutinized by the board with two located southeast of Steinauer, two northwest of Steinauer, and one east of Elk Creek. The board approved the four wells near Steinauer for Kalin Farms along with the well near Elk Creek for Ervin Gobber. The board was also updated on the notice that was sent to the Department of Natural Resources regarding the late permit for Scott Prange that was approved last month.

Current allocations are in effect for the 2012 irrigation season, and if any changes were to be made, would be implemented in 2013. District officials will continue their discussion at the February board meeting and plan to hold a public hearing and make their final decision by the March board meeting. Until the final decision is made, public input is encouraged.

For the past two months, District staff and board members have been reviewing ground water levels and other information brought forth in discussions to determine the best course of action to protect ground water reserves for both immediate and future uses.

In December, board members received input from Ground Water Advisory Committees in a series of meeting across the District. Ground water advisory groups are made up of water users and leaders from a cross section of District residents. The purpose of the ground water advisory committees is to advise the District board of directors on policies, ensure that all view points are considered, and to communicate on-going District programs and projects.

At their January meeting, SPNRD board members continued their review and heard more input from several irrigators. Following that discussion, board members were polled for their opinions on possible allocation changes they thought would provide protection for local aquifers.

On average, recommendations were for annual 14-inch allocations throughout the Lodgepole Valley west of Sidney. In one subarea, Oliver Reservoir to Buffalo Bend would see a two-inch allocation reduction, while the others, Pine Bluffs to Oliver Reservoir, and Buffalo Bend to Sidney, would remain the same. The average recommendation for the Sidney to Colorado State Line subarea would also result in no changes.

Potential changes could be in store for the South Platte Valley and the Tableland Subareas, which were the last to go under allocations, and have the largest amount of water available at 20 inches per year. The directors polled with an average of 18-inch allocation in the South Platte Valley subarea, while concern over large water level drops in the Tablelands resulted in suggestions ranging from 13 to 18 inches per year, with an average of about 14 inches.

The discussions come as the District works to fulfill a provision within the Districtwide Ground Water Rules and Regulations that changes to allocations be made about a year before they would have to be implemented by producers to allow irrigators to plan ahead.

The board also approved a request by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for assistance with a producer crop yield and management data collection project. A University research team is using unique modeling software that can predict yield potentials of corn and soybean crops. To continue model development, the team is collecting known crop data from across the state where possible.

Other business included a presentation of the District's 2011 Ground Water Quality Monitoring Program Report from Natural Resources Coordinator Chris Kaiser.

Kaiser reported 175 of 212 network wells were sampled at least once this past year. Some wells were not sampled because they are in deferment, while others were not used much because of the weather or the types of crops in the rotation.

In 2011, nitrate-nitrogen averages in 11 of 17 target areas were higher than the previous year, although only two, the Sidney Municipal Wells and Sidney Draw Trigger Monitoring Wells, averaged more than 10 parts-per-million, the standard Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrate-nitrogen.

The entire report can be seen at the South Platte NRD office, 511 Parkland Dr. in Sidney, or on the District Website, www.spnrd.org.

Cost share assistance for tree planting is available. Cost-share minimum is 350 trees and minimum cost-share amount for tree purchases/planting is $350.
Tree program coordinators Roy Lyles and Craig Uhrig are available free of charge to help with tree row planning, site preparation and cost-share applications and consultation for windbreak design, soil conditions and tree variety selection.
"We can go out, as a service, and take measurements and help with site selections," Lyles said. "We can make recommendations for site selections as far as soil types, conditions and slope. We don't charge extra, that's included in our planting fee." Last year the district sold 134,380 conservation trees.
"We can go out, as a service, and take measurements and help with site selections," Lyles said. "We can make recommendations for site selections as far as soil types, conditions and slope. We don't charge extra, that's included in our planting fee." Last year the district sold 134,380 conservation trees.
For more information on trees, go to www.nrdtrees.org. Tree order and tree planting/spraying request forms and the NRD Tree Planting brochure are available at the NPNRD office at 100547 Airport Road, Scottsbluff or can be viewed at and printed from our website http://www.npnrd.org/trees.htm and mailed in. Call the district office at (308) 632-2749 or your USDA-NRCS office in Scottsbluff, Bridgeport or Oshkosh for more information.

The NPNRD also offers landowners several services to help get conservation trees established and improve survival rates. These include machine tree planting at 85 cents per tree or hand planting at $1.25 per tree, with a minimum charge of $255. Chemical weed control is available for 25 cents per tree.

Trees ordered through the NRD are shipped from the nursery and stored at the district's tree coolers until planting time, which begins approximately April 1. Customers can either pick up the trees themselves and plant them, or take advantage of the NRDs tree planting services.

--Variance/Appeals Sub-Committee- A landowner from Polk County has requested an appeal on land that is currently under review for an irrigation violation. The committee will review and take action on the appeal.
--Water Resources Committee- The committee will discuss and possibly take action on:
1. Proposed Integrated Management Plan
2. Criteria for approving variances in the management area below Chapman.
3. 30 Mile Canal purchase and rehabilitation agreement.
4. Southside Irrigation Canal agreement.
5. Cozad rehabilitation.
--Programs Committee- The committee will discuss adding new practices to the cost share program such as soil moisture sensors and cover crops.
--NRCS- James Huntwork, district conservationist of Grand Island, will report to the board.
--Cozad Rehab- Milt Moravek, assistant manager, will give a presentation on the construction progress of the Cozad Canal rehabilitation.
--Land Acquisition- Moravek will also have an update on land acquisition for the Prairie/Silver/Moores Flood Control Project dams.
--COHYST- Duane Woodward, hydrologist, will have an update on the Cooperative Hydrology Study.
--Legislation- Milt Moravek will give the first legislative update of the 2012 session.
--November Election- Filing date for incumbents in February 15; for non-incumbents it's March 1.
--Other- As may develop prior to the board meeting.

--Committee Sign-Ups- Directors will select at least two committees to serve on in 2012. Chairman for the following committees will be selected: Water Resources, Eastern Projects, Western Projects and Programs.

The field burning dates and locations are listed below:
*March 10-15 Basset: Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary & a private Ranch in Rock County.
*March 15-24 Ainsworth: Niobrara Valley Preserve
*March 18-22 Gothenburg: Jerry Kranau's property
*March 23-31 Ord and Scotia

Training Prerequisites: Students will need S130/S190 certification and basic personal protective equipment. If you have not already taken S130/S190 you can complete a self-study CD and attend a field day to complete the training.
Field Day Completion Dates and Locations: We will be providing two different field days for completion of the 130/190 self-study: March 12-13th in Basset and March 19-20th in Gothenburg.
Deadline: If you'd like to participate contact David Carr, Central Platte NRD: (308) 385-6282 by February 15, 2012. For more information on participation, contact Jeremy Bailey: (801) 599-1394.

The deadline for ordering the tree packages is March 15th. Phone the District at (800) 873-5613 for pricing and more information.
The Middle Republican NRD protects lives, property and the future of the this area through a wide range of stewardship, management and education programs-from flood control to groundwater monitoring, from irrigation management to soil conservation and more. Activities and projects of the Middle Republican NRD are reviewed and approved by a locally elected board of directors. For more information, visit www.mrnrd.org or call 1-800-873-5613.

The NRD accepts orders for tree seedlings year-round, for delivery in April. January 25th is the order deadline for delivery this April. The seedlings are delivered to the NRD and stored in a custom tree cooler until landowners are ready to plant in April or May. The species offered are chosen especially for windbreaks and wildlife habitat and the minimum order is 100, except if purchasing a small acreage package. About 30,000 seedlings are sold by the NRD each year through the program. Nebraska NRDs combine orders to get a discounted price for landowners. More information about the program and an order form are available at lpsnrd.org, click on Programs, Cost-Sharing, then Tree Programs. Anyone interested in a small acreage package should contact the NRD at 402-476-2729.