LINCOLN, Nebraska — In a stride toward sustainability, infrastructure resilience, and public accessibility, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) Board of Directors has approved a series of impactful action items at its March board meeting.

From rehabilitating critical flood control infrastructure to enhancing iconic prairie landscapes, the move underscores LPSNRD’s commitment to proactive stewardship, strategic planning, and innovative partnerships.

Unified Meeting Time Increases Public Access
In a move designed to improve accessibility and increase public participation, the board approved a shift to a consistent 5:30 PM start time for all board meetings year-round beginning in April. The decision reflects feedback from stakeholders and board members alike who noted that a uniform meeting time simplifies scheduling, accommodates more community members, and enhances transparency. By adopting a standardized schedule, LPSNRD aims to reduce confusion and ensure that residents, partners, and media know exactly when to engage—regardless of the season.

Prairie Restoration Receives Major Boost
A $60,000 conservation initiative—Enhancing Tallgrass Prairie Health via Grazing Management—is moving forward with a $40,000 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. This collaborative project with the City of Lincoln will fund solar-powered livestock wells across 505 acres at Bobcat, Kapke, and Honvlez Prairies. Not only will it support native wildlife and biodiversity, but it will also feed vital groundwater monitoring efforts across the region​.

Regional Water Quality Monitoring Secured Through 2030
In a move that reinforces long-term environmental oversight, LPSNRD is renewing several five-year joint funding agreements with the United States Geological Survey and other NRD partners to operate real-time water quality monitoring stations at key sites along the Lower Platte River Corridor. These gages deliver near-instant data to the public and scientists alike, supporting drinking water safety, ecosystem health, and informed decision-making​.

Urban Infrastructure Projects Move Ahead
Lincoln’s stormwater resilience is getting a double boost:
• Oak Creek Drainage Structure Rehabilitation: LPSNRD is partnering with Houston Engineering to design and permit repairs on a failing culvert along NW 12th Street. This $29,569 investment will reduce flood risk and ensure long-term performance of the Oak Creek berm system.
• Antelope Valley Sediment Removal: Brandt Excavating will remove the piles of sediment that were cleaned out from Lincoln’s central flood channel between N and J Streets by NRD staff – a recurring maintenance effort critical to flow capacity and public safety​.

Budget Planning Begins for FY2026
Looking ahead, the board is expected to approve the timeline and process for developing the FY2026 Long-Range Implementation Plan (LRIP) and budget. Key public input opportunities are built into the schedule, ensuring the community remains at the heart of LPSNRD’s forward-looking investments​.