LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) will implement two changes to its rules and regulations governing the Dwight-Valparaiso-Brainard Special Management Area (SMA) during the 2020 irrigation season. 

Until now, irrigation allocations were administered in three-year blocks, but under new rules, the same allocation amounts will apply in a rolling allocation. Irrigators are allowed to apply up to 21 acre-inches per irrigated acre in a three-year period, not to exceed a nine acre-inch annual maximum. In the second rules change, that same allocation will apply to gravity irrigators. The LPSNRD Board of Directors approved the changes in November, after input from a stakeholder advisory group and a public hearing. LPSNRD provides annual calculations to each irrigator in the SMA.

The special management area was formed in 2014, in response to static ground water level declines of more than 100 feet due to intense pumping during hot, dry summer months. A 12-member advisory group, made up of representatives from several stakeholder groups within the SMA, helps LPSNRD evaluate progress and needs. In March, LPSNRD appointed Vince Tesinsky, of Weston, to the advisory group. Vince’s father, Louis, was appointed to the original advisory group in 2014 and served until his passing late last year. LPSNRD Board members expressed appreciation for Louis’ service on the advisory group. Vince, like Louis, represents domestic well owners. Other stakeholder groups include gravity and pivot irrigators, dryland farmers, business owners and villages located within the SMA.

Complete SMA rules and regulations can be found at LPSNRD.org. Click on Programs, Ground Water, then Monitoring and find the Special Management Areas link.