VALENTINE, Nebraska – The Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District (NRD) recently conducted a thorough assessment of stream restoration projects within the Long Pine Creek Watershed (LPCW) following significant rainfall. Between June 17-21, 2024, Brown County landowners reported 9-11 inches of rain in the area. The restoration projects demonstrated remarkable resilience, exhibiting only minor erosion along the streambanks.

“Due to the diligent planning involved, we are elated to see that the conservation work has stood up to such significant rainfall,” said Middle Niobrara NRD General Manager Mike Murphy. “These efforts not only protect our natural resources but also enhance the quality of life for the residents and landowners within the Long Pine Creek Watershed.”

These stream restoration initiatives are a collaborative effort involving local landowners, the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Ainsworth Irrigation District, the Brown County Commissioners, the Natural Resources Commission, and the Middle Niobrara NRD. The projects were identified and implemented as part of the Middle Niobrara NRD’s Water Quality Management Plan, with the initial phase focusing on developing the plan and identifying priority areas within the LPCW.

Between 2020 and 2023, three key stream restoration projects were executed to address critical issues such as water quality, fish and wildlife habitat preservation, stream instability, headcuts, scouring, erosion, excess sedimentation, and streambank degradation. These efforts aim to improve water conditions, addressing the LPCW’s status on the 303(d) impaired waters list. LPCW stream restoration work included bank stabilization, riprap, and re-seeding or  vegetative covering to reduce erosion.

The outcomes of these projects are significant. They protect and enhance habitats across 36 miles of stream, improve water quality over an additional 27 miles of streams, and safeguard over 6,800 acres of land. These initiatives directly benefit more than 210 individual landowners and provide indirect benefits to more than 2,900 residents within the Long Pine Creek Watershed.

The stream restoration projects were funded with $1,746,530 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, $1,907,000 in federal funding, and supplemented by $652,819.71 in local match contributions.

About Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District
The Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District serves Cherry, Brown, Rock and Keya Paha Counties. Through collaborative efforts with local, state, and federal partners, the district is dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of Nebraska’s natural resources.

Phase 2 of the Long Pine Creek Watershed Project. The project includes two-tiered, self-adjusting engineered rock riffle structures consisting of bank stabilization, riprap and vegetative covering.

Phase 3 of the Long Pine Creek Watershed Project.

Phase 4 of the Long Pine Creek Watershed Project.