WAHOO, Nebraska -- On Wednesday, August 6th, United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Matt Lohr travelled to Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area for a small gathering to begin his trip in Nebraska.

Craig Derickson, Nebraska NRCS State Conservationist, introduced Chief Lohr to a group of Natural Resources District (NRD) employees and NRCS employees who have worked together for many years to help preserve and conserve our state’s natural resources.

The morning began with presentation from Eric Gottschalk, Lower Platte North NRD general manager, and Tom Mountford, Lower Platte North NRD assistant manager, discussing the Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project and the proposed Wahoo Creek Watershed dams. Members of the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group highlighted their important conservation field work in the Lower Platte North NRD and the delisting of Shell Creek from the EPA’s Impaired Waters List for the reduction of atrazine in the creek. Dean Edson, executive director of Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, spoke about the NRD system across the state and touched on the partnership between the NRD’s and NRCS.

Kent Zimmerman presented updates about his work as the president of Nebraska Department of Natural Resources/National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA). Jim Reedy, NRCS state technology engineer, and Josh Charles, NRCS soil conservation technician, explained the importance of using LIDAR and survey equipment for Environmental Quality Incentives Programs (EQIP). Brian Baskerville, NRCS area technology specialist, presented how they use GIS tools for wetland determinations.

“We were very pleased and honored when the Lower Platte North NRD was asked to host Chief Matt Lohr on his visit to Nebraska,” Gottschalk said. “His leadership of the NRCS and strong support for conservation efforts has been greatly appreciated over the years.”  

The Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area was his first stop of the day before traveling to tour locations in the area with producers, who have partnered with NRCS to make conservation improvements on their farm.