The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) has established a new and permanent Storm Damage Tree Replacement Program. It is designed to encourage replacement plantings of trees and shrubs damaged or destroyed due to tornados, strong winds, hail and ice storms. "The NRD created this program to help get communities back on their feet after tough and devastating losses due to weather," said Scott Snell, Public Relations Manager for the NRD. "The overall mission of Nebraska's NRDs are to project lives, protect property, and protect the future. This is a wonderful program to ensure NRD District citizens will get much needed assistance in times of disaster. This program is designed to encourage plantings which provide public and private benefits," added Snell. 

This program is not for replacement of trees that have been damaged or have died due to winter kill, disease or insects. Cost-share through this program is not available for the removal of damaged or dead trees, stump removal or maintenance. Cost-share funding will be considered for 4' - 8' nursery stock replacement trees under the following conditions: 

Public Owned Property - The District will match 50% of the local share of the project cost of storm damaged trees on public right-of-way and public property with a maximum cost-share of $10,000. The city or village amount of District funding 
available is dependent on the annual budget.

Private Property - The District will match 50% of the private entity, or rural or urban homeowner's share of the project cost of storm damaged trees on private property, with a maximum cost-share of $300 per homeowner. The amount of District funding available is dependent on the annual budget.

Eligibility
Rural and urban home owners are eligible, along with cities and villages. Public and private entities, including businesses, are also eligible:

1). The city, village, public or private entity, rural or urban homeowner, must submit an application and a work plan for the replacement tree planting.

2). In the case of storm damage to a city or village, a work plan that includes a plan for all the public and private properties involved is preferred over individual work plans for each property. However, a signed application by 
each private property owner involved is required in addition to the master application submitted by the City or Village.

3). The plan or plans must include:
A). A list of the trees and shrubs, and number to be planted.
B). A map showing where trees will be placed.
C). A timetable for completion of the project.
D). An estimate of the total project cost.

4). The city, village, public or private entity or homeowner, must agree to maintain the plantings for a minimum of five years.

5). The city, village, public or private entity, or homeowner (or combination thereof) must agree to match funds provided by the District, and to be responsible for all labor and any other necessary materials.

6). Only those trees that have suffered at least 30% damage, as determined by the NRD, will be considered for replacement funding.

7). A site visit to assess the damage to trees by the NRD Forester, or District Forester, is necessary before an application will be accepted. The Forester will offer recommendations for a work-plan for replacement plantings to the applicants.

8). Nursery stock that is 4'- 8' tall is recommended. Such nursery stock may be balled, burlapped, or potted. Bare root stock may also be used if it is at least six feet tall. Permanent plantings are required. Bare root stock must be planted in early spring before bud break.

9). Tree replacement applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

10). The city, village, public or private entity, is eligible for funding for one project per storm event. The application for Storm Damage Tree Replacement must be made within two years after the storm occurs. The application must include a map and plan showing the location, and species of trees to be planted. The application shall also include an estimated project cost and a timetable for completing the Storm Damage Tree Replacement Project. The project is required to be completed within three years of the date of approval of the application.


Please call the Upper Big Blue NRD Office at (402) 362-6601, and ask for Ken Feather. Ken would be happy to assist you with your application and to answer questions you may have.

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 quality and quantity 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.