LINCOLN, Nebraska – In August 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District (NRD) received official approval on the Bone and Long Pine Creek Watershed Project Improvement Plan.

With NRCS providing $665,000 in funding to complete the plan, Middle Niobrara NRD is now eligible to seek additional financial assistance from NRCS to develop detailed project designs, anticipated to begin in 2025. These designs are crucial in addressing critical environmental and safety issues.

“NRCS is pleased to have provided technical and financial assistance to Middle Niobrara NRD for completing the Bone and Long Pine Watershed Plan,” said Nebraska State Conservationist Rob Lawson. “One of our top priorities is assisting local sponsors in identifying and completing watershed projects that not only enhance natural resources but also protect the public.”

The Bone and Long Pine Creek watersheds in north central Nebraska cover more than 332,000 acres in Cherry, Brown and Rock counties with a significant portion in Brown County, including the communities of Ainsworth and Long Pine.

The improvement plan identifies watershed protection projects that will provide grade control, stream bank stabilization, and aquatic ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation opportunities within the area. The need for the proposed action is due to extensive stream degradation, widening, and wildlife habitat loss within the watershed.

“As local sponsors, we appreciate the technical and financial commitments from NRCS,” said Middle Niobrara NRD General Manager Mike Murphy. “This vital partnership has helped us identify and eventually establish important erosion protection and environmental improvement measures for the watershed.”

The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations Program (WFPO) provides technical and financial assistance to states, local governments and tribes to plan and implement authorized project plans for completing numerous watershed enhancements.

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.

On September 24, 2024, representatives from the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service met at the Nebraska Association of Resources District’s (NARD) Fall Conference in Kearney, Nebraska, to commemorate the approved Bone & Long Pine Watershed Plan. From left, Middle Niobrara NRD Directors Stephanie Ladely, Martin Graff and Justin Hammond, NRCS State Conservationist Robert Lawson, Middle Niobrara NRD Director Tim Nollette, Middle Niobrara NRD General Manager Mike Murphy, and Middle Niobrara NRD Director Leonard Danielski.