LINCOLN, Neb., Nov. 13, 2019 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that four Natural Resources Districts received more than $2.5 million in Watershed Flood Prevention and Operations funding. This funding will be directed toward developing watershed plans in the following NRDs:

The Lower Platte South NRD received funding to complete the Little Salt Creek Watershed Plan in northern Lancaster County. This plan will help improve habitat for the endangered Salt Tiger Beetle by protecting saline wetland habitat, providing wetland rehabilitation, and erosion and sediment control.

The Lower Elkhorn NRD received funding to complete the Battle Creek Watershed Plan. This plan aims to reduce the overall flood risk potential in the area as well as provide flood resiliency for surrounding agricultural land.

The Central Platte NRD received funding to complete the Spring and Buffalo Creek Watershed Plan. This effort is focused on reducing flood damages to irrigation canal infrastructure and agricultural land. Goals include identifying solutions to reoccurring flooding issues, soil erosion, and evaluate multi-beneficial projects which can benefit endangered and threatened species within and downstream of the watershed.

The Central Platte NRD also received funding to complete the Lower Wood River Watershed Plan. The goal is to establish a recommended plan to address ongoing flooding events. This includes implementing structural and non-structural projects to create resiliency against future flooding, reduce flood related damages, and protect the local economy.

The Lower Loup NRD received funding to complete the Mud Creek Watershed Plan. This plan will focus on reducing flood related damages to communities and agricultural land, improve flood resiliency, improve recreation opportunities and enhance groundwater recharge.

Nebraska State Conservationist Craig Derickson said, “We look forward to working with these Natural Resources Districts on these new watershed projects. We saw how established watershed projects sprang into action this past spring following the bomb cyclone reducing flood damages and protecting natural resources. These new projects plan to provide more benefits to more areas across Nebraska.”