GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska —  The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) invites producers and the public to attend the 2025 Annual Water Programs Update on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Bosselman Enterprises, 1607 South Locust Street, Grand Island, Nebraska. This free, day-long event will highlight critical water resource issues and innovative irrigation management strategies.

The event features expert speakers who will address key topics including CPNRD’s new nitrogen management phase areas, new UNL nutrient recommendations, fall groundwater levels, fertigation trials, cost-share opportunities, health impacts of elevated nitrate levels, and the 2025 weather outlook.

Schedule Highlights

• Welcome: The day starts with a welcome from CPNRD General Manager Lyndon Vogt followed by engaging presentations from water resource specialists, university researchers, a legal expert, and a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. 
• 9:30 AM: New Nitrogen Management Phase Areas and Groundwater Level Comparisons – Courtney Widup, Water Resources Technician & Luke Zakrzewski, GIS Image Analyst, CPNRD
• 10:45 AM: Drainage Law & Landowner Responsibilities – Don Blankenau, Attorney at Law - BWJ Law Group
• 11:15 AM: UNL’s New Nutrient Management Recommendations – Dr. Richard Ferguson, Professor of Soil Science, UNL
• 12:30 PM: Health Concerns with Nitrates in Drinking Water – Dr. Jesse Bell, Director of Water, Climate and Health Program, UNMC
• 1 PM: Fertigation Trials & Cost-Share Opportunities – Dean Krull, UNL/CPNRD; Carrie Putnam & Jerod Fling, Integrated Water Programs Specialists
• 2 PM: 2025 Weather Outlook – Mike Moritz, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service

The event will provide continuing education credits (CEUs) for professional water well contractor licenses, and attendance will fulfill the nitrogen management certification test requirement for CPNRD’s groundwater management program.

“Our Annual Water Programs Update is an excellent opportunity for the community and producers to engage with water professionals and gain insights into water resource management initiatives,” Vogt said. “The information provided will help attendees make informed decisions for their operations while also supporting sustainable practices for the future.”

A catered lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees. RSVPs are required by Feb. 4, for the lunch count. To RSVP, call Central Platte NRD at 308-385-6282 or email Marcia Lee at lee [at] cpnrd.org.