BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 

     The Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) will hold its monthly Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, the 16th day of April 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark NRD Office, Hartington, Nebraska. The current agenda is on file at the District Office. This meeting is open to the public.

FINAL PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

AOWA CREEK WATERSHED DAM 1-3 & 22-3

The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District will conduct a public scoping meeting at 6:30 PM Central Time, April 7, 2026, regarding the Aowa Creek Watershed Planning Process and Proposed Dam Rehabilitation for Dams 1-3 and 22-3. Dam 1-3 is located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Ponca and 0.4 miles northeast of Highway 12, Lat 42°34'56.24"N, Long 96°43'39.36"W. Dam 22-3 is located approximately 4.5 miles northwest of Ponca and 0.8 miles northeast of Highway 12, Lat 42°37'16.00"N, Long 96°47'4.01"W. The meeting will be held at City Hall (123 W 3rd St) in Ponca, NE, with virtual attendance available.

Representatives from the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District, City of Ponca, and United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will lead and participate in the public meeting to seek input regarding preparation of a Supplemental Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment. This planning process involves consideration of alternatives for reducing risks associated with the potential for catastrophic dam failure and flooding at Dams 1-3 and 22-3. Alternatives considered include: No Action; rehabilitation of both structures to a 50-year sediment design life; rehabilitation of both structures to a 100-year sediment design life; and decommissioning of either structure.

The objectives of the public scoping meeting include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Ensure that the general public, private groups, and local, county, and state government agencies are thoroughly familiar with the potential dam rehabilitation planning process for Aowa Creek Watershed Dams 1-3 and 22-3.

2. Promote an atmosphere of extra-agency cooperation.

3. Provide a forum for the reception and consideration of public input regarding the projects.

4. Clarify the costs and effects of the preferred alternative under consideration.

5. Collect any existing resource data regarding the potential dam rehabilitation from agencies and citizens.

6. Incorporate written and verbal comments into the decision-making process.

Individuals requiring additional information, needing special accommodations to attend the meeting, or wishing to attend the meeting virtually should contact Melissa Baier (NRCS) at Melissa.Baier@usda.gov or call 402-437-4065.