News

2023 NACD POSTER CONTEST WINNERS
Thank you to all who participated in the 2023 National Association of Conservation District (NACD) Poster Contest sponsored by Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD). Three schools, Holy Trinity Elementary, Wynot, and East/West Catholic, participated. There were five entries in the K through 2nd grade competition level, 20 for the... Read More

CAN WINDBREAKS INCREASE CROP YIELD?
Windbreaks can serve many purposes in agricultural operations, such as preventing soil erosion, providing wildlife habitat, and sequestering carbon. Another beneficial attribute of windbreaks is their ability to protect crops and improve crop production.
Wind can have detrimental effects on soil and agricultural crops. Persistent winds... Read More

PLAN FOR SPRING CONSERVATION TREE PLANTINGS
Even though winter is on its way, it is a great time to plan for spring 2024 conservation tree plantings. The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) is taking orders for spring-delivered conservation trees. Trees come in bundles of twenty-five, and the price is $32.50 per bundle plus sales tax. LCNRD continues to carry conservation... Read More

Compost tea: Boost microbes to build soil health
Knox County Producer, Doug Steffen, is hightlighted for his use of compost extract in his nutrient management plan. Doug was the host for the 2023 Bow Creek Field Day where he demonstrated his process. Check out the article at https://www.farmprogress.com/soil-health/1113f1-1400-slideshow.

EMERALD ASH BORER
What is the Emerald Ash Borer?
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a beetle native to Asia introduced to Detroit, MI in 2002. It has destroyed tens of millions of true ash species in over 25 states, including Nebraska, forests, windbreaks, and urban trees. Almost 44 million Nebraska ash trees will be lost in the coming years. Many leading EAB... Read More

EASTERN RED CEDAR MANAGEMENT
Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is one of 13 juniper species native to the United States. It is the most widespread tree-sized conifer native to every state east of the 100th meridian. First accounts of Nebraska vegetation mention eastern redcedar as a native species, primarily along the steep valley of the Niobrara River in northern... Read More

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO SEAL ABANDONED OR UNUSED WELLS
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) provides cost share to seal unused or abandoned irrigation or domestic wells. If you have a well that is no longer serviceable and needs to be permanently removed, LCNRD can help protect your property and groundwater by having it properly sealed.
Sealing unused wells protects the... Read More

TREE SALES BEGIN!
Each spring, the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) distributes tree seedlings and provides planting services for windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife habitat. Seedling orders are accepted now through March 31st. Planning assistance is available through local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices for preparing... Read More

REMINDER TO IRRIGATORS
If you are planning to expand irrigation to acres that have not been previously irrigated, it is important to check with the LCNRD staff before doing so. LCNRD requires well permits for all high-capacity wells and permits for expanding irrigation to acres that have not been previously irrigated. If the acres proposed for irrigation are steep... Read More

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIVATE WELL WATER TESTING
Regularly testing the water quality of your private well is important to maintaining a safe and reliable water source. Test results allow you to properly address specific problems with your water supply and ensure the water source is properly protected from potential contamination. Test results are also used to evaluate whether the well is... Read More

Bow Creek Grazing Workshop
The Bow Creek Watershed Project will host a grazing workshop on September 22nd at the Hartington Golf Course. Ralph Tate, a grazing educator, will discuss the principles and benefits of planned grazing and local producers will share their experience with planned grazing on pasture and crop land. RSVP for lunch. No cost to LCNRD producers and ag... Read More

END OF IRRIGATION SEASON CONSIDERATIONS
With the 2023 irrigation season coming to an end, it is a good idea to consider what can be done before next year to make irrigation management more efficient. A few things to consider when turning off your pivots for the year: an end-of-the-year checklist so that the pivot equipment is stored properly and is ready for the spring, any possible... Read More

LCNRD HOSTS NACD POSTER CONTEST FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resource District (LCNRD) invites students to participate in a national poster contest sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and the NACD Auxiliary. NACD, founded in 1946, is a nonprofit organization representing nearly 3,000 conservation districts in 50 states and U.S. territories.... Read More

IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT IN DROUGHT CONDITIONS
Even though we have been graced with a wetter summer than last year, drought conditions still exist across the Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District. Paying close attention to irrigation needs is important to maintain a consistent water supply. Efficient use of irrigation water can improve the maximum economic return from crops and... Read More

TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER WATER QUALITY
August is National Water Quality Month; it was founded in 2005 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and backed by the United Nations. It is an effort to trigger conversations on what we can do in our own households and communities to ensure that we all have access to safe, clean drinking water for generations to come.
National... Read More

MANAGING PRIVATE DRINKING WATER WELLS
The groundwater from aquifers supply most household water used in Nebraska. Efficient water use and good management practices of water use are necessary to maintain quantity and quality. Groundwater is a renewable resource, replenished mostly by precipitation that infiltrates into the soil and moves through the pore spaces down to the water... Read More

LCNRD Drought Monitor July 11, 2023 to July 18, 2023
This is a snapshot from the last two weeks, and here is a link to the current U.S. Drought Monitor for Nebraska https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NE.

Spring 2023 Well Measuring Results
The static water levels of 34 irrigation wells located throughout the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) are measured in the spring and fall each year. Groundwater levels measured this spring indicate that the levels have decreased on an overall comparison by 0.7 feet from the spring of 2022 with 22 of the 34 wells monitored... Read More

LCNRD SEEKS LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE TO FILL VACANT SUBDISTRICT 5 SEAT
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resource District (LCNRD) seeks a local representative to fill a vacant Subdistrict 5 seat through the end of 2024. The seat will then be on the ballot for the 2024 election. Subdistrict 5 encompasses the area from Ponca to Allen and includes the communities of Allen, Martinsburg, Newcastle, Ponca, and Waterbury,... Read More

NRDs Encourage Well Owners to Address Concerns Early
The region has been experiencing lower than average rainfall over the last several months and one heavy irrigation pumping season could result in significant declines in groundwater levels. Dry conditions lead to increased irrigation use, which puts increased pressure on the groundwater resources of the district, and potentially results in... Read More

U.S. Drought Monitor- June 13, 2023 to June 20, 2023
This is the snapshot from the last two weeks, and here is a link to the Current U.S. Drought Monitor for Nebraska https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NE.

U.S. Drought Monitor- May 30, 2023 to June 6, 2023
This is the snapshot from the last two weeks, and here is a link to the Current U.S. Drought Monitor for Nebraska https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NE.

U.S. Drought Monitor- June 6, 2023 to June 13, 2023
This is the snapshot from the last two weeks, and here is a link to the Current U.S. Drought Monitor for Nebraska https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NE.

U.S. Drought Monitor- May 23, 2023 to May 30, 2023
This is the snapshot from the last two weeks, and here is a link to the Current U.S. Drought Monitor for Nebraska https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NE.

Funds Available to Establish Buffer Strips
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has funding available through the Nebraska Buffer Strip Program to assist landowners in establishing buffer strips. A buffer strip provides an area between a stream and crop ground to maximize the filtration of water from rain events allowing suspended sediment and chemicals to drop out before... Read More

DROUGHT MONITORING
With the cold conditions finally subsiding, farmers have been preparing fields and planting crops for another growing season. Even though there was more precipitation over the winter than in past years, and there have been spring rains, much of the district and state continue to experience drought conditions.
The U.S. Drought Monitor... Read More

DISTRICT OFFICIALS CONCERNED ABOUT SODBUSTER IMPACTS
Land within the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) boundaries has experienced considerable conversion of pasture and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land to row crop. Grassland acres with steep slopes which are broken out and brought into crop production run a high risk for erosion which could lead to sediment problems for... Read More

U.S. Drought Monitor- May 16th, 2023 to May 23rd, 2023
This is the snapshot from the last two weeks, and here is a link to the Current U.S. Drought Monitor for Nebraska https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NE.

U.S. Drought Monitor: May 9th through May 16th
This the snap shot from the last two weeks, and here is a link to the Current U.S. Drought Monitor for Nebraska https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?NE.

CKRWP PLANS TO SHIFT CONSIDERATION AWAY FROM PROPOSED DOLPHIN TOWNSHIP WELL SITES
The Cedar Knox Rural Water Project (CKRWP) Advisory Committee recommended changing consideration of the primary site for the new water source development away from Dolphin Township. The Committee has decided instead to focus on alternative sources that have been previously identified through preliminary engineering studies conducted by Bartlett... Read More

LEWIS AND CLARK NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT PROMOTES STEWARDSHIP WEEK
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD), in partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), is celebrating Stewardship Week from April 30 – May 7, 2023, focusing on the theme “One Water” and educating about watersheds.
A watershed is an area of land that channels rainfall and snowmelt to... Read More

THE MONTH OF MAY IS NEBRASKA BIRD MONTH
May is Nebraska Bird Month; NRDs and Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) are encouraging state residents to get outside and take in all the different kinds of birds that call Nebraska home or are passing through. Within the borders of Nebraska, there is an opportunity to view more than 400 species of birds, with a record of over 454... Read More

LEWIS AND CLARK NRD ENCOURAGES PRODUCERS TO USE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WHEN APPLYING FERTILIZER
After a long snowy winter, farmers are heading out to fields preparing for spring planting. For some, that means tilling and fertilizing fields. When applying fertilizer, knowing what nutrients remain in the soil from last year could save time and money. If you will be planting corn, sampling for soil nutrient content, especially nitrogen, is... Read More

LEWIS AND CLARK NRD AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO AREA SENIORS
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) awarded two Patefield-Green Memorial Scholarships to high school seniors in the 2022-2023 school year. LCNRD provides college scholarship funds to graduates who intend to pursue an agricultural related career in hopes that they will return and contribute to local communities and to the... Read More

STILL TIME TO ORDER CONSERVATION TREE SEEDLINGS
There is still time to order seedling trees for the spring 2023 conservation tree planting season. The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) will continue taking orders for tree seedlings through March 31st. The trees come in bundles of twenty-five. The price per tree is $1.20 plus sales tax.
Tree plantings provide many... Read More

ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR NATURAL RESOURCES AWARDS
Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) is asking the public for nominations for the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) awards program. Annually NARD presents awards in six categories as listed. These awards acknowledge individuals or organizations who have contributed to or brought awareness of the resources in the... Read More

National Groundwater Awareness Month
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and The Groundwater Foundation (GF) sponsor National Groundwater Awareness across the United States during the month of March. National Groundwater Awareness highlights the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater and is also a platform to encourage yearly water well testing and... Read More
NRCS and NRDs Partner on Dam Assessments
LINCOLN, Nebraska – To ensure water infrastructure safety, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on several dam assessments across the state.
In 2022, nine floodwater reduction dam assessments were completed with four NRDs – Lewis... Read More

WHY PLANT CONSERVATION TREES?
The first Nebraska settlers realized the value of trees. They planted millions of trees on barren homesteads to help fulfill their basic needs for protection, building material, fuel, and food. Planting trees became a Nebraska tradition, and Nebraska proudly became known as “The Tree Planter State”. Today, all Nebraskans benefit from the trees... Read More

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE TO SENIORS OF CKRWP
The Cedar Knox Rural Water Project (CKRWP) Advisory Committee provides one $500 scholarship to a high school senior in memoriam of Galen Jueden. Galen was a dedicated employee who was fully committed to the customers and staff of CKRWP. He was an invaluable asset, and his dedication is recognized by providing a scholarship to a worthy student... Read More

CHEMIGATION APPLICATOR TRAINING 2023
The Nebraska Chemigation Act was passed in 1987 to help ensure that the backflow of chemicals would not contaminate the ground and surface waters of the state from irrigation water application systems used to apply crop nutrients and pesticides (chemigation). The law requires producers who plan to apply fertilizer or pesticide through an... Read More

LCNRD AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST WINNERS!
Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) held the first LCNRD Amateur Photography contest, which encouraged LCNRD residents to get out and capture the natural wonders of the district. Residents were asked to send in photographs representing nature, wildlife, conservation, and/or agriculture. Staff and directors selected the winning... Read More

TIME TO PLAN FOR 2023 CONSERVATION TREE PLANTING
The 2023 tree planting season is just around the corner, and the time is now to plan your windbreak or conservation tree planting. The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) will take orders for spring planting from now until March 31, 2023.
Conservation trees play vital roles in our environment – providing wind protection... Read More

$1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO AREA SENIORS
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) provides two $1,000 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors living within the LCNRD boundary. Patefield – Green Memorial Scholarships are available to students who intend to pursue an agricultural-related career and plan to return to the area and help local communities to conserve... Read More

LCNRD BOARD OF DIRECTORS PROVIDE CLARIFICATION TO 180-DAY STAY OF DEVELOPMENT ON HIGH-CAPACITY WELLS
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) enacted a 180-day stay of development on high-capacity wells under the authority of Nebraska Revised Statutes, 46-707, at their regularly scheduled board meeting on November 17, 2022. The board of directors clarified the language of the stay at their regular... Read More

LOCAL POSTER WINNER MOVES ON TO THE NATIONAL CONTEST
“Healthy Soils, Healthy Life” was the topic of the 2022 National Conservation Association District (NACD) Poster Contest and Stewardship Week. Students from around the district submitted their posters depicting earthworms, tractors, roots, flowers, farms, and so much more to their local NRD for judging. Local contest winners were sent to the... Read More

2022 Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District – Year in Review
In 2022, the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) board of directors continued implementing conservation practices, projects, and services in Northeast Nebraska. LCNRD activities are led by a board of eleven locally elected directors; Carolyn Heine, St. Helena; Russ Schmidt, St Helena; Jeff Steffen, Crofton; Marcel Kramer,... Read More

FALL 2022 DISTRICT WELL MEASUREMENTS
The static water level of 34 irrigation wells, from selected locations throughout the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD), is measured semi-annually. Fall 2022 readings, following a pumping season that was the second season of heavier than most recent seasons, show average water levels lower than the fall of 2021. All of the 34... Read More

PLAN FOR SPRING CONSERVATION TREE PLANTINGS
Even though winter is on its way it is time to plan for spring 2023 conservation tree plantings. The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) is taking orders for spring-delivered conservation trees. Trees come in bundles of twenty-five and the price per tree is $1.20 each or $30 per bundle plus sales tax.
Conservation trees... Read More

LCNRD SAYING GOODBYE TO MANY YEARS OF SERVICE AND WILL BE WELCOMING TWO NEW FACES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Eleven elected directors guide the Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) activities, directors represent five subdistricts, with two directors serving from each subdistrict and one serving at-large. The directors are elected by the voters living within each subdistrict and serve four-year terms, with 5 to 6 seats for election... Read More

2022 NACD POSTER CONTEST WINNERS!
Thank you to all who participated in the 2022 National Association of Conservation District (NACD) Poster Contest sponsored by Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD). Three schools, Holy Trinity Elementary, Wynot, and Bloomfield, participated. There were 22 entries for the 4th through 6th grade competition level and 13 for 7th... Read More

LCNRD BOARD OF DIRECTORS ENACTS 180-DAY STAY OF HIGH-CAPACITY WELL DEVELOPMENT
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) enacted a 180-day stay of development on high-capacity wells and expansion of irrigated acres effective immediately under the authority of Nebraska Revised Statutes, 46-707 at their regularly scheduled board meeting on November 17, 2022. The stay was adopted to... Read More

LOCAL CONSERVATIONIST WINS NATURAL LEGACY CONSERVATION AWARD
On October 12th, it was announced that Bob Hansen is the recipient of the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project Conservation award in Chadron, NE. Hansen is being recognized for his unparalleled volunteer work and attitude toward preserving Northeast Nebraska’s natural resources. Bob Hansen is a Nebraska Master Naturalist and volunteers with the... Read More

NACD CONTINUES FUNDING LOCAL SOIL CONSERVATIONIST
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is the nonprofit organization that represents America’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations, and the 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. The association was founded on the philosophy that conservation decisions should be made... Read More

TREE SALES BEGIN!
Each spring the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) distribute tree seedlings and provides planting services for conservation purposes such as windbreaks, shelter belts, and wildlife habitat. Seedling orders are accepted from October through March. Planning assistance is available through local Natural Resources Conservation... Read More

LEWIS AND CLARK NRD FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) Board of Directors approved the fiscal year 2023 budget with a slight increase in the overall expenses to $1,984,284 and a decrease in the property tax requirement. With increased property valuations across the district’s three-county area, the tax levy of $0.026759 per $100 of actual... Read More

REMINDER TO IRRIGATORS
If you are planning to expand irrigation to acres that have not been previously irrigated, it is important to check with the LCNRD staff before doing so. LCNRD requires well permits for all high-capacity wells and permits for expanding irrigation to acres that have not been previously irrigated. If the acres proposed for irrigation are steep... Read More

STATE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE WELL OWNERS TO INSTALL REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEMS
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has announced that funding will be available for private well owners to install reverse osmosis systems to address high nitrate levels in drinking water. Applications for the program will be accepted from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, with installation required to be completed by... Read More

WINDBREAK RENOVATION OPPORTUNITIES IN LCNRD
Windbreaks on farms, ranches, and home acreages provide critical protection for homes, livestock, farmsteads, crops, soil resources, water resources, and wildlife. Conservation tree plantings are valuable assets and investments for the rural landscape. A single tree planting provides numerous benefits to the owner and the neighborhood. However... Read More

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) sets aside funds each year to assist communities and other public entities in enhancing and protecting natural resources through the Community Assistance Program (CAP). LCNRD accepts applications year-round and approves requests on a first-come, first-served basis. Projects that will have... Read More

CKRWP Proposed Source Water Change and System Upgrades
August 09, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CKRWP Proposed Source Water Change and System Upgrades
The Cedar Knox Rural Water Project (CKRWP) is a Public Water System (PWS) that serves the communities of Crofton, Fordyce, St. Helena, and Obert; more than 900 rural connections; several sanitary improvement... Read More