News
WHY PLANT CONSERVATION TREES?
The first Nebraskan 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 planted by our forefathers.
Trees continue to be an important part of Nebraska’s landscape. It is estimated there is a need to annually plant about 6 million trees in Nebraska. A shelter belt planting can provide multiple benefits including:
- Environment: Helpful in carbon removal, returns oxygen to the atmosphere.
- Crop Protection: Protects crops against drought by providing protection from wind and heavy rain.
- Livestock Protection: Reduces stress on livestock during heat and winter storms.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides over-winter refuges, nesting sites and pollen and nectar feeding sources and protects other habitat.
- Soil Conservation: Creates natural barriers that protect soil and crops
- Water Quality: A cover of trees and shrubs minimizes soil erosion, stabilizes stream banks in riparian areas, and removes soil contaminants.
- Food: Many trees and shrubs are a valuable source of fruit and nuts for humans and animals.
- Water Management: Can reduce surface water runoff and pollution to the streams.
If you are interested in planting trees you can order seedlings in bundles of 25 from LCNRD. Order forms are available by contacting LCNRD at 402-254-6758 or at lcnrd.nebraska.gov/forestry. For information on developing a conservation tree plan contact your local NRCS office.
Lewis and Clark NRD Awarded NET Funding for Second Year of Bow Creek Watershed Project
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District was awarded second year funding totaling $85,195 from the Nebraska Environmental Trust for the Bow Creek Watershed Project. The Bow Creek Watershed Project works to protect and restore water resources in the Bow Creek Watershed. Four stream segments in Bow Creek are listed on Nebraska’s impaired... Read More
OPEN FIELDS AND WATERS PROGRAM OFFERED BY NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION
More than 97 percent of property in Nebraska is privately owned and obtaining access to private lands to hunt, trap and fish is one of the major challenges facing today’s hunters, trappers, and anglers.
In 2009, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) initiated the Open Fields and Waters (OFW) program to increase public... Read More
Windbreak Renovation Opportunities in Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District
Windbreaks on farms, ranches, and home acreages across the country 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... Read More
NDNR requires all irrigation wells to be registered. Is your well properly registered?
All irrigation wells must be registered with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR). It is important wells be registered correctly to ensure that they are not determined to be an illegal well. An illegal well is one that has not been registered or is registered inaccurately with NDNR.
Enactment of LB962 in 2004... Read More
Importance of Testing Private Well Water
Testing your private well's water quality on a regular basis is an important part of maintaining a safe and reliable source. The test results allow you to properly address the specific problems of a water supply. This will help ensure the water source is being properly protected from potential contamination, and appropriate treatment is... Read More
Wanted Weather Watchers
NeRAIN is a network of volunteers who report rainfall from across the state of Nebraska. Funding for NeRAIN comes from the 13 participating NRDs and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.
Help make an impact: Farmers and others need accurate rain, snow and hail data to make decisions on their operations. Local citizens can help, and... Read More
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 which is no longer serviceable and need to have it permanently taken out of service, LCNRD can help you protect your property and groundwater by having it properly sealed.
... Read More
Spring 2021 Well Measuring Results
The static water levels of 33 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 2.1 feet from the spring 2020 with 31 wells showing a decrease.
... Read More
NRD Encourages 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 ground water 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
Small Grain Incentive Program Option Offered
Ag producers in northeast Nebraska have an incentive program available for adding small grains into their crop rotations. In an effort to promote small grains as a way to address a variety of natural resource concerns, the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC), the Natural Resources... Read More
2021 Scholarship Winners Announced for the LCNRD
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) awarded two Patefield-Green Memorial Scholarships to high school seniors in 2021. The LCNRD provides college scholarship funds to graduates who intend to pursue agricultural related career, in hopes that they will return and contribute to local communities and to the protection and... Read More
Protecting Your Trees in Time of Drought
Some forecasters are predicting lower than usual rainfall for Nebraska in 2021. In case that happens, here are some recommendation to protect a tree planting in a water scarce year:
Provide supplemental water - trees planted in the last 10 years may need supplemental watering to survive during a drought. Even well-esablished trees that... Read More
Chemigation Reminder
Chemigation is an efficient method for applying fertilizer and pesticide to growing crops. If you plan to use irrigation for the application of fertilizer and/or pesticide the Nebraska Chemigation Act requires you have a Chemigation Permit. Irrigation systems that had permits in 2020 are eligible to renew the permit at a cost of $20.00 each... Read More
LCNRD 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
Stewardship Week Promoted
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD), in partnership with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), is celebrating Stewardship Week from April 25 – May 2, 2021, focusing on the theme “Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities.”
LCNRD is a member of NACD, which oversees the annual Stewardship Week program,... Read More
Encourage Best Management Practice when Applying Fertilizer
After a long winter, farmers have been 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,... Read More
Scholarships Offered for Natural Resources Camp
Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are asking all interested middle schools students to sign up today for the annual Adventure Camp about the Environment (ACE). If you are interested in having fun and learning about Nebraska Natural Resources and will have completed sixth, seventh and eighth grades in the 2020-2021 school year, this... Read More
Permit Requirements For Irrigators
Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) requires all high-capacity wells that pump more than 50 gpm (including stock and irrigation) to have an approved permit prior to drilling the well. LCNRD also requires a permit to expand irrigation to acres that have not been previously irrigated by ground water. LCNRD... Read More
Nebraska Tree Canopy in Decline
Trees help soften the harsh climate of the Great Plains, but recent events are leaving Nebraska communities at risk of being devoid of trees and their innumerable benefits.
According to Jorden Smith, the Nebraska Forest Service, “Nebraska communities lost an average of 18 percent of their tree canopy in... Read More
National Groundwater Awareness
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and The Groundwater Foundation (GF) sponsors National Groundwater Awareness across the United States during the month or March. National Groundwater Awareness highlights the responsible development, management and use of groundwater, and is also a platform to encourage yearly... Read More
Time to Plan for Tree Planting in 2021
The 2021 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 be taking orders for conservation trees from now until April 1, 2021 for spring planting.
Conservation trees play vital roles in our... Read More
Scholarship Available to Seniors
$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 who reside within the LCNRD boundary. Patefield – Green Memorial Scholarships are available to students who intend to pursue an agricultural... Read More
CKRWP Offers Scholarship to Seniors
The Cedar Knox Rural Water Project (CKRWP) Advisory Committee provides a $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... Read More
Chemigation Training 2021
Chemigation 2021 Training and Testing
Chemigation Applicator Certification Training for 2021 will only be offered via online certification; there will be no in-person classes held. The training will be available on the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) web site starting January 1, 2021. This... Read More
Local Students Receive Poster Contest Recognition
Two local students from the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) received recognition for posters submitted for the National Association Conservation Districts (NACD) poster contest. The theme for 2020 was “Where would BEE Without Pollinators?”. LCNRD winners were Colton Heimes and Kiersten Hans of Wynot Schools. These posters... Read More
2020 Year in Review
In 2020, the Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) board of directors continued to implement projects and services to protect and enhance natural resources which protects the lives, property, and future of Northeast Nebraskans. LCNRD activities are led by a board of eleven locally elected directors; Carolyn Heine and Russ Schmidt... Read More
Shrub Plantings for Wet Areas
As fall turns to winter and the first of many snowstorms of the season comes and melts, many homeowners are quick to discover, before the next snowstorm, there is always a spot or two in their lawn that just naturally stays a little more wet than the other areas of the lawn. The reasons behind this occurrence can be as... Read More
Fall 2020 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 2020 readings, following a pumping season that was heavier than recent years, show average water levels lower than the fall of 2019. Of the 34 wells measured 31 showed a lower... Read More
Bow Creek Watershed Project Pays Producers to Implement Practices
In 2020, the Lewis and Clark NRD’s Bow Creek Watershed Project was selected for funding by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust to assist producers in implementing best management practices that will decrease nonpoint source pollutants entering Bow Creek. Modeling indicates that identified best... Read More
Weed Barrier May Be Choking Your Trees
Many landowners who plant windbreaks also install weed barrier fabric. The black bio-degradable barrier eliminates the need for mechanical or chemical weed control between and around the trees. Supplemental water and natural rainfall are also held in the soil longer when the weed barrier is installed.
Although there are benefits to... Read More
Reminder to All 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. As of August 1, 2014 LCNRD requires well permits for high capacity wells and permits for expanding irrigation to acres that have not been previously irrigated. If the acres proposed for... Read More
Cover Crop Program Available
SIGN-UP BY SEPTEMBER 1ST FOR LCNRD COVER CROP PROGRAM
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD), is offering a cost-share program for producers in Knox, Cedar, and Dixon Counties. The Cover Crop Program offers an incentive payment of up to $1,000 per year, for up to 3 years, to encourage the use of... Read More
The Importance of Private Well Water Testing
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIVATE WELL WATER TESTING
Testing your private well's water quality on a regular basis is an important part of maintaining a safe and reliable source. The test results allow you to properly address the specific problems of a water supply. This will help ensure that the water source is being properly... Read More
Seal Abandoned or Unused Wells
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 which is no longer serviceable and need to have it permanently taken out of service, LCNRD can help you protect... Read More
Small Grains Incentive Program
Small Grain Incentive Program
In an effort to promote small grains as a way to address a variety of natural resource concerns, the Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD), the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Pheasants... Read More
NRDs Encourage Well Owners to Address Concerns Early
NRDs Encourage Well Owners to Address Concerns Early
Rainfall has been abundant over the last several years and groundwater supplies have increased across the Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD). Hopefully, sufficient rainfall will continue through 2021, however, if irrigation needs increase, the... Read More
Spring 2020 Well Measuring Results
Spring 2020 Well Measuring Results
The static water levels of 33 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 .10... Read More
Chemigation Reminder
Chemigation Reminder
Chemigation is an efficient method for applying fertilizer and pesticide to growing crops. If you plan to use irrigation for the application of fertilizer and/or pesticide the Nebraska Chemigation Act requires you have a Chemigation Permit. Irrigation systems that had permits... Read More
District Officials Concerned About Sodbuster Impacts
DISTRICT OFFICIALS CONCERNED ABOUT SODBUSTER IMPACTS
Over the last several years there has been considerable conversion of pasture and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land to row crop throughout areas in northeastern Nebraska according to officials of LCNRD. Grassland acres with steep slopes which are broken... Read More
New Staff Welcomed at Lewis & Clark NRD
NEW STAFF WELCOMED AT LEWIS & CLARK NRD
The Lewis and Clark NRD and board of directors welcomes Chase Buettner to the NRD staff. Chase was hired as a Resource Technician and began his duties at the NRD on February 24th. His job duties as Resource Technician include working with producers on water quality programs in... Read More
Permits Required For Chemical Application Through Irrigation Systems
Permits Required for Chemical Application through Irrigation Systems
Chemigation is the application of any chemical (fertilizer, pesticide, herbicides, or fungicide) through an irrigation system. If a producer intends to inject nitrogen fertilizer,... Read More
LCNRD Reminds You To Test Your Wells
LCNRD Reminds you to Test your Wells
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and the Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) recommend well owners test their well water used for drinking water at least annually for bacteria, nitrates, and any... Read More
Cover Crop Program Available
COVER CROP PROGRAM AVAILABLE THROUGH LCNRD
The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) offers a cost-share program for residents in the three-county area of Knox, Cedar, and Dixon. The Cover Crop Program offers an incentive payment of up to 50% of the establishment cost to help protect soil resources over the winter... Read More
