LINCOLN, Nebraska — The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) Board of Directors acted on a range of projects at its February 2026 meeting, advancing trail connectivity, stream stabilization efforts, conservation programs, and strategic partnerships across the district.

Middle Creek Stream Stabilization Approved
The Board approved a contract with Van Dorn Valley Construction Company for the Middle Creek #5 Stream Stabilization Project in the amount of $354,252.50. The project, located east of SW 40th Street in Lincoln, will address channel incision and bank instability along Middle Creek. The project is part of the NRD and City of Lincoln’s Master Plan efforts and will be funded through a 50/50 cost-share partnership between the two entities. Construction is expected to begin this month and be completed by July 2026.

Culvert Inspections Authorized
Directors approved a professional services agreement with Houston Engineering for culvert inspections and rehabilitation recommendations on Salt Creek and Oak Creek in the amount of $30,868. The inspections will evaluate two Salt Creek drainage structures and one Oak Creek structure identified during routine fall inspections.

Buffer Strip Booster Program Developed
The Board approved the new Lower Platte South NRD Buffer Strip Booster Program. The initiative provides a one-time incentive payment up to 100% of the contracted annual payment per acre to increase enrollment in the Nebraska Buffer Strip Program and encourage water quality protection along streams, ponds, and wetlands. Enrollment can be made through your NRCS Field Offices.

MoPac East Connector Design Amendment Approved
The Board approved Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement with JEO Consulting Group for the MoPac East Connector Project. The amendment updates the scope of services to reflect ongoing work, including completion of 2.25 miles of trail east of Wabash, additional feasibility assessments, and expanded stakeholder engagement.

Other Items Receiving Board Approval:

• The sale of a 255.85 square foot permanent easement to the Nebraska Department of Transportation for drainage improvements at the Highway 1 and MoPac East Trail intersection near Elmwood.
• An agreement with Judson Irrigation to install a saline ground water sprinkler system at Marsh Wren Community Wetland. The new system will complement the existing ground water pumping system and help provide more consistent soil moisture conditions during Salt Creek Tiger Beetle activity periods. The improvement supports ongoing conservation efforts in partnership with the Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership and enhances habitat management at the site.
• Agreements with Cass County and Saunders County for updated digital aerial imagery covering portions of the Lower Platte South NRD. These agreements support land management and conservation planning efforts.
• Approval of the 2026 Lower Platte South NRD Average Cost Schedule for the Surface Water Quality Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program to ensure local cost-share rates accurately reflect current contractor pricing.
• The purchase of a 15-foot flex-wing mower from Hamilton Equipment of Lincoln to support District operations.

As a reminder, Lower Platte South NRD board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The next regular board meeting will be March 18, 2026, at the Lower Platte South NRD office in Lincoln.