GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – In 2020, the Central Platte Natural Resources District (NRD) was selected to receive three Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) grants from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to evaluate flood risks and identify potential solutions within the Elm–Turkey Creeks, Spring–Buffalo Creek, and Lower Wood River watersheds. The two-year grants covered 100% of costs associated with completing environmental assessments and developing watershed plans.

At its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, the Central Platte NRD Board of Directors approved moving forward with the design phase of the Elm–Turkey Creeks Watershed Flood Risk Reduction Plan. Advancing to the design phase allows the District to pursue future funding opportunities but does not commit Central Platte NRD to construction or additional project phases. Progress beyond design will depend on available funding, partnerships, and the timing of federal resources. Projects of this scale typically take several years to plan and complete.

The Elm and Turkey Creeks watershed spans more than 106,000 acres in Dawson and Buffalo counties, including areas near the southern edge of the City of Kearney. Flooding risks within the watershed are influenced by the region’s flat topography and multiple flow constraints, including locations near I-80.

The approved design plan includes two diversion channels along the southern portion of the Turkey Creek watershed that would convey floodwaters south during a 100-year storm event, helping to prevent an estimated $90 million in flood damages in the Kearney area. The design phase will be fully funded by NRCS if federal funding becomes available. A project StoryMap is available at:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5a104fadbc674bda9d8f85d9c1458582

Spring Creek Watershed: Also at Thursday’s meeting, the Board approved the Spring Creek Watershed Plan but voted not to proceed with the design phase due to a low benefit–cost ratio and a lack of public support. Approval of the plan allows partner agencies to revisit and use elements of the plan in the future.

The study area covers approximately 266,870 acres, consisting primarily of agricultural land, grassland/pasture, and row crops. The City of Lexington is located within the study area, while Cozad and Overton are adjacent to the watershed. In 2023, proposed revisions to the plan’s alternatives and economic analyses were reviewed with NRCS and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, resulting in the removal of Buffalo Creek from the alternative.

Lower Wood River Watershed: The Board voted to terminate the Wood River Watershed WFPO in 2024. The decision was based on the cost-benefit analysis, which showed that the level of flood risk reduction was not justified by the cost to address a 25-year flooding event. The plan, initiated in 2020, evaluated flood risk reduction alternatives for areas near Gibbon, Shelton, Wood River and Alda. The proposed design included a 400-foot-wide diversion channel west of the City of Gibbon.

OTHER ACTION
Sensor-Based Nutrient Management Cost-Share Rate Increased
The Board approved an increase to the District’s Sensor-Based Nutrient Management cost-share rate, raising the payment from $11 per acre to $13.50 per acre with a two-year commitment. The program covers 75% of the service fee, to support producers in using data-driven nitrogen management platforms that help improve groundwater quality across the District.

Local provider platforms, such as Sentinel Ag, assist producers by delivering daily crop nitrogen and soil-moisture insights, helping maximize crop potential while minimizing wasted nutrients. Recent results show increased profitability for producers who adopt these technologies. Participating producers receive one-third of the cost-share payment after the first year, with the remaining two-thirds paid following the second year. Producers may enroll up to two fields, for a combined maximum of 320 acres.

Nitrate Movement and Leaching Study
The Board approved the low bid of $253,977.96 from EA Engineering for vadose zone soil sampling, representing Central Platte NRD’s portion of the geotechnical services for the study titled Examining the Effects of Fertilizer Application Practices on Nitrate Movement and Leaching in the Lower Loup, Central Platte, and Upper Big Blue NRDs. Three additional bids were received from Olsson, Spheros, and UES.

The multi-year study will monitor nutrient movement and soil characteristics across eight agricultural fields, including three with side-dress fertilizer applications, three using chemigation, and two with manure applications. Deep core soil sampling, extending to 30 feet, will be conducted annually post-harvest and pre-planting at three locations within each field. Shallow core sampling, extending to 8 feet, will also occur monthly during the growing season, from post-planting through August, at the same locations.

Data from the study will be used to evaluate nitrogen losses associated with different fertilizer application practices, improving understanding of nitrate movement and supporting future management decisions and best management practice recommendations. A total of $631,200 in Water Sustainability Funds has been awarded for the project, with matching funds provided by the participating NRDs. Central Platte and Upper Big Blue NRDs will each contribute $105,200, while Lower Loup NRD will provide $210,400. The study will continue through 2028.

Variance Appeals Committee
The Board denied an appeal from a landowner in Dawson County, upholding a conservation easement that is on the property.

Violation Report on Irrigated Acres
Luke Zakrzewski, GIS Image Analyst, reported that all 17 producers who received violation letters in January for irrigating land that was not certified or approved through a transfer are expected to come into compliance.

Board Officer Nominating Committee
The Board Officer Nominating Committee recommended Keith Ostermeier of Grand Island to serve as secretary and Marvion Reichert of Elm Creek to serve as treasurer. Both have completed one term and will serve their second terms through 2028.

Committee Signups 
Board members selected two committees to serve on in 2026. Committee chairman selected: Water Quality - Jerry Milner; Water Utilization – Brian Keiser, Programs – Kevin Werner, Western Projects – Lon Bohn; and Eastern Projects – Chuck Maser.

General Election 
Central Platte NRD has 21 members on the board of directors who serve four-year terms, with two directors in each of the NRD’s 10 sub-districts and one at-large director.  Directors in the same sub-district are elected in alternate election years. The following incumbents have filed for the upcoming election. The non-incumbent deadline is March 2, 2026.

Subdistrict       Director                                                    
Subdistrict 1    Brian Keiser, Gothenburg                       
Subdistrict 2    Tom Downey, Lexington                         
Subdistrict 3    Luke Ourada, Elm Creek                                    
Subdistrict 4    Lon Bohn, Gibbon                                       
Subdistrict 5    Deb VanMatre, Gibbon                               
Subdistrict 6    Jerry Milner, Grand Island                            
Subdistrict 7    Ed Stoltenberg, Cairo                                      
Subdistrict 8    Kevin Werner, Grand Island                         
Subdistrict 9    Amy Kyes, Central City                                    
Subdistrict 10  Charles Maser, Grand Island                         
At-Large          Keith Ostermeier, Grand Island                    

New Office and Education Center 
The Building Committee met at the site of the NRD’s new office and education center to review construction progress. Jesse Mintken, Assistant Manager, reported that the building is 75% complete and that the maintenance shop footings have been completed.

Manager’s Report  
Lyndon Vogt, General Manager, reported on the following:
- Perkins County Canal: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Omaha District Regulatory Division is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act for the proposed Perkins County Canal Project. The EIS will analyze the potential impacts of the proposed project on the human and natural environment. Comments on the proposed project will be accepted through April 6, 2026.

- Schroeder Property: The 157-acre dryland cropland tract located six miles southeast of Cozad, known as the Schroeder Property, was auctioned by Agri Affiliates for $716,170. In addition, the 12 steel pivot bridges listed with Adam Marshall Land & Auction were sold for $21,500.

- Kent Miller Retirement: Kent Miller, General Manager of the Twin Platte Natural Resources District, retired February 27, 2026, following nearly 53 years of service with the NRD. Miller is the last remaining original manager from the formation of Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts in 1972.

- Water Programs Update: Central Platte NRD’s annual Water Programs Update was held in Lexington on February 10, with 61 attendees, including presenters and staff. In addition to Central Platte NRD staff presentations, featured speakers included Dr. Joe Luck (UNL), Dr. Krista Brown (UNMC), Matt Manning (DWEE), and Mike Moritz (National Weather Service).

Natural Resources Conservation Service Report  
Joe Krolikowski, District Conservationist, provided status reports on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CStP), Conservation Reserve Programs (CRP), and the National Food Security Act Compliance Review. Carrie Thompson, Resources Conservationist of Lexington, reported on the three Nutrient Management and NRCS Cost Share Programs with EQIP and CSP, including Nutrient Management Basic, Precision Nutrient Application, and Prescription Nutrient Efficiency.

Nebraska Association of Resources District  
Deb VanMatre, CPNRD representative, reported that Governor Jim Pillen, Senator Tom Brandt, and Senator Robert Clements delivered remarks at the NARD Legislative Conference. VanMatre also noted that the NARD Board of Directors approved the Legislative Package and that NARD Insurance Risk Pool rates are not expected to increase this year.

Nebraska Natural Resources Commission  
Doug Reeves, Middle Platte Basin Representative, reported that applications are being accepted by the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission (NRC), although specific funding amounts through the Water Sustainability Fund (WSF) are not currently known. The funds support NRD-led projects, including water quality improvements, flood control, and conservation. The WSF is a primary source for water sustainability and infrastructure, with 10% of annual funds designated for storm/sewer projects.

Financial Report
The February financial report was approved.

Cost-Share Programs
Applications for underground pipe, brush management, burn preparation, cover crops, tree planting, and well decommissioning were approved for $23,269.75 through the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program and Central Platte NRD cost-share programs.

Upcoming 2026 Board Meetings   
March 26, April 23, May 28