GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) Board of Directors voted at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Thursday to market and sell its current office building, shops, and all grounds located at 215 Kaufman Avenue in Grand Island. The sale will be conducted through a sealed bid process, with bids to be opened at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Staff are expected to relocate to the District’s new office and education center at 9644 W. 13th Street, just north of Grand Island, following its expected completion in July.

Agenda / Action Items

Variance Appeal
The Board approved an appeal submitted by a Hall County landowner to drill a supplemental well, with the condition that it may only be used to irrigate the adjacent property under the same ownership.

Outdoor Classroom Application Approved
The Board approved an Outdoor Classroom application for $2,360 submitted by Grand Island Senior High Success Academy for the Building Bluebird Nesting Boxes project. The student-led service-learning project was initiated by the eighth through tenth-grade students in the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG Nebraska) program at the GISH Success Academy.

Students will build 50 bluebird nesting boxes and provide maintenance for five years to support local bluebird populations by creating additional nesting sites. The project also provides hands-on learning opportunities while increasing students’ understanding of bird conservation, wildlife management, and habitat restoration. Nesting boxes will be installed at area schools, community and conservation locations. Bluebird populations declined by nearly 90% during the 20th century but have increased significantly due to nest box programs.

Manager’s Report
Lyndon Vogt, General Manager, reported on the following:

Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP): CPNRD, the PRRIP, and Central Nebraska Public Power District are working to develop a long-term water agreement through 2032 regarding the Dawson County canals. This water supports the NRD’s Integrated Management Plan goals, and any portion not needed for compliance may be provided to PRRIP to assist in meeting its water requirements.
Meadowlark Project: CPNRD staff are continuing discussions with the Department of Water, Energy and Environment, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, and Nebraska Public Power District regarding water offset needs for Project Meadowlark. The City of Gothenburg and JWC GBURG LLC recently finalized an agreement to integrate new wells into the city’s system to increase overall water capacity.  Because the project will utilize groundwater from the Platte River Basin, it is required to provide offsets to prevent depletions to the Platte River. CPNRD is responsible for monitoring these offsets to ensure compliance with the Integrated Management Plan, which is designed to protect river flows for endangered species downstream. Vogt said CPNRD has offered to assist with water offsets the first few years; however, a long-term offset plan will be required for the project to move forward.
Precision Conservation Management: The Precision Conservation Management (PCM) Program, funded through the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program, has updated its management structure and will assume administration of the Precision Conservation Specialist position in the Gothenburg area, currently held by Darren Cudaback, effective July 1, 2026. The PCM Program, sponsored by the Illinois Corn Growers Association, has reimbursed CPNRD for hosting the Precision Conservation Specialist position. PCM provides producers with economic analysis to evaluate the value of adopting conservation practices such as cover crops, nutrient timing, and reduced tillage.
Nitrogen Management Program: Violation letters have been mailed to 137 producers who are not in compliance with CPNRD’s Nitrogen Management Program. Of those, 31 producers have not submitted the required Nitrogen Management Certification Test.
Nebraska Primary Candidates: Four of the eight Legislative Districts representing the CPNRD area will appear on the Primary Election ballot: District 22 (Mike Moser, term-limited), District 34 (Loren Lippincott), District 41 (Fred Meyer, did not file), and District 44 (Teresa Ibach, not contested). Other senators representing the CPNRD area include Jana Hughes (District 24), Dan Lonowski (District 33), Dan Quick (District 35), and Stan Clouse (District 37).

Natural Resources Conservation Service Report  
Janelle Taubenheim, Kearney Field Office, reported Buffalo County has 5 new and 50 active contracts for the Environmental Quality and Incentives Program (EQIP), and 7 new and 13 active contracts for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

Taubenheim also reported that current Cultural Resource protocol adjusted how NRCS proceeds with NRD applications, including restrictions due to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Wetlands and Forest/Woodland Habitat is prohibited to destroy perennial vegetation Between May 1 - July 15. Any practice that destroys perennial vegetation is prohibited Between April 1 - July 15. There is allowed flexibility to implement brush management and prescribed burning during the primary nesting period if the only purpose is to restore and maintain grassland and prairie habitats. Additional information is available at https://www.fws.gov/law/migratory-bird-treaty-act-1918.

Joe Krolikowski, District Conservationist, updated the Board on emergency assistance available to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners affected by recent wildfires. A special emergency sign-up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is open and applications are being accepted. NRCS is actively providing both technical and financial assistance to repair or replace damaged livestock grazing system infrastructure and valuable forage resources essential for livestock needs. Producers affected by the wildfires need to contact their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible to complete an application and early start waiver if necessary. NRCS staff are available to assess damage, develop conservation plans, and help determine which practices best support recovery efforts.

2026–2027 Budget
The Programs Committee reviewed staff recommendations for the Cost Share Programs and Information/Education budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. The Cost Share Programs budget will be revisited next month, and the Information/Education Specialist’s recommendations will be forwarded to the Budget Committee.

The Eastern Projects and Western Projects committees also began reviewing their respective budgets for the upcoming fiscal year and will meet again next month to finalize adjustments.

Nebraska Association of Resources District (NARD)
Deb VanMatre, NARD Board Secretary-Treasurer, reported that 50 representatives attended the NARD Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., in March and met with congressional representatives.

Financial Report
The April financial report was approved.

Cost-Share Programs
Seven applications for underground pipe to pivot, burn preparation, sensor-based nutrient management, flow meter and well decommissioning practices were approved for $17,342.68 through the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program and Central Platte NRD cost-share programs.

Upcoming Board Meetings   
May 28, June 25, July 23