(GRAND ISLAND, NE) – The Central Platte Natural Resources District’s (CPNRD) board of directors have scheduled a public hearing on proposed changes to the NRD’s Rules and Regulations for the Groundwater Management Plan. Changes include new language regarding wells and adds a timeline for staff to receive transfer applications.

The last change increases the number of years that transfers are not allowed, from two years to five years, within a Ground Water Management Area where declines have been in excess of the 25% of the allowable level. The levels are determined by measurements taken in the spring by NRD staff.

The hearing will be held at 1:00 p.m. prior to board’s September 27th monthly meeting.  The board will take action on the proposed changes at the board meeting. The proposed changes are available for download at cpnrd.org or by contacting the CPNRD office at (308) 385-6282.

OTHER ACTION/AGENDA ITEMS

-Tree Program Agreement  The board will consider an agreement with the USDA Forest Service to allow the NARD to acquire tree seedlings and shrubs to distribute seedlings across the state through the Natural Resources Districts.

-Upper Prairie/Silver/Moores Update  Jesse Mintken, assistant manager, will give an update on the Flood Risk Reduction Project.

-Conjunctive Management Report  Brandi Flyr, hydrologist, will report on spring recharge from the Dawson County canals and give an update on the Conjunctive Management pilot program.

-Platte River Recovery Program Update  The board will take action to elect a voting delegate and alternate for the Land Advisory Committee for the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program.

-Elect Land Advisory Representatives  The board will take action to elect a voting delegate and alternate for the Nebraska Association of Resources District’s annual conference in September.

-Long Range Implementation Plan  The board will take action to approve the Long Range Implementation Plan for 2018-2022, as required under the Nebraska Natural Resources District Act. The Plan summarizes planned district activities and includes projections of financial, staff, and land right needs of the district for the next five years.

-Cost-Share  Applications through the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation and the Central Platte NRD cost-share programs will be considered.

-Nebraska Association of Resources District  Jim Bendfeldt will report.

-Nebraska Natural Resources Commission  Mick Reynolds, Middle Platte Basin representative, will report.

-Natural Resources Conservation Service  Joe Krolikowski, District liaison, will report to the board.

-Awards Update  Report on Hall of Fame awardees who were recognized at Husker Harvest Days.

Marcia Lee

Information/Education Specialist

Central Platte Natural Resources District

215 Kaufman Ave  Grand Island NE 68803

(308) 385-6282  www.cpnrd.org