LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District Board of Directors approved the FY 2027 Property Tax Request and adopted its Fiscal Year 2027–2031 Long-Range Implementation Plan during its Sept. 23, 2026, meeting. The Board also approved work to protect saline wetlands, repair Oak Creek Trail bridges, replace a flood control culvert, and continue stream monitoring.

Board Approves Property Tax Request and Adopts Long-Range Implementation Plan
The Board adopted the District’s FY 2027–2031 Long-Range Implementation Plan, which guides planning for future projects and budgets. The plan outlines work related to flood reduction, water quality, groundwater protection, habitat conservation, and recreation.

The balanced FY2027 budget totals approximately $43.5 million, including cash reserves and funding for programs and projects. The Board approved the budget in August and finalized its property tax request of $14,907,283.66 and levy of $0.026415 per $100 of assessed valuation at the September meeting.

Saline Wetland Protection Moves Forward
The Board approved $300,000 toward the City of Lincoln’s acquisition of the Llama Ranch property along Little Salt Creek. The property will connect existing public lands and protect additional habitat for the critically endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle. After the City acquires the property, a portion southwest of the creek will be transferred to LPSNRD.

The Board also authorized an agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for $2,425,753 in federal funding to design approximately 120 ecosystem restoration projects on public properties along Little Salt Creek. The proposed projects will help reconnect the floodplain and restore habitat. Federal funding covers 100% the design and engineering phase.

Trail and Flood Control Repairs Advance
The Board approved agreements with Theisen Construction Inc. for repairs to two Oak Creek Trail bridges. Repairs to Road 30 West #1 bridge will cost $239,344, and repairs to Road 31 West #1 bridge will cost $151,500. Both bridges were identified needing repairs during inspections.

On behalf of the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance, the Board accepted MC Wells’ $385,250 bid to replace a discharge culvert at Camp Ashland’s Turner Lake and approved a joint funding agreement for the project with the Papio-Missouri River NRD and the Nebraska Army National Guard. LPSNRD will administer the work through the Alliance at no cost to the District.

Other Items Receiving Board Approval:
• The August 26, 2026, Board meeting minutes and the financial report for July and August, including publication of August expenditures.
• Two fall Surface Water Quality Best Management Practice cost-share applications totaling $30,000. The assistance will support terrace projects on agriculture land in Cass and Lancaster counties.
• Up to $10,000 through the Good Neighbor Wildlife Habitat Program to clear invasive trees and restore grassland on private property near Denton.
• A $10,025 agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey to operate the Deadmans Run stream gage for the coming year. The District and City of Lincoln will split the cost.
• A $131,945 agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey to operate 15 stream gages across the District for the coming year.
• A $37,299 budget overrun from cash reserves to replace a District vehicle.

As a reminder, board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
The next regular board meeting will be Oct. 21, 2026, at the LPSNRD office in Lincoln.