Central Platte NRD Approves Annual Audit Report

GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) Board of Directors approved the district’s 2025–2026 annual audit report, which received a clean (unmodified) audit opinion with no significant findings. The report was presented by Jake Klabenes, CPA, with Core CPAs. The independent audit reviewed the district’s financial statements for the fiscal year and found that they were fairly presented, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

The annual audit is an important part of CPNRD’s commitment to financial transparency, accountability, and responsible management of public funds. It provides the Board and the public with an independent assessment of the district’s financial reporting and practices. The audit report is available for public review by contacting the Central Platte NRD.

ADDITIONAL AGENDA/ACTION ITEMS

Building Committee 
Mick Reynolds, Building Committee Chairman, reported that the Building Committee discussed progress of CPNRD’s new office and education center to review progress. Central Platte NRD staff are expected to move into the new office at 9644 W. 13th Street near Wood River by early December. CPNRD’s new mailing address will be P.O. Box 167, Grand Island, NE 68802.

Variance Appeals Committee
Director Barry Obermiller reported that the Variance Appeals Committee reviewed a variance request from Dawson County. The Board approved the request following the committee’s recommendation.

Water Quality Committee
Jerry Milner, Water Quality Chairman, reported that the Committee met to discuss Nitrogen Management Program violations but took no action.

Manager’s Report  
Lyndon Vogt, General Manager, provided updates on the following several projects and activities:

• Hay Bale Donation: In September, the Board approved donating 116 hay bales to producers affected by this summer’s wildfires. The bales will be donated to the Baxter family, who have agreed to share their story with local media and CPNRD.
• Dawson County Canals: Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has offered dry-year leases to the Cozad Canal, Southside Irrigation Company, and Thirty Mile Irrigation District in which CPNRD has a 50% ownership interest, in response to low water levels at Lake McConaughy. Consideration of the offer is being discussed by the Irrigation Districts.
• Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP)
  CPNRD has not yet received a signed contract from the PRRIP Governance Committee for the 2027 exchange water and is actively negotiating with a third party to purchase the Exchange water stored in Lake McConaughy.
• ONE RED Program: CPNRD staff are completing training in preparation for the mid-November launch of Nebraska’s voluntary ONE RED Ag Data Bank and Grants Program. The program offers financial incentives and grant funding to producers who adopt technologies and practices that improve water management, nutrient efficiency and soil health. Darren Cudaback and Collin Quandt will be the main contacts for CPNRD.
• Board Vacancy: Director Dwayne Margritz announced plans to move outside Subdistrict 2 and submit his resignation in December. The Board will form a search committee to identify a replacement. Margritz has served on the CPNRD Board since 2005.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Report  
Joe Krolikowski, District Conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), reported that staff are assisting producers with conservation planning and applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).

EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to help producers address natural resource concerns on their land, including soil health, water quality, grazing management and wildlife habitat. CSP helps producers build on existing conservation practices to improve the overall sustainability of their agricultural operations. NRCS accepts requests for technical assistance and program applications throughout the year.

Janelle Taubenheim, Resource Conservationist, provided an update on conservation programs administered through the NRCS Kearney Field Office. During fiscal year 2026, the office obligated 38 new conservation contracts and assessed 90 program applications. Staff also received 11 applications for CPNRD conservation programs and completed eight new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts. The office currently manages 100 active contracts.

Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Report
Deb VanMatre, NARD Secretary/Treasurer, provided highlights from the NARD Annual Conference held in September. Three CPNRD staff members were recognized for their years of service to Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts: Lyndon Vogt, 30 years; Kelly Cole, 25 years; and Angela Warner, 20 years.

During the conference, the NARD Board adopted three legislative resolutions addressing bonding authority for flood control and water enhancement projects, administration of the Nebraska Chemigation Program, and payroll expenditure and salary publication requirements for Natural Resources Districts.

VanMatre also reported that NARD Executive Director Dean Edson announced his retirement effective in December, following 29 years of service with the Association.

Financial Report
The October financial report was approved.

Cost-Share Application
Seven applications totaling $31,850.00 were approved for burn preparation, reverse osmosis, well decommissioning and cover crops through the Nebraska Soil & Water Conservation Program and Central Platte NRD cost-share programs.