Lower Platte South NRD Accepts FY2026 Audit, Approves Water Quality Cost-Share Applications

LINCOLN, Nebraska — The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) Board of Directors approved surface water quality cost-share applications and accepted the District’s FY2026 audit at its Oct. 21, 2026, meeting. Directors also received updates on conservation programs and upcoming activities and recognized District staff who helped monitor flood-control infrastructure during the heavy rainfall earlier this month.

Surface Water Quality Cost-Share
The Board approved three applications through the District’s fall conservation program to install terraces that help reduce soil erosion and runoff. The projects include one in Lancaster County and two in Cass County, totaling $45,000 in cost-share funding. 

The applications were reviewed prior to the Board meeting by the Eastern and Western Review Groups and met the program’s criteria. The terraces are part of LPSNRD’s ongoing work with landowners to support conservation practices that protect soil and water quality.

FY2026 Audit
The Board accepted the District’s FY2026 audit, presented by HBE LLP. The auditor concluded the District’s financial statements present its financial position fairly. The District will continue relying on Board review of its financial statements.

Flood Response and Staff Recognition
The Board of Directors thanked the Lower Platte South NRD staff members who helped monitor and patrol flood-control infrastructure during the heavy rainfall on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Crews worked through the night to inspect structures, identify concerns, and coordinate with partner agencies. The District’s flood-control system performed as designed during the event.

The rainfall tested infrastructure across the region. Lincoln Airport recorded 6.15 inches, and some areas of the Salt Creek Watershed reported up to 10.41 inches. LPSNRD operates and maintains the Salt Creek Levee through Lincoln and more than 190 dams across the District.

All Lower Platte South NRD properties have since reopened, though cleanup and damage assessments continue. Visitors should use caution around cleanup work. On the hard surfaces of the Salt Creek Levee, trail users should be prepared to yield to District and City vehicles conducting inspections.

Conservation Programs and Upcoming Activities
Staff reports highlighted ongoing land-treatment work in Lancaster and Cass counties. District and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff are promoting expansion of the cover crop program, processing conservation cost-share applications, and providing planning and technical assistance to landowners. Current program activity includes cover crop planting and structural conservation applications and construction in in both counties.

The Board also received the monthly permits and program approvals report, which included assistance through the community forestry, cover crop, and landscape tree programs, as well as preliminary and final water well permits.

Lower Platte South NRD’s Test Your Well Week is underway this week at the District office and runs through Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. The District also scheduled a final open house for its Groundwater Management Plan for Nov. 19, 2026, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Ashland Public Library.

Board meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18, 2026, at the Valparaiso Fire Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m.