GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – Tricia Dudley, Water Quality Specialist for the Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD), reported to the Board of Directors that several producers are currently in violation of the District’s Nitrogen Management Program. Violations occur when producers fail to submit required annual crop reports or do not provide water and soil sample results.

At their May 22, 2025, meeting, the Board approved Dudley’s request to issue cease and desist orders to the 30 producers who are out of compliance. The meeting was held at the CPNRD office in Grand Island, Nebraska.

AGENDA/ACTION ITEMS
Student Research Presentations
Olivia Wymer, a senior at Central City High School, presented her research project titled The Effect of Nitrates on C. Elegans. Wymer conducted the project under the guidance of Chelle Gillan, Biology and Health Sciences teacher at Central City High School. Wymer plans to continue her research at UNL. (photos attached)

Eastern Projects Committee
The Board approved the Eastern Projects Committee’s recommendation for the Central Platte NRD to serve as the fiscal agent for the Central City Riverfront Development Project. The request was submitted by the Platte PEER Group in April.

New Office and Education Center Updates
Jesse Mintken, Assistant Manager, gave a progress report to the Board on the new office and education center to be located at 9644 W 13th Street, Wood River, NE 68883. The building is scheduled for completion in February 2026. The Board approved the following:

-      Storage Warehouse
The Board approved a service agreement with JEO Consulting Group for $111,500 to design a storage warehouse near the new office building. The building will be approximately 60' x 145' (8,700 sq. ft.).

-      Interior Design Proposal
The Board approved a proposal for $12,000 from i.e. design-Interior Environment, of Lincoln, to provide consultation services for interior furniture and design for the new facility.

-      Building Change Order: The Board approved Change Order #4 from JEO Consulting Group in the amount of $73,776. The change order includes costs for site power installation, winter conditions equipment  (including a generator), and changes to electrical and aluminum frame finishes.

Water Quality Committee
The Water Quality Committee reviewed the process for submitting annual crop reports, compliance requirements and education outreach for the Nitrogen Management Program. No action was taken.

Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget
The Budget Committee began its review of funding requests for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

Staff Reports 
Luke Zakrzewski, GIS Image Analyst; Courtney Widup, Water Resources Technician; and Collin Quandt, Agronomist, presented an overview of their roles and responsibilities to the Board.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Report  
Joe Krolikowski, District Conservationist, reported that 150 applications were received in CPNRD for the FY 2025 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds. He also reported on the Conservation Stewardship Program (CStP). Of the 370 applications submitted across the state, 175 were preapproved for $23 million.

Financial Report
The May financial report was approved.

Cost-Share  
Two applications for planned grazing and tree planting were approved for $5,195 through the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program and Central Platte NRD cost-share programs.

Upcoming Board Meetings   
June 26, July 24, August 28