GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – Central Platte NRD GIS Image Analyst Luke Zakrzewski will present fall groundwater levels at the upcoming Central Platte NRD Board of Directors meeting. As part of Central Platte NRD’s Groundwater Management Program, staff measure water levels in 386 irrigation observation wells, including 65 dedicated monitoring wells, during the spring and fall seasons. An average of 400 wells have been assessed annually since 2000.

The Central Platte NRD board meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at the Central Platte NRD office, 215 Kaufman Avenue in Grand Island. The meeting is open to the public.

AGENDA/ACTION ITEMS

Water Utilization Committee
The Water Utilization Committee will discuss options to sale 157-acre dryland cropland property (Schroeder property) located six miles southeast of Cozad. The NRD purchased the tract in 2018 to pursue Platte River credit opportunities, including groundwater recharge achieved through the retirement of irrigated acres, potential transfers from the South Side Irrigation District canal, and direct discharge to the Platte River from an adjacent site.

In 2022, the Board reviewed management options to maximize hydrologic benefits, and the tenant was notified that the acres would be converted to dryland to retire irrigation and secure 107 acre-feet of credit back to the Platte River. In 2023, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources reimbursed Central Platte NRD for 60 percent of the Platte River benefit, totaling $468,308. Vogt noted that the pivot bridges will be removed prior to the sale.

Weed Barrier Contractor Agreement 
The Board will review a proposed agreement with Ron Brockmann of Doniphan to complete weed barrier installation for landowners through Central Platte NRD’s Weed Barrier Program. The fabric weed barrier provides a hassle-free solution to allow water and nutrients to penetrate the soil effectively, while offering long-lasting protection against weeds. CPNRD has sold 633 miles of weed barrier since 1991.

Auditor Report 
Jake Klabenes, CPA and Audit Director at Core CPAs, will present the 2024/2025 audit. The Board will review and consider action on the audit findings.

Building Committee 
The Building Committee will meet to review the progress of the NRD’s new office and education center.

Manager’s Report  
Lyndon Vogt, General Manager, will report.

Nebraska Association of Resources District  
Deb VanMatre, Central Platte NRD Representative, will report.

Nebraska Natural Resources Commission  
Doug Reeves, Middle Platte Basin Representative, will report.

Water Task Force
Tom Downey, Nitrate Legacy and Drinking Water Representative, will report.

Financial Report
The November financial report will be considered at the December Board meeting.

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

Upcoming Board Meetings   
December 18, January 22, February 26