LINCOLN, Nebraska – From artificial intelligence to advanced data tools, the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ annual Legislative Conference will spotlight innovative technologies helping inform policy and guide natural resources management decisions across Nebraska, Jan. 27-28, 2026, in Lincoln.

The two-day conference brings together Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), elected officials and public-private partners integrally involved in conservation, technology and policymaking. The conference also provides attendees with an opportunity to learn how Nebraska’s NRDs work with landowners, state and federal agencies, and members of the public to protect Nebraska’s natural resources.

Governor Jim Pillen will kick off the event Tuesday, Jan. 27, followed by a property tax reform panel with the Nebraska Association of County Officials, Nebraska League of Municipalities, and Nebraska Association of School Boards; and a discussion of proposed legislation of interest to the NRDs. During the evening Senators Reception, NRD leaders will meet with state senators to discuss natural resource challenges and successes in their districts.

The conference continues Wednesday, Jan. 28, with breakout sessions for attendees, including:

• From Hype to Help: Practical AI
• Agricultural Data Management and Analytics Platform
• Higher Yields, Lower Costs - But New Legal Risks (Ag AI and Ag Data)
• Cyber Security and Fraud Prevention
• Accounting for Groundwater Use with Remote Sensing, Big Data, the Internet of Things
• Making Informed Decisions About Third-Party Software
• Reducing the Loss of Productive Farmland through Agricultural Land Easements
• Building Resilient Nebraska: NRDs’ Role in Engagement, Mitigation, and Preparedness
• Don’t Break the Bank: Balancing Multiple Streambank Stabilization Objectives
• NRD Perspectives on the Water Quality & Quantity Task Force
• Updates from the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment
• Nebraska Community Foundation Overview

More than 300 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference, which is presented by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors including HDR, JEO Consulting Group, Olsson, the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and the Nebraska Water Center.

Conference Registration is available on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ website: https://www.nrdnet.org/events.