LINCOLN, Nebraska – Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) were represented by nearly 50 directors and staff in Washington, D.C., March 30 to April 1, 2026.

Nebraska’s NRDs advocate for strengthening tools to preserve and fund natural resources projects, which includes engaging policymakers from the grassroots level with a unified voice. This grassroots advocacy culminates with a visit to Washington, D.C., allowing NRD staff and directors to meet with congressional leaders and discuss local priorities with national partners on federal legislation and programs.

This year’s discussions carried added urgency as much of Nebraska faces ongoing drought conditions and recent wildfires have burned more than 800,000 acres of grassland across the state, underscoring the need for proactive conservation and land management.

“Those who work and live among our natural resources are some of our most effective spokespeople,” said Martin Graff, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts past president. “With drought conditions impacting producers and communities, and wildfires affecting large areas of rangeland, it’s critical we share Nebraska’s story and advocate for resources that help us respond and build resilience.”

While on Capitol Hill, conference attendees spent a day meeting with congressional staff and participated in a two-day session with federal agencies and conservation partners. NRDs help deliver several federal programs locally, and these partnerships equate into real dollars for Nebraska agriculture and communities, which is especially important during times of environmental stress.

Some of the federal topics and speakers included:

• Trade Policy with the U.S. Grains Council
• Low Carbon Fuels Policy with the Renewable Fuels Association
• Crop Technology and Biotechnology with CropLife America
• Using Technology to Analyze Sustainability with Field to Market
• Conservation Programs with the Natural Resources Conservation Service
• The Future of the Farm Bill with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
• Using AI to Expedite Conservation Planning and Enrollment with The Commons
• Waters of the United States (WOTUS) with the American Farm Bureau Federation
• Clean Water State Revolving Fund with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Policy and Program Updates from the National Association of Conservation Districts

“We are grateful to our federal delegation for their support, which has been instrumental in securing vital funding and resources that enable us to protect and preserve Nebraska’s natural resources for generations to come,” Graff said.

Back in Nebraska, advocacy efforts will continue by hosting elected officials in the Natural Resources Districts and engaging in public outreach. NRDs will also continue working with landowners and communities to address drought impacts, support wildfire recovery, and implement conservation practices that improve long-term resilience.

Established in 1972, Nebraska’s 23 NRDs are local government units involved in a variety of projects and programs to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources. Today, the unique system of locally controlled, watershed-based conservation is widely admired throughout the nation.

Conference attendees had the opportunity to visit Mount Vernon, home and farms of George Washington, on March 30, 2026.

Lower Loup NRD staff and directors gather at the U.S. Capitol to meet with congressional staff April 1, 2026. From left, Director Bob Bauer, Assistant Manager Tylr Naprstek, Director Larry Mohrman, Water Resources Specialist Dell Harris, Information & Education Coordinator Alan Bartels, General Manager Russell Callan, Director Tom Knutson, and District Engineer Kevin Gustafson.