NRD directors and staff met in southwest Nebraska for learning opportunity

LINCOLN, Nebraska – Nearly 100 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) directors and staff, along with state and federal conservation partners, gathered in North Platte June 8-9, 2026, for the annual NRD Basin Tour organized by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) with the Central Platte, South Platte and Twin Platte NRDs.

The tour included presentations from Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (CNPPID), Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (NDWEE), and the Western Irrigation District.

Each year, the NRD Basin Tour explores a different watershed offering a firsthand look at local conservation projects, natural resources challenges, and collaborative efforts that protect Nebraska’s water, soil, and wildlife resources. This year’s tour focused on the South Platte River Basin and featured discussions on water management, irrigation infrastructure, energy generation, drought resilience, wildfire recovery, and the Perkins County Canal project.

“Reading reports and seeing maps can only tell part of the story,” said Deb VanMatre, Central Platte NRD and NARD director. “This tour gives NRD directors and partners the opportunity to see water management in action, talk directly with the people operating these systems, and better understand the challenges and opportunities facing different regions of the state. These firsthand experiences help elected directors make more informed decisions as we work to protect Nebraska’s water resources for future generations.”

Throughout the two-day event, participants traveled across southwestern Nebraska as well as northeastern Colorado to examine projects and infrastructure that play a critical role in water management and interstate water obligations.

Participants learned how irrigation districts, public power districts, NRDs, state agencies, and local landowners work together to manage water supplies, maintain critical infrastructure, support agricultural production, and meet interstate compact requirements.

A significant portion of the tour focused on the South Platte River system and the Perkins County Canal project, including discussions on Nebraska’s South Platte River water rights, interstate water management, and the infrastructure being developed to support future water needs.

“The South Platte River plays a critical role in the water resources of western Nebraska and beyond,” said Alex Boyce, Twin Platte NRD general manager. “The Perkins County Canal project helps Nebraska protect and fully utilize the water available to us under the South Platte River Compact, ensuring reliable water supplies for agriculture, communities and wildlife. It’s important for NRD leaders across the state to understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with managing this shared resource.”

Tour stops included:

• CNPPID Tri-County Canal Diversion (North Platte)
• Fort McPherson (Maxwell)
• Jeffrey Reservoir (Brady)
• Wildfire Recovery (Dawson County)
• Multiple Irrigation Canals (Dawson County)
• Johnson Lake (Gosper County)
• Perkins County Canal Diversion (Ovid, Colorado)
• South Platte River Compact Stream Gage (Julesburg, Colorado)
• Western Canal Diversion (Deuel County)
• Lake McConaughy (Ogallala)
• NPPD Siphon (Paxton)
• Lake Maloney (North Platte)
• North Patte Hydro (North Platte)

As Nebraska continues to face challenges related to water use, drought, and ever-changing environmental conditions, events like the NRD Basin Tour provide critical opportunities for education, partnership building, and strategic planning.

Nearly 100 Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) directors and staff, along with state and federal conservation partners, participated in the annual NRD Basin Tour June 8-9, 2026. This year’s tour focused on the South Platte River Basin and the Perkins County Canal project.