March 2, 2023 at 7:30 AM - Projects Committee Meeting

Rationale:  Attached is the updated 2023 LPNNRD SWCP policy.  The only update is the FY23 DNR Practice Payment Schedule that we will utilize for payment calculations.

Rationale: 

B-1-22

CHARLES MEDINEER

$                       4,934.99

TERRACE/TILE OUTLET

Rationale:  Attached is the updated 2023 LFC policy.  As in previous years the per acre payment rate was taken from the Nerbaska Farmland Values and Cash Rental Rate study conducted by University of Nebraska.
As a reminder: an applicant can apply for LFC payment throughout the district (with our listed Priority Watersheds taking preference), to offset lost income to complete conservation work during the summer construction period, 6/1-9/30. 
The proposed rate is $253/acre.

Rationale:  SCWIG group met on February 21st at the Columbus NRCS office.  We should see an agreement in the next few days for Environmental Trust funds and a few weeks for 319 funds.  Potential urban projects include working with Lindsay to enhance their lake rehabilitation project, a new housing development in Newman Grove, and work at the Schuyler Golf Course.  The group is still looking to complete a smaller urban project in a highly visible area to showcase as an example.  Bill has lots of projects in the works including 10 to 15 onsite wastewater system upgrades, 2 solar wells, and a few grade stabilization projects all estimated at $140,000 of required grant funds.  Logistics for the SWCS conference in Des Moines this summer were discussed along with planning to take students on a one-day trip to Lincoln on April 10.  Since April 10th is not a school day it was suggested to offer teacher drivers a stipend comparable to substitute teacher rates, lunch for all participants, and mileage.  We plan to invite all three schools that help: Newman Grove, Schuyler, and Lakeview.  Should others in the watersehd be invited?

Rationale:  We met with NeDNR and NRCS to discuss project progress and funding.  Related to funding, we plan to relinquish the remaining Water Sustainability Funds (WSF) due to match requirements.  Specifically, WSF requires a match derived from the sponsor - we cannot use JEDI funds as match.  There is also the potential to use NRCS-WFPO funds to hire a project grant manager for the duration of construction.

Rationale:  Agreements have been signed with Olsson and Great Plains Appraisal.

Rationale:  A stakeholder meeting occurred on February 22 at Abie's Place.  There was a tremendous turnout of approximately 40 stakeholders and generally positive feedback.
A locally led landowner group is in the process of forming to assist NRD with practice planning and implementation.  We hope the group can function similarly to SCWIG.
Next steps for the NRD could be pursuing WFPO (NRCS) and/or 319 (NDEE/EPA) funding for plan development and cost share assistance.

Rationale:  Interlocal agreements are due by June detailing construction and maintenance commitments from all entities.  The City of Fremont will be the lead project sponsor.
Public open houses are being scheduled.  Likely dates are March 23rd and March 30th.  NRD Board, City Council, and County Board members are being asked to participated.  It will be an open-house style with subject specific tables throughout - no formal big group presentation planned.

Rationale:  JEO has preliminary modeled some of the proposed projects discussed at the kickoff meeting.  Of the eight presented, one has merit.  This project included reinforcing the existing Farmland Levee to make it more resilient to a 50 year flood.  JEO is continuing to into nonstructural mitigation project options and will present options at the next meeting.

Rationale:  Landowner notifications will go out soon to roughly 50 property owners that may be affected by field work including: geotechnical, cultural/archeology, and wetlands.

Rationale:  Drew Wolfe and Carl Groteluechen plan to update the Committee.

Rationale:  Attached is Request #3 for $625.97.  This leaves a balance of $60,054.69 of the $62,000 approved at the July 2021 board meeting.

Rationale:  We will be conducting a Director's Retreat on 3/9 at the Schneider Building in Fremont.  The address is 935 Scheider Street, Fremont, NE, 68025 starting at 9:00 a.m.

What would the committee like to see discussed?
 

Rationale:  On 2/28 NRCS conducted its annual Local Work Group (LWG).  The LWG is made up of area landowners, producers, state/local/federal employees and anyone else interested in contributing.  Local NRCS personnel presented on pertinent government programs as well as what we can expect in the near future.
Of note, NRCS expects a significant increase in funding in the coming years and will face the challenges of allocating all the dollars.  A good bit of discussion was had in regards to how this could impact the LPN.  Expanding NRCS priority areas to the Skull/Bone Creek watersheds was well received.
Attached are the handouts/worksheets that were presented.

Rationale:  Nebraska Loess Hills Resources Conservation & Development District (RC&D) 2023 Membership Renewal and Annual Report attached.

Just as a reminder that it is Thursday, March 9^th at the Schneider Building, 935 Schneider Street, Fremont NE 68025