March 13, 2023 at 1:30 PM - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

Rationale: 

NOTE: The agenda is on file at the LPNNRD office and may be changed up to 24 hours prior to the meeting as scheduled.

 

Rationale:  Are there any additions or corrections to the agenda?

Rationale:  Are there any additions or corrections to the Minutes? If not they will be approved on the consent agenda.

Rationale:  Director Retreat
9:00 a.m. Thursday, March 9th
Schneider Building
935 Schneider Street
Fremont NE 68025 

Rationale:  Directors Johnson and McKnight along with Gottschalk and Chapman are registered to attend the NARD Annual Washington DC meeting. 

Rationale:  Attached is a summary and fund status report from the Natural Resources Commission Meeting held on February 15th provided by Tom Mountford.

Rationale:  Attached find Bill Saeger excuse from the February Board Meeting.

Rationale:  If there are no requests for an education program this month, we will use this time to review our first set of policies.  The plan is to review/modify/update 3-6 policies at each meeting with those policies approved and new policies reviewed at each of the subsequent board meetings.

Rationale:  The Director Vacancy Sub-Committe will give an update. 

Rationale:  Staff continues to work with JEO to finalize design plans.  Once we have 90% design, committee and board will be updated.   As of today, we remain on the original timeline with all phases of the project.

Rationale:  Directors have inquired about NRD logo clothing.  Staff will have options and sample items at the Director's Retreat on March 9th. Discussion is requested to set a total dollar amount allocated for each director.

Rationale:  With Chris Poole leaving, we will need to pay him for his unused leave time.  Attached to the Executive Committee agenda is Poole's annual and sick leave payout calculations.

Rationale:  With Chris leaving, our office is in need for IT support until and potentially after our new GIS/Grants Coordinator position is hired.  Because of their direct knowledge of our needs, we have retained past employees on a contract basis for IT work and related computer services.  In this situation, Chris Poole could provide valuable assistance to our District in the short term and potentially long term.  Staff recommendation is to retain Chris Poole on a contract basis for assistance with IT and Grant services at a negotiated monthly rate.

Rationale:  Position opening closes on Friday 3-3-23 at noon.  Our plan is to review applications and interview next week.  If all goes as planned we will have position hired and ready for approval at our March 13th board meeting.

Rationale:  Position opening closes on Friday 3-3-23 at noon.  Our plan is to review applications and interview next week.  If all goes as planned we will have position hired and ready for approval at our March 13th board meeting

Rationale:  O&M Manager Heimann has requested review of our Summer Intern salary schedule.  Each year it is becoming harder to attract qualified interns.  Discussion is requested to address the Intern salary with potential of a modest increase.

Rationale:  Grant will be available to discuss the January Financial Statements. 

Rationale:  Attached find Gottschalks time and expense sheets. 

Rationale:  Nothing to consider for unfinished business.

Rationale:  Nothing to report.

Rationale:  The O & M staff does maintenance of equipment and continued to cut trees on project sites.

Rationale:  The baffle plate arrived but, Lake Wanahoo has regained its depth over the winter and, with the recent rain, we have had to open the gate to lower the lake. We are maintaining the lake level and Collins will resume work on Monday afternoon, March 6th. Collins estimates up to 3 days to drain the basin apron, clean the area and attach the baffle plate.

A current invoice from Houston Engineering is attached. The amount is $36,667.03. We did not receive an invoice on time last month, so this covers January to Feb. 25th. 

Rationale:  Heimann located the original signed agreement between the NRD and Thomas Lakes HOA regarding the lots owned by the district and an old motion dated October11, 2010 regarding the lots and the agreement (both are attached).
After doing some research into the purchase of lots 49 & 50 and if DNR participated, we determined the cost of the lots and contacted DNR. DNR advised us that the Sarpy/Clear Creek Levee Project has not been closed out by the Corps of Engineers. If we want full credit from the Corps, we should not sell the lots. Once the project is closed by the Corps, we can reconsider selling the lots. We must ask permission of DNR and reimburse the 60% funds used from NDRF to purchase the lots.
 
Does the District want to abide by the original motion which is to lease the lots to the HOA for $20/lot?
Recoup the $100/year lease from the HOA for the past 11 years as the agreement is written?
 

Rationale:  The District is hired by a couple of Dike & Drainage Districts to mow their levees. It's been a number of years since we have adjusted our rate. The current rate we charge is $60/tractor hour. Staff will do some research into rates for consideration in a month or two.

Rationale:  The District received grass drill revenue of $973.75 from Schuyler Coop. Four cooperators used the drill.
We also received $415.00 from Rosendahl Farms Seed & Feed for the drill in Platte County. Seven cooperators used the drill.
This revenue is for the second half of 2022, July-December.
 

Rationale:  The educational director's retreat is Thursday, March 9th at the Schneider Building, 935 Schneider Street, Fremont starting at 9:00 a.m. 

Rationale:  We have not received any applications or pay request at this time.

Rationale:  For the month of January, the District received $9,455.00 in annual park permit revenue. The year by year break down of annual permit sales is listed below. 

 

Month	Monthly Total	YTD
January 2023	$9,455.00	$15,640.00
January 2022	$12,837.50	$17882.50
January 2021	$12,277.50	$17,002.50
January 2020	$11,645.00	$16,115.00
January 2019	$10,372.50	$14,957.50

Rationale:  For the month of January, the District received $4,030.01 in camping revenue. The year by year comparison is listed below.
 

Month	Month Total	YTD
January 2023	$4030.01	$4030.01
January 2022	$	$
January 2021	$4,751.53	$4,751.53
January 2020	$2,560.92	$2,560.92
January 2019	$2,367.00	$2,367.00

Rationale:  During the month of February, the building was rented 15 times with 1 NRD event. Revenue for the month was $1,245.

Rationale:  February's KTIC Radio spot is attached - featuring the 2023 Wanahoo permits. March will feature a last reminder for Nitrogen classes.

February's Wahoo Newspaper E-ad is attached - featuring the 2023 Wanahoo permits. This will continue through March.

Rationale:  The LPNNRD Facebook/Twitter pages, and the website are the fastest and low-cost ways to get information out to the public. Tracking analytics are a way to see if people are seeing the information and what ways seem to be most effective. If you are on Facebook or Twitter, please like, follow, share, or retweet the Lower Platte North NRD posts!

Total reach/impressions show how many people saw the post/tweet. Engagements include likes, comments, shares/retweets and link clicks.
 

FACEBOOK	Total Reach	Engagements	Followers
February 2023	8,800	9,065	1,435
January 2023	3,663	100	1,427
December	5,758	163	1,421
November	10,355	198	1,413

 

TWITTER	Total impressions	Engagements	Followers
February 2023	4,044	213	397
January 2023	1,954	95	391
December	2,570	102	388
November	2,862	126	383

Top Posts on Facebook and Twitter:
• GIS/Grants position opening
• Feb 28 Nitrate Informational Meeting in Schuyler
• Tree Orders
• Coffee, Lakeside flyer
• Upcoming Nitrogen certification classes



 

WEBSITE	Users	Traffic Channel	Top Pages	Devices
February 2023	1,446	Organic 63.2% Direct 21.8% Referral 7.7% Social 7.3%	Home Lake Wanahoo Downloads Forestry Nitrogen Certification	Mobile 49.45% Desktop 47.65% Tablet 2.90%
January 2023	1,614	Organic 67.9% Direct 20.8% Referral 8.3% Social 3%	Lake Wanahoo Home Forestry Czechland Lake Nitrogen Certification	Mobile 50.87% Desktop 47.15% Tablet 1.98%
December	1,156	Organic 62.7% Direct 22.9% Referral 8.7% Social 5.7%	Home Lake Wanahoo Forestry Downloads Contact	Mobile 49.39% Desktop 48.62% Tablet 1.99%
November	988	Organic 62.3% Direct 27.6% Referral 6.9% Social 3.2%	Home Lake Wanahoo Czechland Lake Staff Downloads	Mobile 50.40% Desktop 47.27% Tablet 2.33%

Traffic channels: organic traffic means they use a search engine then choose an option that includes lpnnrd.org, direct traffic means they type in lpnnrd.org directly (or have it bookmarked), and referral traffic is any other traffic not from a search engine or social (such as a link from another site).

Social clicks: 99 from Facebook, 11 from Twitter.
Referral clicks: 41 from NARD, 10 from Visit Nebraska, 6 from NGPC, 2 from the ad on Wahoo Newspaper’s site.
 

Rationale:  The NRD Recreation Exploration challenges participants to visit as many Natural Resources District (NRD) recreation areas as they can between March 1, 2023, and Sept. 15, 2023.
Participants visit a recreation area and submit an online form, which includes a photo to show they visited. Prizes and entries into drawings are based on the number of locations visited.
• Monthly Drawings: March-September
• Second Runner-Up: Late September
• Runner Up: Late September
• Grand Prize Drawing: Late September

The goal of the NRD Recreation Exploration is to promote the more than 80 NRD recreation areas across the state and encourage individuals to get outdoors and explore nature.

Participation in the NRD Recreation Exploration is open to everyone (except NRD staff and directors are not eligible to win prizes). It is a free program to familiarize people with Nebraska’s NRD recreation areas.

Rationale: 

• February 3rd: Survival club with Wahoo M.S. - Intro to Hiking and how to read maps. 7 students attended. Picture attached.
• February 7th: 1st (10 students), 2nd (12 students), and 5th grade (9 students) Classes at Lindsay Holy Family Elementary. Animal adaptations, seed dispersal, and food chains/ecosystems. 
• February 8th-9th: Nebraska Environmental Education Conference at Mahoney State Park. 
• February 11th-15th: National Association of Conservation Districts in New Orleans. 
• February 21st:  80 fifth grade students learned about prairie biodiversity and what they can do to help save the most threatened and endangered ecosystem in the world.
• February 23rd: David City Aquinas 6th graders (2 classes - 23 students): What is pollination and why it's important. See pictures.
• February 24th: Coffee Lakeside: The power of nature-based play: Why people of all ages need to spend time outdoors. 10 people attended. 

Rationale: 

• March 9th: Coffee Lakeside: Lake Ecosystems
• March 10th: Wahoo High School Careers Class
• March 15th: Survival Club

St. Wenceslaus pre-k visit TBD
Spring Conservation Sensation Planning
 

Rationale:  Elliott and Benal will be attending the Nebraska Rural Water Association's Annual meeting 3/13-15 in Kearney.  Training will be provided and both will be able to acquire enough hours for license renewal, which is due at the end of the year.
Elliott will be participating in a lead service line reporting training on 3/7.
 

Rationale:  Routine monthly sampling completed, bills mailed 2/28.

Rationale:  Routine monthly sampling completed, bills mailed 2/28.

Rationale:  Bill Seger was voted to be Vice-Chair at the January Water Committee.  Does the Committee want to continue meeting on Wednesday night?

Duane Johnson was nominated and elected by unanimous ballot for Vice-Chairman.
The Committee agreed to leave the Water Committee meeting time for Wednesday night at 6 pm.   

Rationale:  Last year, USGS with Lower Loup and LPN NRDs submitted a Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) grant for age dating the groundwater from Columbus to Fremont.  The grant was not approved, so now the group is considering submitting the grant to the Water Sustainability Fund (WSF).  The application is due March 15-31 for funding in July and/or August.  As the WSF grant cost-share is different than NET, each NRD would need to contribute $10,000 more between both.  This would obligate LPN to $54,000 over a 3-year period.  USGS will be contributing an additional $14,000 to the project.  The total cost of the project is projected to be $404,000 with WSF funding $173,000. 

Chris Hobza from USGS was present at the meeting to explain the need for an extra $10,000.  The WSF grant is funded differently as USGS dollars are subtracted from the total and a 60-40 split is required for the other entities.   

Numbers presented by Chris are shown for the new application.  
 

	FY2023	FY24	FY25	FY26	TOTAL
TOTAL	--	$148,000	$154,000	$107,000	$409,000
USGS	--	$32,000	$63,000	$42,000	$137,000
WSF	--	$70,000	$55,000	$39,000	$164,000
LPNNRD1	--	$23,000	$18,000	$13,000	$54,000
LLNRD	--	$23,000	$18,000	$13,000	$54,000

Rationale:  Joe Luck will be presenting some information on the precision nitrogen application project.  

Joe Luck and Taylor Cross explained the project using sensors with pivot irrigation to determine the amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed.  (See Brochure)  The Committee thought this might be a project to consider in the Nitrogen Management Areas.  

Rationale:  Gene and Kristine Kosch are asking for a 9 month extension on variance  LPN-V-021-0559 in (SE1/4 15-19-2W (Platte County).  They are still waiting for a well driller and are hoping to have the well drilled in March or April 2023.  If they do not get the well drilled this spring, they would still like the option to drill in the fall.  

Normally, the District gives out 200 Acre-Feet of depletion within the Hydrological Connected Area (HCA) or the blue area on the map.   Staff have been receiving variances for the September 15, 2023 deadline.  

The Committee will discuss the variances after the spring water level readings are conducted by staff.  

Rationale: 

Wells Permits Approved: #

Landowner	Number of Wells	Number of New Irrigated Acres	Type of Well	County	Subarea
Bryce Grotelueschen	1	0	Irrigation/Replacement	Colfax	Middle Shell Creek

 

 

 

 

 

 

The total number of approved permits for 2022 is #

Location of Approved Well Permits for 2022:  Correct as of ####

County	Irrigation - New	Irrigation - Replacement	Stock	Commercial	Municipal	Other	Total
Butler
Colfax
Dodge
Boone
Madison
Platte
Saunders
Total

 

Rationale:  TRI CITY METERS- They were working on ZONE 3 of the district a couple of weeks ago. Then mother nature decided to turn the furnace up to about 50 degrees, so we made the executive decision to call them off, so no fields would get torn up and to limit complaints. They plan on returning when or if it dries out.


Current District Approved Flow Meter List for Irrigation wells:
1. McCrometer-Propeller flow meter with mechanical and digital totalizer

2. Geyser- Propeller meter with mechanical totalizer (Haven't seen one of these installed in over 5 years)

3. ARAD Group- Turbine/propeller flow meter

4. Sparling- Propeller flow meter

Proposed District Approved Flow Meter List for Irrigation:
1.McCrometer- Propeller mechanical or electronic totalizer-if powered externally; & Electromagnetic flow meters- if powered externally

2.Sparling-Propeller and Electromagnetic flow meters (- if powered externally (TigermagEP)

3.ARAD GROUP-Propeller and Electromagnetic flow meters-if powered externally

4.Seametrics-AG3000-Electromagnetic flow meters- if powered externally

5.Valley-Valley3000- Electromagnetic flow meters- if powered externally

Electronic Meters: The meters that are listed above have electromagnetic nodes that protrude out and act as a self-cleansing mechanism. Did not place Lindsay's flow meter on this list because their nodes lay flat. Okay with allowing these types of meters back onto our list with the following requirements and pre-approval on a case by case basis.

1. First and foremost, the electronically powered meters will have to be installed to the correct install specifications.

2. Second, the electronic flow meters will have to be powered externally and then have the battery serve as a back up.

3. Third, they must be properly grounded. If not, the microchips/electronics will be fried.

4. Fourth, the producer must wipe/clean the inside of the meter to ensure that there isn't any corrosion or build up on the electromagnetic nodes/sensors. This must be done annually after every growing/ irrigation season. The producer must ensure/prove that this is done annually. It also may be wise to require an irrigation suitability test to determine the level of elements present in the groundwater that may cause issues. 

5.Fifth, if injecting fertilizer/chemicals through the pivot, it is highly recommended to have the injection point be located downstream of the meter. If downstream is not an option, then the injection point must be atleast 20 pipe diameters upstream of where the flow meter is installed.

6. Sixth, and last of all but mainly the most important, is that no manure/slurry is to be injected or piped into the irrigation line upstream of the electromagnetic flow meter. If using manure/slurry, you may do so by injecting the manure/slurry into the irrigation line downstream of the flow meter. The chemical makeup of manure/slurry material will deteriorate the sensors/nodes over time and make the flow meter unfunctionable. 

Staff will edit the current approved flow meter policy with the edits shown along with adding the additional flow meters.  The updated approved meter policy will be presented at the next Water Committee.  

Rationale:  There are 174 producers from 2019-2022 that have not attended a certification class.  A letter was sent out in the first week of January telling them a hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28 at 5 pm. The letter gave them opportunities to meet this GW Rules and Regulations requirement.  At that time, the Water Committee meeting was being considered for a Tuesday night.  
A certified letter will need to be sent out in the first part of March to producers that are out of compliance with this rule.  Could consider Wednesday, March 29, if the Water Committee stays on Wednesday night?  If these producers do not comply, the District issues a Cease Desist to be considered in the Court System.  

The Committee asked that staff confirm the list before mailing out letters.  

Attached is an example of the letter sent.  
 

Class	Date	Location	Attendance	"New"
1	Friday, January 13th	David City 1	22	2
2	Thursday, January 26th	Fremont 1	29	6
3	Tuesday, January 31st	ENREEC 1	46	9
4	Thursday, February 2nd	Columbus 1	49	7
5	Thursday, February 9th	ENREEC 2	3	0
6	Tuesday, February 14th	David City 2	19	4
7	Wednesday, February 15th	Lindsay	29	5
8	Tuesday, February 21st	David City 3	12	1
9	Monday, February 27th	Fremont 2	24	7
10	Tuesday, March 14th	ENREEC 3
11	Thursday, March 23rd	Columbus 2
		Totals	233	41

Expired 2019 (29) - 9 of these are now certified
Expired 2020 (28) - 7 of these are now certified
Expired 2021 (75) - 9 of these are now certified
Expired 2022 (82) - 15 of these are now certified
Expired 2023 (339 - 182 of these are now certified

Rationale:  The V-IMP report is due March 1 with the Technical Group meeting on March 6, Management Group - March 30 and the Board Meeting scheduled for April 12 at that NARD office in Lincoln.  Bob Hilger is LPN representative for the Board with Dave Saalfeld the alternate.  

Rationale: 

# new wells has been reviewed and approved for decommissioning since the last Committee meeting.

Rationale: 

# wells have been plugged, reviewed, and ready for cost share payment approval this month.

Well Owner	Type of Well	Cost Share Estimate	County

 

Rationale:  A "Groundwater to Faucet" event was held on Tuesday, February 28, from 6-8 pm at the St Benedict Center, North of Schuyler.  This will allow producers to hear about the nitrate issues in this area and learn what the NRD is considering for additional management. 
The event was well attended with around 50% of the producers in the management area in attendance.   Discussion was positive, with a lot of interest in the cost-share programs.   

Rationale:  UBBNRD reached out about a regenerative program next winter and was wondering if LPN would like to be involved in the program.  

The Committee would like more information and a dollar amount before committing to being a sponsor.  

Attachment

Rationale:  Update from DNR:

Our next ILCA meeting is in person at the NeDNR office on April 4, 2023. Madeline Johnson will be reaching out soon to initiate press release development and schedule interviews for the accompanying podcast episode.

Platte River near Ashland flow: The Platte River near Ashland streamgage remains ice affected. USGS estimated values indicate streamflow varied between 3700 and 5300 cfs from February 1-24.
Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) value at Ashland, NE: -3.68 as of February 27, 2023 (Severe Drought according to the LPRDCP)

Highlights from the North Central U.S. Monthly Climate and Drought Summary and Outlook webinar on February 16, 2023:

• Winter 2022-2023 Snowfall Departure from Average (Oct 1-Feb 15): As of February 15, east central and southeastern Nebraska had snow deficits of 6-24 inches. Northern and western Nebraska had snow surpluses ranging from 6-36 inches.
• Snowpack: As of February 14, the North Platte and South Platte basins had 124% and 101% of average snow water equivalent, respectively.
• El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO): ENSO-neutral conditions are predicted to begin within the next few months and persist into the early summer. By mid to late summer, El Niño increases in probability.

Find current and previous drought products on the NeDNR’s LPRBC Drought Contingency Correspondence ShareFile site.
Best regards,

Caitlin Kingsley
Environmental Specialist III | Water Planning Division
 
Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
245 Fallbrook Blvd., Suite 201
Lincoln, Nebraska 68521
 
Cell 402-310-4158    /    FAX  402-471-2900
caitlin.kingsley@nebraska.gov
 
dnr.nebraska.gov

 

Rationale:  The yearly support plan is attached.  The past 2 years, the NRD had the Silver Plan for $2,500.

A company has reached out called Longtiute 103 to handle databases. 

Rationale:  The NeDNR, LPSNRD, PMRNRD and LPNNRD developed an interlocal agreement in October of 2022 to conduct a Sub-Regional Groundwater Model.  (Agreement is attached)
This group submitted a grant to the Water Sustainability Fund (WSF) that was not approved because it was competing in the large project category (greater than $250,000).
Funding requests at that time:
WSF: $282,900
NeDNR: $188,500
LPSNRD: $62,866.67 ($20,956 to be  paid annually for three years)
LPNNRD: $62,866.67 ($20,956 to be paid annually for three years)
PMRNRD: $62,866.67 ($20,956 to be paid annually for three years)

The WSF grant is due March 15-31 this year for funding.  The group would like to re-submit this grant but reduce the request to $250,000.  This will leave a difference of $39,900 that would need to be shared by the other entities. That would increase LPN's share to around $71,000 over 3 years.  Does the Committee want to continue to support this project with a commitment of $71,000 dollars?  ($23,666 over the next 3 fiscal years) An amended inter-locat will be drafted if LPN is agreeable. This dollar amount might fluctuate a little after all the details are ironed out.  
 

Rationale:  Attached is the subscription invoice from the METOs company for $5,390 to allow remote communication with 77 monitoring wells and weather stations throughout the District.  

Rationale:  Please review

Rationale: 

The Board retreat is scheduled for Thursday, March 9th in Fremont at the Schneider Building, 935 Schneider Street, starting at 9:00 a.m.  The plan discussion for water is Phase 4 and Variances/Drought.

Rationale:  Will's report attached.  

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

Rationale:  Duane Johnson - Irrigation Well Saunders County - $1,693.13


Motion needed at Board Meeting
To approve cost-share payment to Duane Johnson in the amount of $1,693.13 to decommission an irrigation well in Saunders County.

Rationale:  Kent Merryweather has submitted an application to irrigate 30 more acres from well G-135560 in the SW1/4 SE1/4 S23-T15N-R9E, Saunders County, Leshara Platte Valley Subarea. The well currently irrigates 125.94 acres. With the addition of the 30 acres, Mr. Merryweather's allocation would be 21.81 acre inches over a three-year period. 

Rationale: 

NOTE: The agenda is on file at the LPNNRD office and may be changed up to 24 hours prior to the meeting as scheduled.