Annual Report 2014

“Making the a Better Life”

NEBRASKA RC&D ASSOCIATION SANDHILLS RC&D RECEIVES HOLDS ANNUAL CONFERENCE GRANT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST The 2014 Nebraska State Association Annual meeting was held

Sept 28 and 29th in Bassett, Nebraska and was hosted by the North Lincoln, NE – April 5, 2014 – Sandhills Resource Conservation Central RC&D Council. Attendees stayed in the historic Bassett and Development announced today that it will receive $84,967.00 Lodge, a restored lodge and restaurant in downtown Bassett. The from the Nebraska Environ- conference began on Sept. 28th with a tour of Outback Adven- mental Trust for “Cedar tures, a rustic re- Control in the Sandhills stored barn owned Region”. The Trust Board by the Knolles fam- announced funding for the ily southeast of project at its meeting on town. The Knolles April 3, 2014 in Lincoln. family shared their family ranch history and gave a tour of their This is the first year of restored barn. Dennis Bauer, BKR Extension agent, gave a award with a potential for demonstration on “Adding Value to the Beef Carcass”. He did a 2nd and 3rd year funding to- live demonstration on cutting methods to produce the most tender taling $33,967.00 and cuts of meat from some of the less desirable portions of the beef $16,966.00 respectively. carcass. A delicious dinner was prepared using those same cuts of The project is one of the 132 beef. projects receiving Mark Brohman, NET Executive $21,750,000 in grant awards The State Association business meeting was held the following Director and Twila Phillips, Sandhills from the Nebraska Environ- morning with six of the mental Trust this year. Of eleven active councils rep- these, 56 were new applications and 76 are carry-over projects. resented. The theme of the business meeting was The Sandhills Resource Conservation and Development Council “What is our Role? What is (RC&D) is planning to work cooperatively with the Upper Loup going on with the RC&D Natural Resource District (Upper Loup NRD) on the three year Councils?” Minutes were project to provide landowners in the central Sandhills region with approved, finances re- tools needed to control Eastern Red Cedar encroachment and re- viewed and election of officers for the coming year. Elected State store the rangeland to productive grazing land acres. First year President was Twila Phillips from the Sandhills RC&D, Vice Pres- grant funds will be used to purchase a tree shear mounted on a skid ident – Hilery Spray from Loess Hills RC&D, and Secretar- loader capable of mechanical removal of trees up to 20” in diame- Treasurer combined into one office with Janet Sanders from Loup ter as well as a small wheeled trailer to move the equipment from Basin RC&D taking that position. Group discussion centered on place to place. In addition to the purchase of this equipment, funds projects the various councils were involved in and ways each was in all years will be used to host at least eight public meetings to finding to fund office expenses. One goal of the group is to pro- provide landowners with information on options available to assist vide better communication among the councils so a monthly tele- in cedar tree control. Second year funds will be used to purchase a conference will be held with any council member invited to partic- tow behind chipper/shredder. This equipment will be available for ipate. Teleconferences are held the third Wednesday of each rent to area landowners wishing to address the issue of cedar tree month – for more information on call in numbers please contact encroachment and loss of productive grazing lands. Twila Phillips at 308 546-0636. The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust In 2013, more than 109 Sandhills RC&D volun- has provided over $213 million in grants to over 1,600 projects teers contributed over 2,012 hours toward across the state. Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, Sandhills Resource Conservation and Devel- improve water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebras- opment projects. ka. The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations. Page 2 Sandhills Resource, Conservation & Development Annual Report 2013

ARBOR DAY 2014 - DISCOVERY LOUP SANDHILLS TASK FORCE WIND KICK-OFF ENERGY SITING CONFERENCE

Saturday, April 25 was Arbor Day, and a perfect day to cele- The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition helped sponsor the first brate trees in the , Bessey Ranger Dis- Wind Energy Sitting Conference coordinated by the Sandhills trict near Halsey. It was also the official kick-off for the 'The Task Force held in North Platte, NE on February 12, 2014. The Discovery Loup Trail' which is part of a volunteer revitalization nearly 200 attendees were exposed to numerous speakers that project in the Bessey Arboretum at the Forest, where sixty tree shared information of about wind energy technology, develop- species can be seen in a ¾ mile loop around the Forest Visitor ment, and environmental implications. This conference was de- Center/Office. signed to create a platform for open discussion about wind tur- bines in the Nebraska Sandhills. "This Arboretum is unique, as there is no other National For- YOUTH RANGE CAMP STUDENTS est with this many tree species in such a small area," states MAKE PRESENTATIONS Rich Gilbert, Nursery Manag- Three Range Camp students gave their range management relat- er. "Species not normally ed presentations to the Nebras- found in the Sandhills were ka Society for Range Manage- planted, such as the green ash, ment Annual Conference held Douglas fir and jack pine to Rich Gilbert, Nursery Manag- in North Platte, NE in October ascertain if they could grow er, speaks to the group 2014.. They competed for a here. If so, they could poten- chance to attend the Interna- tially provide lumber and grow in windbreaks not to mention tional SRM meeting this winter people's yards here in the Sandhills." in Sacramento, California. Representing Nebraska at the Everyone who came was of- February 2015 conference will fered tours of the Nursery, the be Trent Eleson, right, from arboretum, and the Scott Look- Sumner and Kelsey Phillips, out Tower. As a parting gift, left, from Mullen. everyone took home a Colorado blue spruce seedling to plant. Active and Ongoing Sandhills RC&D The seedlings were donated by the Upper Loup NRD (Natural Projects for 2014

Resource District). Housing Rehabilitation Program Nursery Tours Hooker County Tourism Friends of the Nebraska Nation- al Forest volunteer organizer, Pam Reed, pointed out," Today Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition Partnership could not have been possible without the help of so many local -Grant Administration for Nebraska residents who donated their money, materials and time. Nearly Environmental Trust, NRCS and University of 100% of all project funds Wyoming grants collected to date have Sandhills Journey Byway Partnership come from the Sandhills -Grant Administration for Federal Highway community, whose love of Transportation Grants, Nebraska Arts the Sandhills is demon- Council, Nebraska Game & Parks strated in their generosity. Marketing Grant, Nebraska Tourism We are most grateful and Marketing Grant, Nebraska Humanities hope they will be well pleased with the completed Council Grant. and Nebraska Environmental L to R: Tim Buskirk, Michael project." Discovery Loup Trust Grant Jaquez, Rich Gilbert, Pam Reed Trail sponsors include Hall -Marketing & Promotion and Bob Broweleit and Sons, Midwest Parti- Nebraska National Forest Arboretum Project tions, the Nebraska Junk Jaunt ®, Sandhills RC&D, Thomas Alternative Energy Exploration County Visitors Committee and the Sandhills Journey Scenic Nebraska State Association President Byway. Arboretum sponsors were T Lazy T/Tom & Twyla Witt Western RC&D Association Board of Directors and the Upper Loup NRD.

In 2013, more than 109 Sandhills RC&D volunteers contributed over 2,012 hours toward Sandhills Resource Conservation and Development projects. Page 3 Sandhills Resource, Conservation & Development Annual Report 2013

Sandhills RC&D Sandhills RC&D Managed Accounts PO Box 28 Mullen, NE 69161 - Fiscal Year 2013

308.546.0636 Income Expenses Email [email protected] Sandhills RC&D $21,315.68 $35,921.76 www.nercd.org Housing Rehab $28,076.26 $44,468.66 NGLC $144.378.20 $106,218.86

We are private citizens, Totals $193,770.14 $186,609.28 doing public good in your neighborhood! NEBRASKA RANGEYOUTH CAMP June 9—13, 2014—Nebraska State 4-H Camp

The Nebraska Youth Range Camp consists of a dynamic curriculum that appeals to students with a wide array of interests including, but not limited to, rangeland management, conservation, ecolo- gy, animal science, and wildlife. With over 50 years to perfect and evolve this curriculum, every stu- Serving the Nebraska Counties of dent, no matter what prior experi- Arthur, Grant, Hooker, Keith ence they have, will learn substan- Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, & Thomas tial information that will help them become more aware of Nebraska’s most prevalent land use. Range- lands cover nearly 50% of Nebras- 2014 Board of Directors ka and approximately 60% of the United States. These numbers con- Tom Witt, President vey the dominance of this land use, Lonnie Peters, Vice President and it is imperative for us to edu- Tammy White, Secretary Campers sponsored by Nebraska Grazing cate the youth so we may enable Lands Coalition Mitch Glidden, Treasurer them to become proficient and ef- Dan Deibler, Director fective leaders in resource management. Stan Pettit, Director Virginia Sizer , Director The students that attend this camp will be actively involved with lectures, field activities, hand-on experience, and recreational lead- Cliff Welsh, Director ership and team-building activities that are all led by Pat Wright, Director up to 20 of Nebraska’s most respected and dedicated Eric Hansen, Director leaders, teachers, and professionals from various Carl Rundback, Director agencies, colleges, and universities. Each student will Willis Roethemeyer, Director be sent home with a binder that is filled with educa- Kenneth Kramer, Director tional materials. Interested students are encouraged to Ben Sherwood, Director check out the camp website at: www.nesrm.org/ YouthRangeCamp.html RC&D Staff Shelly Taylor is the current camp director and the Twila Phillips dates for the 2015 camp will be June 8 – 12, 2015, at Executive Secretary the Nebraska State 4-H Camp near Halsey. Page 4 Sandhills Resource, Conservation & Development Annual Report 2013 SANDHILLS natural beauty found along the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway. Judging was very JOURNEY difficult as there were many outstanding SCENIC BY- photographs submitted. Two professional artists selected the winning entries identi- WAY HAS fied only by photo titles. Winners were se- SUCCESS- lected in three divisions - Sr High, Amateur, FUL YEAR and Professional. Unfortunately there were no entries in the Jr. Division. Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway (SJSB) organization includes The winners in each category include: communities from Alliance to Grand Island, with a membership of Professional: First Place - Terri Licking, (Left) “Autumns Gold” approximately 175 members. The Sandhills RC&D provides tech- Amateur: First Place - Twila Phillips, nical support to the Byway organization in the form of marketing and Sr High: First Place - Kelsey Phillips. and grant administration as well as use of office space.

BYWAY ANNOUNCES PHOTO SANDHILLS JOURNEY AWARDS TWO CONTEST WINNERS SCHOLARSHIPS The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway was The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway held a 2014 Photo Contest pleased to announce the with the theme "Nature in Focus" to complement the existing winners of the two 2014 World Class Natural Wonders tag line that is so scholarships in the descriptive of the Byway. The contest had four amount of $250 each. categories: Professional, Amateur, Sr. Youth This is the fourth year the and Jr. Youth with cash prizes. Winners scholarships were offered were announced on October 8th at the monthly and 30 well-qualified ap- Byway's meeting, Best of Show honors went plicants from all areas of to Katie Phillips of Grand Island with her entry the Byway applied. The entitled, "Fenced In". Over 50 entries from Frances Young winners were Krista Katie Phillips, Grand Krista Carter Grand Island, Lincoln, Thedford, Brewster, Mul- Island, Best of Show Carter of Alliance and len, Berwyn and North Platte showcased the Frances Young of Whitman.

2014 Grants Applied for and/or Administered by the Sandhills RC&D Requested From: Organization For Amount Status NE Game & Parks SJSB Birding Advertising $19,910 Completed/Closed NE Humanities Council SJSB Speaker—2015 Annual Meeting $850 Completed/Closed $84,967 Approved/In Pro- NE Environmental Trust Sandhills RC&D Cedar Control-3 year —Year 1 gress $40,300 Approved/In Pro- NE Environmental Trust SJSB Birding Trail – 3 year -Year 1 gress NE Grazing Lands Carry out program goals NE Environmental Trust $70,000 In Progress Coalition (2014 budget) NE Grazing Lands $300,000 Recommended for NE Environmental Trust Rangeland Monitoring Coalition over 3 yrs Funding Natural Resource Conservation NE Grazing Lands Carry out program goals $30,000 In Progress Service Coalition (2014/2015 budget) NE Grazing Lands University of WY Stewardship mentoring Program $23,252 Completed/Closed Coalition 2015 NE Tourism Marketing Grant SJSB Updates/Reprinting Brochure $13,639 Pending Thomas & Hooker County Art 2015 NE Tourism Marketing Grant RC&D $14,000 Pending Center Workshops Website Upgrades $14,295 Approved/In Pro- 2014 NE Tourism Marketing Grant SJSB & RC&D Artist In Residence Program $14,595 gress 2011 Housing Rehab Grant RC&D Owner/Occupied Housing Rehab $150,000 Completed/Closed Mullen Volunteer Fire Sterns Foundation New fire rig $20,000 Completed/Closed Department Implementation of Interpretive Federal Highway Transportation SJSB $115,000 In Progress Plan Approved/ Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Sandhills RC&D Cedar Control Administration $5,000 Completed Page 5 Sandhills Resource, Conservation & Development Annual Report 2013

SANDHILLS JOURNEY SCENIC BYWAY sion Chair John Chapo, Lincoln, announced the following 2014 Ne- AWARDED NEBRASKA ENVIRONMENTAL braska Travel Industry Award winners at the “Celebrate Nebraska Awards Ga- TRUST GRANT la”: Regional Frontline Service Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway recently an- Award to Cliff & Pat Dailey, dba nounced that it will receive $35,300.00 from the “That Stop”, Hyannis. Their nomina- Nebraska Environmental Trust for the tion letter read: “They do an excellent "Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Birding Trail" job promoting the State of Nebraska to project. The Trust Board announced funding for visitors and they offer promotional ma- the project at its meeting on April 3, 2014 in terials representing our state. The ma- Lincoln. This is the first year of award with a terials are displayed on the front coun- Mark Brohman, Director - potential for 2nd and 3rd year funding totaling ter, allowing travelers the opportunity to Cliff & Pat Dailey, Hyannis , accept $20,300.00 and $20,300.00 respectively. The NE Environmental Trust, Frontline Service Award from State and Jeanne Davis, SJSB see them as they enter the business. Senator Ken Schilz project is one of the 132 projects receiving President They greet their customers and visitors $21,750,000 in grant awards from the Nebraska in a very pleasant manner which make them feel appreciated and Environmental Trust this year. Of these, 56 were new applications needed.” and 76 are carry-over projects.

4TH ANNUAL FOLLOW THE RAILS ART TRAIL This project will provide for the development of a comprehensive th and educational source of birding opportunities along the 272 miles The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway hosted the 4 Annual ‘Follow of the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway - Nebraska Highway 2 be- the Rails Art Trail’ tour October 17 to 19. This self-guided art tour tween Alliance and Grand Island. This will be accomplished on the 272 miles of NE highway 2 is designed to highlight the artis- through a byway specific website including educational information tic talents of the region between Grand Island and Alliance. Other on the unique natural qualities of this area; monthly newsletters; participating communities included Mason City, Broken Bow, Mer- bird identification brochures; a blog with current sightings, birding na, Thedford, Seneca, Ashby. Within these nine opportunities and educational content; development of a birding trail communities, 17 locations had special displays in- guide; educational birding workshops; and landowner meetings to cluding paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, writing, and quilting,. encourage the development of birding sites on private lands. With over 400 bird species, Nebraska has long been known as one of the Fabric art was seen at the Custer Co. Historical So- top birding states in North America. Birding trails are scattered ciety Museum in Broken Bow, one of six sights in across the state, but none specifically designed for this wonderfully that community. 92 quilts dating from the late unique region which is home to a rich variety of birds and water- Quilt at the 1800s to those completed earlier this year were in- fowl. The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is exceptional in that Custer County terspersed amidst the historical artifacts of Custer Historical Society four unique attractions form the ‘backbone’ for the development of Museum County. Another special event during the tour in- the birding trail. These four capstones are the Crescent Lake Nation- cluded watercolor workshop at the Wild Rose Gal- al Wildlife Refuge, the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, the Ne- lery in Broken Bow by Utah artist, Lester Lee. braska National Forest, and the Valley, all within the corridor of the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway. This funding will Grand Island art sites included Bartenbach’s Gallery and Prairie help educate visitors and locals alike on the importance of the natu- Winds Art Center. The French Table, formerly in Broken Bow now ral ecological features that are so unique to this region and which in Mason City, highlighted pottery and art not seen elsewhere in provide the habitat for this wide diversity of bird species. rural Nebraska. Besides the Museum in Broken Bow, other sites there included the SJSB Visitor Center on the east edge of the com- The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust munity while the other sites could be considered a walking art tour in 1992. Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has as Chapin’s Furniture, the Museum, Ortello Dale, Prairie Grounds provided over $213 million in grants to over 1,600 projects across Café and Gifts and Wild Rose Gallery are downtown on the square . the state. Anyone – citizens, organizations, communities, farmers and businesses – can apply for funding to protect habitat, improve Gary and Beth Cole, Merna, had their studio on the tour for the first water quality and establish recycling programs in Nebraska. The time. Gary’s primary medium is metal, while Beth’s is painting and Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and re- both had their photography also on display. Thedford Art Gallery store our natural resources for future generations. had over 20 artist’s works, and Seneca had Nancy Isom auto- graphing her latest book, “Elements of Death”. Also in Seneca, Jackie Sevier’s Northern Plains Studio highlighted this self -taught SANDHILLS JOURNEY ATTENDS TOURISM artist who incorporates her Native American culture in her art. Dan CONFERENCE Brost’s photography was also on display. Members of the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway organization re- cently joined their peers at the Nebraska Tourism Conference at the Several artists were at the Lariat Auditorium in Mullen. Owner of Quality Inn & Suites/Sandhills Convention Center in North Platte. CaLinda’s Pot Shop and Art Gallery in Ashby, Linda Lacy, invited SJSB members attending were from Alliance, Hyannis, Mullen, visitors to not only view her pottery and paintings but to get their Thedford, and Grand Island. The conference was organized by the hands dirty by ‘throwing a pot’ if they wanted to. In Alliance, Nebraska Tourism Commission and hosted by the North Platte/ Steph’s Studio and Carnegie Arts Center highlighted several artists Lincoln County Visitors Bureau. of Box Butte County and the region. The beautiful fall foliage along the 272 mile route made one realize rural Nebraska is full of art, be State Senator Ken Schilz, Ogallala, and Nebraska Tourism Commis- it inside or out. Page 6 Sandhills Resource, Conservation & Development Annual Report 2013

Tri-State Ranch Practicum Capstone Conference (February 12 &13) The Cooperative Extension Services from Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado provide multi-season, educational, hands-on practi- cum for many new beginning ranchers. Through an USDA NIFA grant, the NGLC provides partial scholarships for new beginning ranchers to attend either the UNL Ranch Practicum or the UW SANDHILLS RC&D - NEBRASKA High Plains Ranch Practicum. Graduates from the practicum from GRAZING LANDS COALITION the three states were invited to participate in a two-day capstone PARTNERSHIP course held in Cheyenne, WY wherein the participants were ex- posed to “out-of-the-box” thought processes and had the oppor- Dedicated to the enhancement of grasslands, the Nebraska Grazing tunity to develop and present their own business plan for group Lands Coalition (NGLC) is comprised of ranchers and private evaluation and critique. This conference attracted approximately landowners all focused on creating public awareness and improve- 45 graduates of a previous ranch practicum. ment of the grazing lands in Nebraska. Funding for the programs come through a variety of NEBRASKA GRAZING CONFERENCE IN sources including grants through the Nebraska KEARNEY Environmental Trust, a cooperative agreement with NRCS and recently a partnership with the (August 12-13) University of Wyoming. Payments, budgeting, Approximately 240 grazing enthusiasts attended the 2014 Nebras- and grant administration for the various NGLC ka Grazing Conference (NGC) at the Ramada Inn in Kearney projects is conducted at the Sandhills RC&D which was underwritten by the NGLC, Nebraska Game and Parks office. The roughly $125,000 annual budget provides for state- Commission and the UNL Center for Grassland Studies. The key- wide rangeland programs including these listed below. note speaker was Kurt Pate, noted low stress livestock handling spokesman from Texas. Kurt presented a two hour presentation on the importance and methods of low stress handling and followed 2014 UNL CATTLEMEN’S DAY with a three hour demonstration on horseback with a group of cat- (February 14) tle Other presentations covered a variety of grazing topics and The NGLC provided sponsorship funding for this annual UNL included a rancher panel with producers presenting their thoughts event held at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Lab near Whitman, NE. on low stress stockmanship. The NGLC manned a booth display featuring the primary activi- ties of the NGLC. Invited speakers covered an array of topics in- NGLC PARTNERS WITH FFA cluding drought mitigation, fetal programming, protein supple- The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition (NGLC) purchased two mentation during the breeding season for late calving cow herds range plant (grasses and forbs )identification books and had them and management during challenging times. distributed to the 149 currently active FFA chapters across Nebraska at the 2014 FFA Con- NGLC-NC SUMMER GRAZING TOUR vention held in early April in Lincoln, NE. The (June 10) NGLC also contributed $1,500 toward further The NGLC and the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) teamed up to pre- UNL development of the GrassSnap sent the joint 2014 Summer Grazing Tour in southwest Nebraska smartphone app which greatly simplifies the near Imperial. The tour involved photo monitoring technique as part of the three long standing ranches that have NGLC Rangeland Monitoring Program. incorporated effective grazing man- GrassSnap automatically downloads pictures agement for many years including the from a smart phone to computer files. NGLC had contributed Maddux Cattle Co., Wineglass Ranch $2,500 for the initial development phase of this project. Inc. and Kuenning and Son, LLC. The tour also stopped at Imperial RANGELAND MONITORING EQUIPMENT Beef, a confinement feedlot that con- The Rangeland Monitoring Program (RMP) equipment purchased tributes greatly to the economy of Maddux Cattle Company as a result of funds available through the Nebraska Environmental the Imperial, NE community. South- Trust grant was distributed to approximately 25 participants in the west Nebraska had experienced prolonged severe drought condi- RMP during the 2014 grazing season. The NGLC coordinator con- tions over the last 2 ½ years and a key area of discussion was the ducted range monitoring site demonstrations with ranchers, graz- various ranches’ drought management plans including partial de- ers and land owners that had expressed interest in the RMP. Many stocking. Given the severe drought conditions, a teachable mo- of these participants were enrolled in the NRCS Conservation ment presented itself as these ranches appeared to be far less nega- Stewardship Program (CSP) wherein range monitoring is a form tively impacted by lack of moisture than other ranches in the area. of range enhancement. A few participants have been identified for The tour hosts shared their grazing techniques and time tested the 2015 grazing season and anyone wanting more information on managerial practices that make their operations work. Approxi- this program is encouraged to contact the NGLC Coordinator, Ron mately 180 ranchers, agency representatives and grazing enthusi- Bolze at: 402 321 0067 or [email protected] asts participated in this event. Page 7 Sandhills Resource, Conservation & Development Annual Report 2013

BURKE TEICHERT SERIES—FIVE a variety of age participants from 21 - 70+, with all male, all female teams, and couples teams. When the tankers reached the "Finish ESSENTIALS OF SUCCESSFUL RANCH Line" at a campsite near Hwy MANAGEMENT 97, they were transported to the Consolidated Telephone build- The Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition and UNL Extension host- ing north of Mullen for a lunch ed Burke Teichert, noted ranch management speaker and former provided by the Nebraskaland General Manager of the Rex Ranches from the Nebraska Sandhills National Bank. A prime-rib who presented “The Five Essentials for Successful Ranch Man- dinner awards banquet was held agement” November 18-21, 2014. at the Seneca Community Au- The five elements include: ditorium with the Rustic Res-  Approach should be both inte- taurant of Mullen catering the grative and holistic. meal and providing the cash bar.  Strive for continuous improve- ment of the key resources—land, The Friday night soup cook-off is held as a welcome reception for livestock and people. teams and featured a nice variety of soups. Winner of the "Best  Use good analysis and deci- Soup" was Tailgate Chili made by Twila sions making tools Phillips and winner of the "Best Decorated  War on costs Table" was the Hawaiian themed table by the  Emphasis on marketing Two Sisters Plus One - Jeanne Davis, Car- olynn Henderson and Ashlyn Evans. The Meetings were held in eight loca- organizers appreciate the help of the local tions across the state over a period of four days. Approximately sponsors, Consolidated Telephone for use of 475 farmers, ranchers, students, and NRCS field staff received their building for breakfast and lunch, with breakfast for the racers hosted by Kirk & information about the basic essentials of successful ranch manage- Best Decorations - Carolynn Jody Jacobs, lunch provided by Nebraska- Henderson, Ashlyn Evans, ment with a heavy focus on intensive grazing management. The Jeanne Davis registration fee for all students (high school FFA members and land National Bank, Mullen; Hooker County college agriculture students) was covered by NGLC as well as the Visitors Committee and Thomas County Vis- speaker fees. itors Committee, Middle Loup River Ranch Guest House of Thedford, and Glidden Canoe Rentals of Mullen.

************************************************************** More than half of the participants were from returning teams and SANDHILLS JOURNEY SCNEIC BYWAY HOSTS many said they'd return again next year. Several of the team mem- 7TH ANNUAL POLAR BEAR TANK RACE bers have participated all seven years. The event is held each year The 7th Annual Polar Bear Tank to promote the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, Nebraska High- Race was held in frigid temperatures way 2 between Grand Island and Alliance, and its communities thus on Saturday, March 1st, 2014 with bringing economic development to the area. It is also held as a ben- only 34 seconds between 1st and 3rd efit for the Byway’s marketing efforts throughout the year. place in the Men's Division. The Re- peaters won 1st with a winning time of For information about the 2015 contact Mitch Glidden 308-546- 1 hour, 9 minutes and 56 seconds. Sec- 2206 or 888-278-6167 [email protected] or visit the ond place went to the Tank Scalawags Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway website at with a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes and 8 Repeaters Team - Men's Division www.SandhillsJourney.com. seconds and third place went to the Winners River Rats with a time of 1:10:30. In the Women's Division, the team of the Beavers finished in a time of 1:20:31. Coming in sec- The mission of the Sandhills RC&D is to create an ond was the local team of The Harlan Rustic Hookers with a fin- environment where all the citizens of the region ishing in a time of 1:22:42. work together to revitalize the rural economy, With temperatures hovering around 0 degrees, a light wind, and periods enhance and protect the natural resources, of heavy snow, the conditions at improve community infrastructure, and improve race time definitely made for a and increase tourism opportunities. brisk morning when the first tank

was launched. Teams competed in RC&D Resources: a rally race aboard a stock tank for approximately four miles. The re- Nebraska RC&D website: www.nercd.com; Beavers Team - Women's Winners maining racing teams entered at two Western Association website: www.westernrcd.org; minute intervals, and then the Western Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ "floater" teams at one minute intervals. Four, five, six and seven WesternRCDAssociation; and person teams were made up of people from communities across National RC&D Association website: www.narcdc.org Nebraska as well as Colorado, Chicago and Arkansas. There were Page 8 Sandhills Resource, Conservation & Development Annual Report 2013 SANDHILLS RC&D PLANS CEDAR CONTROL RC&D led by Andrew Gordon, Executive Director, highlighting DEMONSTRATION the steps that National is takng to assist councils at the local level; NRCS report from Jeff Zimprich, SD State Conservationist detail- The Sandhills RC&D Council hosted an Eastern Red Cedar Con- ing ways that NRCS can partner with RC&D councils; compliance trol Workshop and Demonstration training led by Deidre Budahl regarding federal rules and regula- on Tuesday, October 14th in the tions regarding the handling of finances; Holly Hoffman, Survivor Stapleton area. The morning pro- contestant and motivaltional speaker presented, “Your Winner gram was held at the Stapleton Within”, and state updates as well as project highlights from a few Community Center. Speakers of the Western councils.

addressed the economic impact of The Western RC&D Awards banquet cedar encroachment on pastures, was held Monday evening with the cost share programs available Sandhills RC&D receiving two through NRCS/NRD’s and a awards—Outstanding Council Mem- presentation on the new GrassSnap ber Award was presented to Virginia application to assist in range moni- Sizer, one of the founding members toring. Following lunch, partici- of the Sandhills RC&D; and Out- pants traveled south of Ringgold standing Council Project Award was Twila Phillips, Sandhills RC&D for a 1:00 CT demonstration of the presented to the Sandhills RC&D for accepts one of the Western Awards mechanical removal options using a from Sharon Pratt, SD and Joe their work in securing scholarship Leichtnam, Western President. variety of skid steers and tree shear/ funding for the Nebraska Range saw attachments on the Gay Camp through partner grants. Brown/Dale Wilson ranch. There was no cost for the program and demonstration. The Sandhills ********************************************* RC&D received a grant through the SANDHILLS RC&D FACTS Nebraska Environmental Trust to purchase a skid steer with tree The purpose of the Resource Conservation & Development shear/saw that will be available for (RC&D) program is to promote conservation development and uti- rent to area landowners wishing to lization of natural resources; to improve the general level of eco- address the growing concern of red nomic activity; and to enhance the environment and standard of living in all communities. cedar encroachment. Thank you Many RC&D projects focus on the protection and improvement of to participating agencies and natural resources or community facilities. Still others work on im- vendors including the NRCS, proving a community’s quality of life. All projects are intended to Upper Loup NRD, Central make rural communities more viable places to live. Sandhills Extension, Randy An- derson, Murphy Tractor and “Communities know what communities need” sums up the philoso- Equipment, Titan Machinery, phy of Resource Conservation and Development Councils. Each and NMC Cat. For more infor- local council establishes policies and develops projects to address mation, please contact the local needs. Sandhills RC&D office at 308 546-0636. The Sandhills RC&D program office is located on Highway 97 in *************************************************************** Mullen and was authorized in April of 2003. The RC&D is spon- sored by eight counties and two Natural Resource Districts, and WESTERN RC&D ASSOCIATION includes the counties of Arthur, Grant, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, CONFERENCE Logan, McPherson, and Thomas.

The 2015 Western RC&D Association Conference was held Janu- The Sandhills RC&D is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that ary 11-13, 2015 in Rapid City, SD. The Western RC&D Associa- allows the organization to secure grants and to receive individual tion covers 11 western states from Montana and North Dakota to donations that are tax deductible by the donor. Arizona and New Mexico with seven states represented during the conference. A wide assortment of speakers shared valuable infor- mation relating to non-profit organization and operations. Topics covered included “Insurance & Risk: What Non-Profits Need to Know” by Susan Smith, Beehive Insurance; report from National

Sandhills RC&D is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization recognized by the IRS and the State of Nebraska.