LOWER PLATTE NORTH Natural Resources District Long Range Implementation Plan Fiscal Year 2020

Contents Introduction...... 5 Authority and Responsibilities...... 5 Description of the District...... 5 Governing Body...... 5 LOWER PLATTE RIVER BASIN...... 6 FY 2019 Platte River Basin Activities...... 6 Lower Platte River Alliance...... 6 Ice Jam Agreement...... 6 Rock & Jetty Program...... 6 FY 2020 Platte River Basin Objectives...... 6 FY 2021-2025 Long Range Platte River Basin Objectives...... 6 GROUND AND SURFACE WATER...... 8 FY 2019 Ground & Surface Water Activities...... 8 Ground Water Management Area...... 8 Ground Water Quality Sampling...... 9 Ground Water Energy Level Monitoring Network...... 9 Chemigation...... 9 Decommissioned (Abandoned) Wells...... 10 Registered Wells...... 10 Well Permits...... 10 Special Studies...... 11 Certifying Acres...... 12 Nebraska Ordnance Plant Water Pollution Clean Up at Mead...... 12 Wellhead Protection Program...... 12 Rural Water Districts...... 12 Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS)...... 13 FY 2020 Ground and Surface Water Objectives ...... 13 FY 2021-2025 Long Range Ground and Surface Water Objectives ...... 15 SOIL CONSERVATION AND LAND TREATMENT...... 18 FY 2019 Soil Conservation Activities...... 18 Soil and Water Conservation Programs (SWCP) ...... 18 Wahoo Creek Efforts ...... 18 Shell Creek Watershed Efforts ...... 19 Erosion and Sediment Complaints ...... 19 FY 2020 Soil Conservation Objectives...... 19 FY 2021-2025 Soil Conservation Long Range Objectives...... 20 FLOOD CONTROL AND DAMAGE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES...... 21 FY 2019 Flood Control and Damage Reduction Activities...... 21 Wahoo Creek Flood Reduction Efforts ...... 21 Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project...... 21 Operation and Maintenance...... 22 Army Corps of Engineers 205 Flood Studies...... 22 FY 2020 Flood Control and Damage Reduction Objectives...... 22 FY 2021-2025 Flood Control and Damage Reduction Long Range Objectives...... 23 FORESTRY, RANGE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT...... 24 FY 2019 Forestry, Range and Wildlife Habitat Activities ...... 24 Tree Program ...... 24 WILD Nebraska Program...... 24 Community Forestry Program ...... 24 FY 2020 Forestry, Range and Wildlife Habitat Objectives ...... 24 FY 2021-2025 Forestry, Range and Wildlife Habitat Long Range Objectives ...... 25 RECREATION...... 26 FY 2019 Recreation Activities...... 26 Czechland Lake Recreation Area ...... 26 Homestead Lake (Skull Creek Site #55)...... 26 Lake Wanahoo...... 26 Wildlife Habitat Public Access Areas ...... 27 FY 2020 Recreation Objectives...... 27 FY 2021-2025 Recreation Long Range Objectives...... 27 DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT AND CHANNEL RECTIFICATION ...... 28 FY 2020 Drainage Improvement & Channel Rectification Objectives...... 28 FY 2021-2025 Drainage Improvement & Channel Rectification Long Range Objectives .. 28 WASTE DISPOSAL AND POLLUTION CONTROL ...... 29 FY 2020 Waste Disposal & Pollution Objectives...... 29 FY 2021-2025 Waste Disposal & Pollution Long Range Objectives...... 29 INFORMATION AND EDUCATION...... 30 FY 2019 Information & Education Activities...... 30 Education Programs ...... 30 Awards, Contests, and Events ...... 31 Publications ...... 31 Website...... 31 Video Promotion ...... 31 FY 2020 Information & Education Objectives ...... 31 FY 2021-2025 Information & Education Long Range Objectives...... 32 PERSONNEL...... 33 NRD Staff...... 33 Staff Support for NRCS Offices...... 33 FINANCES...... 34 FY 2020 Financial Objectives ...... 34 FY 2021-2025 Long Range Financial Objectives ...... 34 APPENDIX A - Estimated Population by County...... 35 APPENDIX B - Aquifer Regions...... 36 APPENDIX C - Ground Water Energy Level Status, Spring 2019...... 37 APPENDIX D - Watershed Boundaries...... 38 APPENDIX E - Projected Budget (Income), Fiscal Years 2020-2025...... 39 APPENDIX F - Projected Budget (Expenses), Fiscal Years 2020-2025...... 40 APPENDIX G - Projected Expenses Breakdown, Fiscal Year 2019-2024...... 41 FY 2020...... 41 FY 2021...... 41 FY 2022...... 42 FY 2023...... 42 FY 2024...... 43 FY 2025...... 43 LOWER PLATTE NORTH NRD LONG RANGE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Introduction and park facilities, and (12) forestry and range management.” Lower Platte North NRD programs and The Lower Platte North Natural Resources projects are available to meet the goal of District (LPNNRD) is one of 23 Natural Resources properly developing our water and related Districts created in 1969 with the passage of land resources. LB 1357 by the Nebraska Unicameral. Since its formation in 1972, the LPNNRD has been assisting people in the Lower Platte North Description of the District River Basin in the development and protection of our soil and water resources. Nebraska The Lower Platte North Natural Resources Statutes require that Natural Resources District is located in the Lower Platte River Districts develop a Long Range Implementation Basin in eastern Nebraska and includes Plan. The purpose of this plan is to summarize 1,031,000 acres of land. A portion of Saunders, accomplishments during fiscal year 2019 (July Butler, Platte, Dodge, Colfax, Boone and 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019) and planned District Madison Counties are within the district (see activities for fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019 to Appendix A), which includes twenty-eight June 30, 2020). There are also objectives for a cities, towns and villages. Besides the Platte five-year period from fiscal years 2021 to 2025. River, other notable tributaries in the district The plan serves as an implementation tool of include Wahoo Creek, Skull Creek, Bone Creek, the district’s Master Plan, which is updated Loseke Creek, Taylor Creek, Shell Creek, Elm every ten years. Creek, Clear Creek, Rawhide Creek, Silver Creek, Sand Creek, and Duck Creek. Authority and Responsibilities The population of the district is approximately 62,000, of which about half is rural and half urban. The Lower Platte North NRD is financed The Natural Resources Districts have been by a tax levy which may be up to four and given statutory responsibility outlined in one-half cents per $100 valuation for general Sections 2-3229, R.R.S. 1943. In this section purposes and another one cent for water it states that “The purposes of the Natural programs. The FY 2020 tax levy is .035512 Resources Districts shall be to develop and cents per $100 valuation. execute, through the exercise of powers and authorities contained in this act, plans, facilities, works and programs relating to: Governing Body (1) erosion prevention and control, (2) prevention of damages from flood water The Lower Platte North Natural Resources and sediment, (3) flood prevention and District (LPNNRD) is governed by a 19-member control, (4) soil conservation, (5) water supply Board of Directors. The directors are elected at for any beneficial uses, (6) development, the general election for a term of four years, management, utilization, and conservation of with half of the members up for election every groundwater and surface water, (7) pollution two years. control, (8) solid waste disposal and sanitary The district is divided into nine (9) drainage, (9) drainage improvement and subdistricts. Two board members are elected channel rectification, (10) development and from each of the nine subdistricts, and one management of fish and wildlife habitat, (11) board member is elected at large every four development and management of recreational years.

5 LOWER PLATTE RIVER BASIN

The district operates by a set of bylaws which FY 2020 Platte River Basin are kept on file at the district headquarters at Objectives Wahoo, Nebraska. • Administer $120,000 in the Rock & Jetty FY 2019 Platte River Basin Activities Program to assist with priority stream bank stabilization for cooperators sustaining One of the great natural resources of damage from the 2019 flooding. This Nebraska is the Platte River. It is the feature includes assisting cooperators with meeting that attracted early settlers to our state and the regulations of the Clean Water Act and guided the wagon trails. Today, we look at the 404 permits. Platte River differently. It is a water source for • Participate with USACE and LPSNRD to work agriculture and cities like Fremont, Lincoln and on flood damage repairs to the Clear Creek Omaha, a haven for wildlife, and a place for Dike and fuse plug portion of the Western recreation. Issues surrounding the Platte are a Sarpy/Clear Creek Levee Project. top priority at the LPNNRD, since approximately • As a member of the Joint Water Management 72 miles of the river flow directly through, or Advisory Board, provide leadership and border, the district. assistance to move forward with exploring flood reduction solutions for the lower one- Ice Jam Agreement third of Dodge County within the District. In 1994, the LPNNRD entered into an • Support the Lower Platte Weed Management agreement with the Papio-Missouri River Area financially and technically in controlling NRD, Lower Platte South NRD, and Cass, noxious and invasive weeds. Douglas, Sarpy and Saunders Counties to • Support the Nebraska Land Trust in more effectively deal with ice jams and their acquiring easements for the protection resulting flood damages along the Lower Platte and preservation of quality lands. River. This area of concern is primarily from Fremont, Nebraska to the mouth of the Platte FY 2021-2025 Long Range Platte River. This group has pooled funds of at least River Basin Objectives $150,000 to retain an explosives contractor to use explosives when needed, to remove ice • Continue to budget cost-share funds for jams in a timely manner. priority bank stabilization along the Platte During the winter of 2018-19, there was no and Elkhorn rivers and other perennial cause to use the explosives contractor. streams in the district. Rock & Jetty Program • Promote riparian buffer zones along the This program was developed to offer cost- Platte River and other perennial streams. share assistance to landowners to construct • Continue to explore new, innovative and erosion control devices for stream bank cost-effective ways to protect against stabilization and to assist Dike and Drainage stream bank erosion. Districts with maintenance of dikes along the • Provide education on stream bank protection Platte and Elkhorn rivers and perennial streams. and regulations. In FY19, $10,000 was budgeted for project, we • Support and budget annually, as needed, did not have anyone take advantage. for the Ice Jam Agreement Fund. • Keep up to date on Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act regulations.

6 • Continue to participate with the City of Fremont to study potential nonstructural measures to reduce flooding and economic losses from the Lower Platte River. • Work with the City of Schuyler as they evaluate the need for future federal funding for completing a levee system and non- structural approaches to reduce flooding and economic losses from the Platte River through the LPNNRD District-Wide Hazard Mitigation Plan. • Encourage cities and counties to initiate floodplain management planning to promote wise floodplain development. • Assist dike and drainage districts within the LPNNRD to properly repair and maintain levy projects. • Budget annually as needed to support the Lower Platte Weed Management group in controlling noxious weeds.

7 GROUND AND SURFACE WATER

One of the Lower Platte North NRD’s major nitrate-nitrogen levels continue to be the responsibilities is to conserve and protect major concern in both Phase 2 areas. our ground and surface water supplies. To In June 2018, the District updated it accomplish this goal, the Lower Platte North Groundwater Rules and Regulations by adding continues to participate in water quality a Phase Four under Water Quality and managing studies, ground water level monitoring, and water by consumptive use or acre feet water resource educational activities. limitations. As of January 1, 2019, the District had 4563 active registered irrigation wells and FY 2019 Ground & Surface Water 206 wells in our GWEL network. Activities In February 2014, the District saw mid- summer declines in the Bruno area and the uplands of Platte and Colfax Counties. These Ground Water Management Area are now designated as the Butler-Saunders and LPNNRD implemented a District-wide Platte-Colfax Special Quantity Subareas. The Groundwater Management Area (GWMA) District mandated water flow meters, rolling on January 1, 1997, to address both water allocations and annual report in these areas quality and quantity concerns. This action was starting in 2016. based on data gathered since 1985 indicates In December 2008, the Nebraska Department where groundwater quality conditions have of Natural Resources (NeDNR) declared the deteriorated beyond those established as health Lower Platte River Basin as “fully appropriated”. standards, such as nitrate nitrogen. On that After an intense review of the model that date, groundwater quality Phase I (education) NeDNR used, it was discovered that there were regulations became effective for the entire errors that lead to this declaration. NeDNR District. One primary rule in Phase I requires reversed their preliminary decision in April certification for fertilizer use. The District has 2009 and declared that the basin was not fully developed a groundwater program emphasizing appropriated at this time. With the passage of a protection-based approach rather than a LB 483, the District along with other NRDs have reactive, corrective approach. Since that time, completed rules and regulations, which were advanced Phase areas have been determined by approved by NeDNR, to help avoid becoming trigger levels listed in the rules and regulations fully appropriated in future years. of the GWMA. The District has two Phase In 2012 seven NRD’s agreed to develop a groundwater quality control areas, those being Lower Platte Basin plan, which is a cooperative Bellwood and Richland/Schuyler. The Bellwood agreement for the Basin Plan. This plan was Phase 2 Area was established in 2003. This area approved in December of 2017 with each covers approximately 30 square miles in the district assigned a depletion allotment within western portion of the Platte Valley in Butler the Basin. The allotment is in 5-year increments County and includes the town of Bellwood. The starting in 2016 with a formula to determine Richland/Schuyler Phase 2 Area was established the acre feet used for new water uses. The in 2004. In 2015 this area was raised to Phase District completed its V-IMP in June of 2018 3 because of the rising nitrates. This area by adding an additional rule of requiring covers approximately 55 square miles in the municipalities to report yearly water use, with Platte Valley of Colfax County and includes an annual report due to NeDNR. the towns of Richland and Schuyler. In 2015, In 2016 the Lower Platte River Consortium, 10 additional sections north of the Richland/ made up of the Lower Platte South NRD, the Schuyler Area became a Phase 2 area. Elevated Lower Platte North NRD, the Papio-Missouri River NRD, Lincoln Water System (LWS), 8 Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD), and the to obtain a better understanding of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources groundwater levels throughout the District. As (NeDNR), embarked on an effort to develop a of Spring 2019, the LPNNRD had 206 wells in the drought contingency plan to maintain/mitigate groundwater energy level monitoring network. sustainable water supplies to the Lower Platte These wells are monitored each spring and River during drought conditions. The final fall, with selected wells also measured in late report is in the process of being finalized in August. the Spring of 2020. The LPNNRD compares the latest spring reading to the 1987 base-year to determine if Current rules and regulations of the GWMA a subarea needs to be declared a Level 2 or are available at the LPNNRD headquarters in Level 3 groundwater management area. Level Wahoo and via the district website at 2 and 3 management areas require flow meters lpnnrd.org. on wells, annual reporting of water use, and establishment of acre-inch allocations. For the Ground Water Quality Sampling 26 subareas within the District, 24 subareas The Lower Platte North NRD continues are currently at Level 1 management, while efforts to develop a ground water quality the other 2 subareas still need additional inventory. The District has been divided into information before these can be designated. four primary aquifer regions: Todd Valley, The District prefers at least three years of data Platte Valley, Shell Creek and the Uplands, and before the subarea can be designated as a Level further divided into 26 subareas. Due to current 1, 2, or 3 management area. staff limitations the District is focusing on Spring and Fall readings in 2019 showed a the State-wide groundwater quality network, continued rise in groundwater energy levels due where staff sample the same 53 wells each to abundant rainfall. Due to the likely effects summer to determine long term trends for of climate change we seem to be experiencing nitrate-nitrogen. This information is provided more rainfall in the summer months of June to the Department of Environmental Quality through August and as a consequence less and the Department in turn provides this to irrigation is needed. Of course there are the Nebraska Legislature on an annual basis. exceptions such as 2012, which was a drought In 2019 samples were collected from 33 of year. Spring readings in 2019 showed 81.8% of the 53 sites. the wells measured had levels higher in Spring 2019 compared to Spring of 2018. AEM flights Year Nitrate- % Nitrate- % Nitrate % Nitrate have provided new interest in bedrock aquifers. Nitrogen nitrogen nitrogen 8.01- nitorgen > In 2019, the District drilled 3 deep wells into Range 0-8.0 ppm 10.0 ppm 10 ppm the Dakota Aquifer to help in determining the 2019 0 - 26.9 72.7% 12.1% 15.2% viability of this aquifer as a water source. ppm (24 of 33) (4 of 33) (5 of 33) Samples for pesticide analysis were collected Chemigation from seven of these sites (18%). The pesticide Chemigation is the practice of applying analysis was for a suite of 25 parameters, and fertilizers or other agricultural chemicals to all results were less than reporting level. land or crops through an irrigation system. To protect Nebraska’s groundwater from possible Ground Water Energy Level Monitoring Network back-flow of chemicals into irrigation wells. One of the responsibilities of the NRDs in the The Act requires the operator of a chemigation State is to monitor fluctuations in groundwater system to obtain a permit prior to use. To obtain levels. With the help of area cooperators, a this permit, the chemigation equipment must ground water energy level monitoring network be properly equipped, inspected and approved has been established in the LPNNRD. This by the NRD before applying any chemicals. monitoring network has been established The number of chemigation permits continues 9 to slowly rise throughout the district due to Since 1992 the district has administered local chemigation’s efficient application rate when and state cost-share dollars to decommission the crops are in the most need of nutrients. In 651 wells. Through this program in FY 18-19, a sandier soil types, chemigation is extremely total of $7,031.30 was administered by LPNNRD effective due to the soils incapability to hold for the plugging of 10 wells. The district will essential nutrients in the root zone after heavy administer approximately $12,500 of state and rains. local funds to plug additional wells during the current fiscal year. Chemigation Total Renewal New Emergency Permits November 2018 709 619 90 0 Registered Wells November 2019 717 666 51 0 The Nebraska Legislature declared that the conservation and the beneficial use of ground In 2014, the Legislature approved changes water are essential to the future well-being of to Title 195 that would allow individual NRD’s the State. State Law requires that all water to set chemigation fees. Chemigation fees for wells in the State of Nebraska be registered LPNNRD are: $90 for a New permit, $30 for a with the Department of Water Resources. Wells Renewal permit, and $300 for an Emergency that are not registered are illegal and should be permit. New permits are to be inspected each registered as soon as possible. A breakdown by year they are permitted and renewal permits decade from 1970 to present shows the growth are to be inspected on a 3 year rotation. of active irrigation wells in the District. Failure to renew by June 1st of the following year the permit was obtained will cause the Table of Active Irrigation Wells within LPNNRD compiled by permit to lapse. If a renewal permit lapses and Completion Date the producer wishes to use chemigation as a Date Number of Active Irrigation Wells practice of crop application the individual must in the District obtain a new permit. December 31, 1970 1,428 December 31, 1980 2,756 Decommissioned (Abandoned) Wells December 31, 1990 3,241 Decommissioned (Abandoned) wells are a December 31, 2000 3,686 health and safety concern and have been ruled December 31, 2010 4,307 as illegal by the Nebraska Legislature. It is December 16, 2016 4,528 estimated that there are approximately one- thousand improperly abandoned wells within August 1, 2017 4,539 the Lower Platte North Natural Resources January 1, 2019 4,563 District boundaries. A well not used for three Well Permits consecutive years or one which is no longer In May of 2008, the LPNNRD placed a flow useful is considered to be abandoned and needs meter and water reporting condition on well to be properly decommissioned. permits for all permits issued after that date. The Lower Platte North NRD offers up to 75% All well permits require well owners to install cost share assistance to landowners to properly a flow meter and report their water use for the decommission abandoned water wells. In calendar year to the LPNNRD by January 31 of addition, the district will assist with up to 75% the following year. This reporting requirement of the cost for pump and obstruction removal is effective the year the well is drilled and on domestic and stock wells. To receive cost for each year thereafter, until the well is share assistance, the actual decommissioning decommissioned. After experiencing closer to must be performed by a certified well driller or normal average rainfall conditions over the pump installer. The landowner has six months last three years, new well permit requests from the time of application to accomplish this across the District have decreased. As of task unless good cause is shown. September 9th, 2019, the District has issued 10 19 well permits with 8 new irrigation wells, 7 Saunders, Butler, Colfax, and Dodge, which are replacement irrigation wells, 1 livestock well, administered by the Lower Platte North NRD. 1 municipal well, and 2 wells listed as other. Eastern Nebraska HEM Aquifer Mapping Special Studies (Swedeburg Area) In April 2009 portions of the Swedeburg The LPNNRD has done a number of studies subarea aquifers were mapped using within the District. The following is a list of electromagnetic sensors mounted on a studies within the District. helicopter (HEM). This was followed in October 2010 with the installation of three test holes Elkhorn Loup Model by C&SD to ground truth the HEM data. For The Elkhorn-Loup Model (ELM) project is 2012, the correlation of the HEM data to a study of surface water and groundwater the test holes has been completed and Dana resources in the Elkhorn River basin upstream Divine gave a presentation of those results at of Norfolk, Nebraska and the Loup River basin the December 2012 Board meeting. The HEM upstream of Columbus, Nebraska. Parts of this worked well to define upper resistive materials basin overlap and cover portions of the upper (sands and gravels) but had mixed results at Shell Creek. deeper formations greater than 80 feet deep. Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment A final report was delivered to LPNNRD in LPNNRD is a partner is the Eastern Nebraska February 2013. Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA). The Farm Process Package (FMP) of MODFLOW ENWRA study has been utilizing Airborne Groundwater Modeling Software Electromagnetic (AEM) over eastern Nebraska The Farm Process Package is an application to better model the geology of the glaciated to the MODFLOW software program that portion of the State. It has opened several looks at consumptive use of water based on questions concerning bedrock aquifers both precipitation, crop type, and maturity of crop in water quantity and water quality such as to assist in future management decisions. salinity. New flights were conducted in the summer of 2018 with final report received in Platte and Elkhorn River Valley Integrated summer 2019. A 2-year study is being conducted Water Monitoring in the Platte-Colfax Area (SQS#2) utilizing the Many geologists and hydrologists theorized AEM, additional data loggers and other geologic that ground water from the Platte River logs to determine the relationship between south of Fremont was flowing toward the confining and unconfining layers along with Elkhorn River, but the quantity was unknown. determining drawdown levels for management This study determined the amount and is a decisions. The flights and the results can be cooperative effort between Papio-Missouri NRD found on the ENWRA website at (lead agency), Lower Platte North NRD, and (www.enwra.org). U.S. Geological Survey for real time continuous monitoring of groundwater energy levels and Platte River Modeling Study streamflow between the Platte River at the The University of Nebraska conducted a Leshara streamgage and Waterloo streamgage groundwater modeling effort of the Platte on the Elkhorn River. River in the LPNNRD. The purpose of this project is to develop a regional groundwater Lower Platte River Consortium Study flow model that will be used to analyze the Municipal wellfields in the Lower Platte interactions of aquifer-stream-well systems River Basin depend on the Platte River to and to determine the 10-50 boundary line recharge the groundwater for their use. This for wells that are hydrologically connected study looked at long term water supplies to rivers and streams. The model focused on in the Lower Platte River Basin, and the the analysis of wells in the following counties: ability to enhance streamflow, especially in

11 drought conditions, to sustain these municipal The cleanup has been divided into three basic water systems. Sustaining water in the river project areas: Soils (OU1), Ground Water would also provide a benefit to wildlife and (OU2), and Building contamination (OU3). This agriculture by lessening the likelihood of a area has been under study by the Army Corps ‘call’ on the river. Due to different hydrologic of Engineers (COE) since 1988. Tours and open conditions in the Platte River, such as gaining houses are conducted on an annual basis. and losing segments, siting of future reservoirs, Wellhead Protection Program groundwater storage projects, etc. becomes The LPNNRD implemented a wellhead important in order to most effectively move protection program in FY 2001. The goal of water to a desired location downstream. The the program is to minimize potential polluting plan should be completed in Spring 2020. activities on the land surrounding a community’s public water supply well(s). The District has Certifying Acres In July 2009, the District signed a contract identified 22 communities with public supply with GIS workshop to develop a database of wells and they have been encouraged to county assessor records as the preliminary become involved in the program. The City of step to certifying irrigated acres. Using these Ashland, with assistance from LPSNRD, will records, LPNNRD staff mailed out letters to be conducting some investigations within its landowners to verify irrigated ground. As wellhead management area in 2019-2020. of January 2017 all counties within LPNNRD Rural Water Districts have been largely certified. If a landowner In recent years, the District has worked believes the irrigated acres listed on their Acre with communities who have had difficulties Certification form to be incorrect, LPNNRD with water quality and quantity by forming uses a combination of aerial photography and two rural water systems. The Butler County FSA records to determine the correct irrigated system linked the village of Bruno in 2006, acres. Unless there is a clear delineation in who was having water quality and quantity the field, FSA considers a field to be fully problems, to David City. Also in 2006, the irrigated, even if the corners are dry. As such, Saunders County system linked the village of FSA records, while useful, are limited in what Colon, who was experiencing water quality they show. When certifying acres has been concerns, to Wahoo. The LPNNRD operates both completed, it will provide a true inventory of of these systems. The District purchases water the irrigation needs of the District, which will from the larger communities and delivers it to be an important part of future groundwater the smaller communities; RW staff manage and management and planning. In addition to maintain Colon’s system and billing while Bruno cataloging irrigated acres, LPNNRD staff have manages their infrastructure and household been actively working with the Nebraska billing. Both systems are designed to serve rural Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR), as customers along each service route. Combined, well as local landowners to bring all irrigation the two systems serve over 135 households in wells in LPNNRD into compliance with Nebraska Saunders and Butler Counties. The District has Revised Statute 46-602 (7). been in contact with several other communities and anticipates several more communities and Nebraska Ordnance Plant Water Pollution rural customers to be serviced by rural water Clean Up at Mead systems in the future. Both systems are greater During the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, an than 10 years old and repairs/replacements of Army Ordnance Plant near Mead was used to meters is expected to take up RWD staff’s time assemble bombs and served as an early Atlas in 2019 as a number of meters and components Missile ICBM site. Over time, the soil and are showing the signs of wearing out. groundwater at the plant site became polluted with various explosive residues and solvents. 12 Geographic Information System (GIS) and tary. In recent years, LPNNRD partnered with Global Positioning System (GPS) NRCS on the purchase of a sub centimeter GPS LPNNRD has been using Geographic base station. This allows NRCS and NRD staff Information System (GIS) technology since 1996. to quickly and efficiently perform a variety of GIS is an automated system combining database tasks in the field with survey level precision. information and maps. Features on a map, created with GIS technology contain attribute FY 2020 Ground and Surface Water or feature descriptions that are referenced by location. The data used by a GIS system consists Objectives of Vector and Raster Data. Vector data consists Continue to monitor changes in groundwater of point (wells), line (roads) and polygon • levels and quality in the district. data (irrigation boundaries); with Raster data Continue with LPNNRD Groundwater consisting of pixels, where each pixel on the • Management Area (GWMA) programs to screen corresponds to a data point. Raster help avoid the Lower Platte Basin being data includes aerial photography and elevation data such as LidAR (a highly accurate elevation designated “fully appropriated.” dataset). The District has incorporated the use • Continue to implement Voluntary Integrated of GIS into most district functions, including the Water Management Plan (V-IMP) for the certification of irrigated acres, maintenance, District and basin-wide plan. Utilize acre project planning and modelling of groundwater feet allotments assigned to the District for availability and the movement of contaminants the benefit of the basin. such as nitrates through the soil profile. • As part of the GWMA, continue with LPNNRD In addition to in-house GIS activities, certification classes, demonstration plots, LPNNRD GIS staff assist a variety of partners, generation of maps indicating problem including projecting FSA aerial photography areas, and evolving the development of a into Nebraska State Plane Feet coordinates master database. for NeDNR, custom authoring of maps for the • Continue to cooperate with the United States Nebraska Land Trust, coordination of helicopter Geological Survey (USGS) in monitoring flight lines for invasive species control with groundwater levels at two sites. the Lower Platte Weed Management Area, and • Continue to cooperate with the United States helping other NRDs with GIS questions as they Geological Survey (USGS) in monitoring emerge. surface water levels at four sites and one LPNNRD entered into agreement with site for contamination evaluation. Phoenix Web Group to create a robust, • Use the Subarea Delineation Study to relational database. GIS will be the backbone identify ‘small pocket aquifers’ in the of this database and will allow LPNNRD to Swedeburg, Prague, Yutan, and Yutan South quickly, and efficiently, look up any information subareas. Review other aquifer subareas to pertaining to any project or cost share that has determine if Stay Management Areas are been completed for any constituent with land justified in other portions of our District. in LPNNRD. • Continue sampling of approximately 53 The Global Positioning System (GPS) relies wells in our District that are part of the on 28 NAVSTAR satellites, which provide world­ Nebraska State-wide Network. wide positioning and navigation information • Continue to monitor the Phase Areas in around the clock. Receivers acquire signals Richland-Schuyler and Bellwood for nitrate from satellites to determine precise locations and elevate these areas as needed. on earth. The data obtained from taking GPS • Implement extensive sampling of soil and positions can be downloaded and mapped with water in the Phase Areas for the purpose GIS, making the two technologies complemen­ of identifying workable best management

13 practices for curbing the rising nitrate • Expand the GWEL network to monitor trend. aquifer sub-areas as designated in the 2009 • Administer $12,500 of state and local cost- Subarea Delineation Study. This will be done share funds to decommission abandoned by incorporating additional high capacity water wells, and provide 100% cost-share wells and the drilling of new monitoring assistance within Wellhead Protection Areas wells. to communities that are actively doing • Continue to monitor clean up efforts by projects within it’s management area. the COE at the Former Ordnance Plant at • Maintain a multi-agency groundwater Mead, Nebraska. energy level monitoring network in the • Work with the COE to establish spacing Wann Basin of the Platte Valley north of requirements for future high capacity Ashland to pool information from different irrigation, industrial, and/or municipal agencies collecting water level data. This wells that are requesting to be installed information is being used by the COE and near known contaminant plumes from the MUD to refine their groundwater modeling Former Ordnance Plant near Mead, so these efforts. wells will not interfere with the COE’s clean • Continue to implement the Chemigation up efforts. Program to inspect safety equipment on • Continue to monitor clean up efforts by the permitted irrigation systems in the district. University of Nebraska at the ARDC facilities • Continue with the District’s Well Permitting east of Ithaca, Nebraska. Program and Variance Process throughout • Maintain transducers placed in District the District. monitoring wells to record changes in • Continue to review water use reports groundwater energy levels and to start submitted to the LPNNRD as part of the the process of installing real-time remote well permitting process from new and reads. replacement wells. • Declare Level 2 or Level 3 Management • Provide information and education on water areas as warranted caused by declining conservation and safe disposal of farm and groundwater energy levels in 50% or more household chemicals. of the monitoring wells reaching their • Continue to site registered and unregistered trigger levels after three consecutive spring wells in the district using GPS. readings. • Promote and sponsor “Spring Conservation • Review livestock permits from NDEE. Sensation” • Investigate irrigation runoff and groundwater • Provide information on Integrated Pest management area complaints as needed. Management in news releases and the • Expand the NeRain program within our “Viaduct” newsletter to encourage reduced District. use of pesticides. • Continue to be a sponsor member of the • Support and promote urban water Elkhorn – Loup Model (ELM) conservation and chemical disposal • Continue groundwater studies with the throughout the District. University and NeDNR in the SQS areas. • Assist in organizing the annual NRD Water Study will focus on confine and unconfined Programs Conference held each year to aquifers and drawdowns within these areas. update the NRD’s on activity of State • Communicate with well drillers and pump and Federal Agencies, new research and installers on water concerns within the Legislative issues. District. • Continue to install flow meters on irrigation • Continue to assist the Eastern Nebraska wells that are part of our Ground Water Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA) with Energy Level (GWEL) Network. the use of AEM (Airborne Electromagnetic) to study the eastern glaciated portions of 14 Nebraska to provide a geologic framework • If necessary, designate Level II and III map. boundaries within the district to manage • Improve irrigation efficiency by working declining groundwater levels. with UNL Extension on the Nebraska • If necessary, designate new Special Quantity Agricultural Water Management Network Subareas (SQS) within the district to manage (NAWMN) to install Watermark sensors and mid summer declines of groundwater energy ET gauges with producers each year in our levels in aquifers that operate under large District. pressure swings. • Continue with the process of updating • Continue measurement of ground water Irrigated Acre Certification within the energy levels in the district. District. • Develop a groundwater model for each sub- • Continue working on projects identified area. Additional information on water use within the Shell Creek Watershed Water from all wells will be needed for accurate Quality Plan. information. • Update water quality objectives as identified • Continued partnership with the Eastern in the Wahoo Creek Watershed and the Shell Nebraska Water Resources Assessment Creek Watershed Water Quality Plans. (ENWRA) and apply information to the • To develop a process for producers to enter glaciated portions of our District. their data with an on-line dashboard for the • Additional studies to identify vulnerable purpose to improve efficiency and quality aquifers and modify GWMA rules and of data. regulations to protect these aquifers and their long term sustainability. Continue geophysical work, installation of monitoring FY 2021-2025 Long Range Ground wells and test holes to better define these and Surface Water Objectives vulnerable sub-areas. Additional AEM flights with 1/4 to 1/3 mile spacing would • Continue groundwater quality sampling gratefully assist in defining such areas. throughout the LPNNRD, both the State- Eventually cover the entire District with wide network and intensive sampling of these detailed AEM investigations. selected regional aquifers. • Continue using AEM (airborne electromag- • Continue water quality education programs netic) information to analyze bedrock based on the goals and objectives of the aquifers both in water quantity and water LPNNRD Groundwater Management Area, quality. Test holes and monitoring wells which includes LPNNRD certification classes will have to be installed and sampled to for landowners, municipal and industrial determine these as a possible source of water users. useable groundwater. New management • If needed, designate further Phase II, III, strategies need to be developed for these and IV boundaries for the Groundwater aquifers such as summer trigger levels for Quality Management Areas. confined bedrock aquifers, especially if • To educate the need for check valves in these are hydrologically isolated from over- protecting the aquifer from contamination. lying alluvial aquifers. This could develop • Continue with nitrogen application into three dimensional management were demonstrations and participate with aquifers at different depths are treated by demonstrations on integrated pest a separate set of rules for each one. This management and sustainable agriculture. could become very complex but will likely • Assist in the proper decommissioning of be the only way to sustain the use of these water wells in the district. aquifers far into the future. • Continue to use GPS to site registered and unregistered wells within the district. 15 • Install precipitation gauges near monitoring 2. Using information from the AEM flights and wells in important sub-areas. test holes, establish a monitoring well network • Utilize the completed Lower Platte River in these confined aquifers to record spring Consortium Study for possible locations and summer ground water energy levels. It is for recharge and reservoir sites to better midsummer declines (late July to mid-August) convey water downstream to municipal when large drops in aquifer pressure can cause wellfields. some wells to run low on water. Map locations • Complete water quality objectives as of potential recharge sites. identified in the Watershed Quality Plans. • Continue to update the Groundwater 3. Establish ground water management rules Management Plan to include Integrated to better address confined aquifers. This could Management of surface and ground water. involve comparing spring to summer ground It may be necessary to install additional water energy levels and comparing this to the surface water gauging sites coupled with potentiometric aquifer thickness and the depth nearby groundwater monitoring wells as of bedrock. The current management rules for tools for integrated water management. unconfined aquifers should be adequate for • Expand GWEL network to have continuous future conditions. These controls are based on recording monitoring wells in each sub-area three consecutive spring readings at or below to better manage the resource with the their trigger levels in at least 50% of the GWEL ability for remote real-time readings. This wells in a given subarea. is especially important in confined aquifers. • Continue to update the certification of 4. AEM flights have given a new interest irrigated acres in bedrock aquifers such as the Dakota • Continue to assist District communities who formation. Monitoring wells in selected areas have difficulties with water quality and are needed to determine the water quality quantity by helping determine rural water and quantity of these bedrock aquifers. Also system feasibility. are these bedrock aquifers in hydrologic • Keep the Saunders County Rural Water connection to any overlying aquifers? If this System study as an alternative in the event is the case and new high capacity wells are of changing federal regulations governing being established in these bedrock aquifers municipal water supplies. then management should shift focus to the • Update the Platte Valley modeling efforts more vulnerable aquifer to sustain long term using MODFLOW software. This information viability of both aquifers. If these bedrock will be used to further define the 10/50 aquifers are isolated from the overlying boundary line. aquifer then “three dimensional management” • Keep abreast of updates and new iterations where wells are managed differently due to of the Elkhorn – Loup Model (ELM) to their depth maybe in order. This could get determine which areas in the Shell Creek complex but management needs to take the watershed are in hydrologic connection chemical and physical characteristics of the with the Elkhorn or Loup River basins. aquifer in account. For example, what is the salinity of the groundwater and is the bedrock In summary the LPNNRD needs to focus on six aquifer cemented, unconsolidated, sandstone, areas in the next five years: limestone, or shale. 1. Further AEM flights and test holes to better 5. Horizontal wells. In the immediate future map the geologic framework of the District horizontal high capacity irrigation water wells especially in the SQS areas and other areas will likely be established in thin aquifers to where confined aquifers dominate. increase well output or yield. On the plus side, these could replace several vertical 16 wells that are used in series and therefore be a cost savings to the well owner. On the negative side these could quickly dry up thin aquifers less than 20 feet in thickness and affect nearby wells. How do you manage such a system? At the least you could require 600 feet spacing from any point of the lateral to a neighbor’s well but again this may not provide much protection in thin aquifers such as the area immediately west of Fremont. Other management options would be to restrict the number of acres irrigated, restrict the length and direction of the laterals, restrict well output such as limit the gallons per minute, establish water allocation, install monitoring wells such as near the end of the laterals to track groundwater levels, etc.

6. Integrated Water Management. Siting of potential recharge sites, storage reservoirs (both surface and ground water), and potential water reuse projects to enhance the water supply in the District. Additional monitoring wells, streamflow gauging, and precipitation sites will likely be necessary. Effects of climate change will also need to be considered as part of integrated water management.

17 SOIL CONSERVATION & LAND TREATMENT

In response to the Erosion and Sediment Creek Watershed Water Quality Management Control Act (LB 474), passed in 1986, the Plan in 2013. This plan identifies goals to Natural Resources Commission developed the reduce excess phosphorus, nitrogen, soil Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Strategy. sediments and E. coli bacteria in the Wahoo This strategy outlines a course of action for Creek Watershed. This plan meets the EPA efficiently conserving and managing the state’s requirement of containing “Nine Elements” natural resources. of an effective watershed plan. The plan The Lower Platte North NRD administers the identifies water quality goals to protect and Erosion and Sediment Act and has patterned enhance the quality of all water resources its local program after the state strategy. The within the Wahoo Creek. Sub-watersheds within district administers state and local cost-share the Wahoo Creek Watershed were prioritized funds through Soil and Water Conservation for future water quality projects. In 2012, Programs (SWCP) to offer incentives to farmers LPNNRD in partnership with EPA, NDEE, and the for installation of land treatment practices. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) LPNNRD staff also worked with NRCS/FSA staff identified four Wahoo Creek sub-watersheds to utilize Farm Bill Programs to repair erosion as Water Quality Initiative (WQI) areas to problems. receive special EQIP and EPA 319 funding for landowners to complete conservation practices FY 2019 Soil Conservation Activities to help achieve the numerous identified water quality goals. Approximately $96,635 in 319 Grant Funds have been spent in the Wahoo Creek watershed. Soil and Water Conservation Programs These cost-share monies helped construct (SWCP) practices including approximately 42,000 Under Soil and Water Conservation Programs linear feet of terraces, 18,000 linear feet (SWCP), the LPNNRD administered $82,769.35 of tile outlets, and 45 water and sediment of state funds and $42,168.00 of local funds control basins. The Wahoo Creek Grant also for land treatment practices during fiscal year included approximately 212 acres in the Lands 2019. In addition, 9 Buffer Strip contracts were for Conservation program that helps generate administered with $ 15,008 in state funds. Summer work in the watershed. For fiscal year 2020, approximately In FY 2019, the Wahoo Creek Watershed $82,769.35 of state funds (from the Nebraska Water Quality Management Plan Phase II Part Department of Natural Resources) and $50,000 A was completed. This phase used the $96,635 of local funds will be allocated for soil and of EPA 319 funds and $2.0 million of allocated water conservation practices. WQI EQIP funding to complete numerous Wahoo Creek Water Quality Land landowner water quality best management Treatment Efforts practices (BMPs) on their farms. We are now Wahoo Creek in Saunders County, Nebraska, beginning implementation of Wahoo Creek has resided on the Environmental Protection Watershed Water Quality Plan Phase II Part Agency’s (EPA) Section 319 list of impaired B, which is combining $200,000 of EPA 319 water bodies. To address the impaired status funds and $90,000 of Nebraska Environmental of Wahoo Creek, LPNNRD in partnership with Trust Funds along with another other federal, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) state and local funds for completing numerous and the Nebraska Department of Environment water quality BMP’s over the next two years. and Energy (NDEE) developed the Wahoo To accomplish water quality goals, as outlined in the EPA Water Quality Watershed Plan, is to 18 continue this partnership effort for many years FY 2020 Soil Conservation Objectives to come. Use technical assistance from the NRCS Shell Creek Watershed EPA Section 319 • in the planning, design, construction, and Water Quality Improvement Efforts maintenance of conservation measures Shell Creek is a major tributary of the Lower applied to the land. Platte River. Land use in the approximately Use Federal, state and local funds to 305,000 acre watershed is predominantly row • promote and implement land and water crop agriculture. The designated beneficial treatment projects in the Dunlap Creek, uses (Primary Contact Recreation and Aquatic North Branch and Miller Branch of Wahoo Life) of some segments of Shell Creek are Creek, along with Cottonwood Creek impaired by elevated levels of Escherichia Watershed and Shell Creek Watershed, to coli (E. coli) bacteria, selenium, Atrazine and reduce erosion and improve water quality. excessive erosion from storm water flow. Continue encouraging the implementation The Shell Creek Watershed Improvement • of summer conservation construction Group (SCWIG) is a volunteer committee that utilizing federal funding within the Wahoo formed in 1999 to lead local efforts to identify Creek Watershed through the Lands for problems and to promote implementation Conservation program; for FY20 the NRD of conservation practices to improve water has approved $44,080 for the set aside of quality in Shell Creek. This evolved into an 232 acres. advisory group to LPNNRD continuing to provide Administer $82,769.35 of State NSWCP local leadership toward reducing erosion • funds and $50,000 of local cost-share and quality impairments in the watershed. and grant funds to landowners for the A community-based planning approach was construction of terraces, tile outlets, used to gather input from the citizens of the waterways, diversions, small dams, planting watershed for development of the 2016 Shell of permanent vegetation, and maintaining Creek Watershed Environmental Enhancement water quality. Plan (2016 Plan) that emphasizes combinations Continue to promote conservation tillage of practices that improve water quality. • measures, pasture & range management, Over the past 19 years, the Shell Creek sustainable agriculture, and the Conservation Watershed has benefited with $2 million Reserve Program (CRP), through news in EPA Section 319 funds combined with $4 releases and the district’s newsletter. million in partnering federal and local funds Recognize the Outstanding Soil and Water for assisting landowners in establishing Best • Conservationist, at the LPNNRD Recognition Management Practices on their farms. These Banquet. efforts resulted in Shell Creek becoming the Continue to assist landowners in resolving first watershed in the nation to be delisted for • soil erosion and sediment complaints. atrazine contamination in FY 2018. • Provide financial support and staff time to Erosion and Sediment Complaints conservation education activities. The LPNNRD responds to occasional erosion • Continue to work closely with locally-led and sediment complaints. In most cases, these conservation groups to promote soil and complaints are resolved before going through water conservation throughout the district. the formal complaint process. Many cases are • Partner with the Shell Creek Watershed drainage issues that are resolved between Improvement Group (SWIG), NDEE and NET the District and landowners. During FY 19 the toward administering $104, 688 from NET district received no formal complaints, but one and $250,000 from NDEE/EPA 319 funds. verbal and some minor drainage issues. These funds will be used towards continuing implementation.

19 • With the completion of the NDEE/EPA Corridor Alliance Watershed Water Quality Plan pursue grant assistance to implement BMPs within Bone and Skull Creek. • Work with NRCS, NDEE, NET, and Saunders County and the Wahoo Creek locally led Steering Committee in pursuing additional federal and state funds to assist with land treatment practices as defined in water quality objectives in the Wahoo Creek Watershed Water Quality Plan.

FY 2021-2025 Soil Conservation Long Range Objectives

• Maintain existing land treatment practices and programs. • Continue to work with all counties in the district to reduce roadside erosion. • Administer the NDEE/EPA 319 Grant Program to improve water quality throughout Wahoo Creek, Shell Creek priority watersheds. • Begin to implement Best Management Practices under NDEE/EPA Corridor Alliance Watershed Water Quality Plan • Look for new and innovative soil and water conservation methods. • Partner with NRCS, UNL Extension and landowners to improve all aspects of their water and soil quality. • Continue to support the Land and Range Judging Contests. • Continue targeting SWCP land treatment program funds for priority watersheds in the District. • Use existing and new technology and GIS software programs for implementing and promoting soil conservation practices. • Promote the use of and make available soil surveys and land use information. • Continue to support Locally Led Landowner Groups to promote and implement soil and water conservation practices.

20 FLOOD CONTROL & DAMAGE REDUCTION ACTIVITIES

Watershed projects have been completed to accomplish planning, design, permits and in five of eleven sub-watersheds (see construction of the project by the end of 2022. Appendix E) in the LPNNRD to help reduce In the fall of 2017, NRCS approved additional floodwater and provide grade stabilization. funding for the Wahoo Creek Watershed under These completed projects include Bellwood, the federal Watershed Flood Prevention Clear Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Sand and Operations Program (WFPO), historically Duck Creek and Swedeburg watersheds, referred to as P.L. 566. LPNNRD then entered along with Rawhide Creek. Current high into a three year agreement with NRCS to priority flood reduction areas include Shell use $575,000 of federal funds for planning to Creek, Wahoo Creek, Skull Creek and Bone include sites 26a, 26b, 27 plus an additional Creek watersheds. On federal and state eight remaining Wahoo Creek Watershed projects where the LPNNRD acts as project flood reduction dam sites (55, 66, 77, 82, sponsor, the district obtains land rights 83, 84, 85 & 86). Another $1.3 million was and mitigates for loss of trees, wildlife approved for project design of the eight habitats and fences destroyed by project additional sites. In the fall of 2018, LPNNRD construction. The LPNNRD is also responsible hired Olsson (Engineering) for completing the for operation and maintenance activities on design, permitting, bid letting and construction these projects after they are built. oversight for dam sites 26a., 26b. & 27 through The LPNNRD offers local assistance for RCPP, along with designing the another eight the construction of small dams that can help dams sites that were identified from the counties and/or landowners protect county planning effort with funding through the NRCS’s roads, control erosion and provide water for WFPO program. livestock and wildlife. After the watershed plan is completed in the fall of 2019, and dam designs are completed by 2020 - 2021,, is anticipated that future federal FY 2019 Flood Control and Damage and state assistance through the federal Reduction Activities WFPO program and the state WSF to complete construction of eight additional dams, which is estimated at $11 million. LPNNRD would be Wahoo Creek Flood Reduction Efforts responsible for projects permits and land right In 2017, the Natural Resource Conservation costs estimated at $9.5 million. Service (NRCS) approved $1.5 million under their Regional Conservation Partnership Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Program (RCPP) to assist with planning, design Project (Lake Wanahoo) and construction of three Wahoo Creek flood With the invaluable assistance of numerous reduction dams, sites 26a, 26b & 27. These local, state and federal partners, 2011 dam sites were originally identified as potential witnessed the completion of construction projects in the NRCS Wahoo Creek Watershed on Lake Wanahoo’s earth embankment. Plan completed in 1998. The total estimated The breakwater feature and the fisheries cost to complete the three dams is $5.3 million. component were completed a few years prior In addition to RCPP funding, there is another to the embankment. Recreation components $2.3 million of state funds approved through were completed for Lake Wanahoo in FY the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources 2011. Construction of seven upstream (Water Sustainability Fund) leaving $1.5 million flood reduction reduction/environmental needed from local sources. An RCPP agreement enhancement structures were completed in with NRCS was approved in September 2017 FY 2012 - FY 2014. 21 In FY19, LPNNRD, assumed Lake Wanahoo’s FY 2020 Flood Control and Damage recreation management responsibilities from Reduction Objectives the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. • Continue with accelerated land treatment Operation and Maintenance efforts in identified priority watersheds in District staff completed inspections on 45 the District. watershed structures and special projects in • Complete biennial inspections on 45 the NRD in FY 18/19. These inspections help watershed structures; spray noxious weeds detect problems before they become serious. & cut and treat trees on 45 dams and 10 miles Also during the 2019 fiscal year, noxious of ditch; complete regular maintenance weeds and volunteer trees were sprayed on activities at all sites. 45 structures and along Rawhide Ditch System. • Continue to be an active partner on the Annual maintenance activities such as removing Joint Water Management Advisory Board, debris, repairing fences and unplugging risers to explore flood reduction and drainage were completed at many of the dam locations. solutions in the lower one-third of Dodge County within LPNNRD. Army Corps of Engineers 205 Flood Studies Continue to educate the public on watershed Over the past few years, the District has • management and flood reduction in LPNNRD partnered with local entities and the US Army newsletters, news releases and website. Corps of Engineers to study flood protection Cooperate with landowners and counties in alternatives for their areas. In 2004, LPNNRD • evaluating small dam sites for cost-share partnered with Fremont, Inglewood and Dodge throughout the district. County to look at a potential levee project to Continue to partner with the Army Corps of remove areas from the Platte River 100-year • Engineers, City of Fremont, Englewood and ice induced floodplain. In FY 2017, the Fremont Dodge County on exploring non-structural study evolved into a General Investigation (GI) opportunities for feasible flood control Study which determined that there is not a solutions. feasible structural solution (levee) to the City Support the City of Schuyler for exploring of Fremont’s flood threat from the Platte River. • non-structural opportunities for feasible In 2018 the GI Study evolved back to a 205 Non- flood control solutions from the Platte River Structural Study for the City of Fremont and through the LPNNRD District-wide Hazard Dodge County which is ongoing. Mitigation Plan. In 2005, LPNNRD entered into an interlocal Work with Communities, Counties and agreement with the City of Schuyler to • other entities on projects identified in our evaluate levee protection options to protect District-wide All Hazard Mitigation Plan. the city from flooding from the Platte River and Complete the Wahoo Creek Watershed Plan Shell Creek. In FY 2012, the Schuyler 205 Study • that identifies the future completion of was completed and entered into the project eleven flood water reduction dam. design phase. In FY 2014 the design phase Complete engineering designs on Wahoo was completed and LPNNRD assisted Schuyler • Creek Dam Sites 26a, 26b and 27. with obtaining needed land rights for the Shell Commit funds and staff time toward seeking Creek Levee portion of the project which began • federal and state funds for constructing construction activities in the spring of 2014 and the remaining eight unfunded flood water most construction activities were completed in control structures (sites 55, 66, 77, 82, 83, the fall of 2015. LPNNRD continued to assist 84, 85, 86) in the Wahoo Creek Watershed. Schuyler in FY 2018 with closing out the project Begin the process of updating LPNNRD’s with the Army Corps of Engineers. • district-wide All Hazard Mitigation Plan.

22 FY 2021-2025 Flood Control and Dodge County on exploring non-structural Damage Reduction Long Range opportunities for feasible flood control Objectives solutions.

• Continue to commit funds and staff time toward obtaining additional funding for flood water control/reduction structures in the Wahoo Creek Watershed. • Continue to budget staff time and funds to maintain and operate completed flood control structures that are sponsored by the LPNNRD. • Continue to move forward with flood reduction structure opportunities for Wahoo Creek, Shell Creek and Skull Creek Watersheds. • Continue to encourage cities and counties in the district to accept and implement Floodplain Management Authorities. • Assist Schuyler with pursuing federal assistance for completing construction of the Platte River Levee flood protection project as identified and preliminarily designed as a result by the Army Corps of Engineers 205 study. • Assist Fremont, Inglewood and Dodge County with non-structural flood protection projects as identified by the Army Corps of Engineers study. • Assist Schuyler with non-structural Platte River flood protection project opportunities as they become available. • Assist District Communities in evaluating future flood protection for their communities through updating the District’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and assisting with identified projects. • Construct Wahoo Creek flood water reduction dams 26a., 26.b and 27. • Complete engineering designs for eight remaining Wahoo Creek Dam Sites 55, 66, 77, 82, 83, 84, 85 & 86. • Commit funds and staff time toward obtaining federal and state funds for construction the remaining eight flood water reduction dams in the Wahoo Creek Watershed. • Continue to partner with the Army Corps of Engineers, City of Fremont, Englewood and 23 FORESTRY, RANGE, & WILDLIFE HABITAT

The district administers several programs The district did not receive any new designed to enhance the region’s forest, applications for the program in FY 18/19. The range, and wildlife land, including the Tree District did receive a grant in 2017 through Planting Program, Wildlife Habitat Program, WILD NE to renovate and enhance the grassland SWCP Program, and Mitigation Program. wildlife habitat at Homestead and Czechland The district also sponsors educational Lakes. The grassland area of Czechland Lake activities such as Range Judging and Land was reseeded with warm season grasses and Judging contests, and other school-oriented wildflowers in 2018. activities. Community Forestry Program In FY 2018/19, the LPNNRD donated 900 FY 2019 Forestry, Range, and seedlings to Spring Conservation Sensation, Wildlife Habitat Activities Fremont Eco Fair, and schools for educational purposes. The District budgets $2,000 for tree educational purposes and for community Tree Program development projects. The District did not One of the most visible and popular programs receive any request for Community Forestry offered by the LPNNRD is the district’s tree funding. planting program. As a direct result of this program, begun in 1973, an estimated 844,500 FY 2020 Forestry, Range, and trees and shrubs have been planted in the Wildlife Habitat Objectives district. Trees and shrubs may be obtained from the NRD for windbreaks, shelterbelts, • Plant and distribute conservation trees and wildlife habitat, woodlots, and Christmas shrubs through the district’s Tree Planting tree plantings. Besides providing a planting Program. service, the NRD also designs tree plans and • Continue to include tree planting as an offers technical advice on ground preparation eligible cost-share practice under the SWCP for tree sites. program. During the spring of 2019, 12,725 trees and • Offer trees and give staff presentations to shrubs were distributed to District residents. elementary students across the district. Of this total, 7,335 were planted by the NRD • Sign cooperators into the district’s WILD field crew at 8 sites. Nebraska Program. Cooperate with the Extension Service and WILD Nebraska Program • the NRCS in obtaining tree orders from WILD Nebraska is intended to encourage District residents. landowners to set aside land for wildlife Recognize a cooperator for outstanding tree habitat, but payment rates and acceptable • planting efforts at the Recognition Picnic/ practices have been adjusted in the new Banquet. program to make it more flexible. Provide cost-sharing for the conversion of The program bases its payments on average • cropland to grassland through the SWCP county rental rates. There are numerous program. habitat practices eligible for funding in three Cooperate with Pheasant Forever Chapters major categories: Woodlands, Wetlands • to enhance wildlife habitat and establish and Grasslands. Funding for the program is windbreaks. split between the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (75%) and the NRD (25%).

24 FY 2021-2025 Forestry, Range, and Wildlife Habitat Long Range Objectives

• Sell as many trees and shrubs each year through the district’s Tree Planting Program, and to plant as many trees and shrubs for qualified property owners. • Provide information and education on tree planting, woodland management, grassland management, and proper wildlife habitat enhancement through the media, tours, and schools. • Continue to administer Wildlife Habitat programs in cooperation with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and other partnering entities as opportunities arise.

25 RECREATION FY 2019 Recreation Activities Homestead Lake (Skull Creek Site #55) Construction was completed on Czechland Lake Recreation Area Homestead Lake in 2001. The dam offers Czechland Lake Recreation Area is a flood control for nearby communities, and multipurpose project located one mile north has been developed for public recreation. of Prague, Nebraska on Highway 79. Flood Recreation facilities include a shelter, control, recreation and education are the restroom, picnic areas, a boat ramp, and main benefits of the project. Located at a hunting areas. FY 2019 proved to be another convenient distance from Omaha, Lincoln, very popular year for recreators as the area Fremont and Wahoo, the 85 surface acre lake was extensively used. is situated on 265 acres of public access land operated and maintained by the LPNNRD. Lake Wanahoo State park permits and fees are not required Work was completed on recreation facilities for entrance to the area. Czechland Lake has at Lake Wanahoo one mile north of Wahoo in 11 electrical camper pads at an $18/night FY 2012. Recreation facilities at the 1,600 acre fee for the use a camping pad. There are also site straddle the 662-acre lake, with camping three non-electrical pads. A Nebraska Fishing and boating access on the west side and a day License is required for anglers. The lake fishery use area on the east. A rocked hiking/biking is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks trail winds throughout the park, linking the Commission, which stocks and monitors fish east and west side recreation areas over a populations. Catfish, Bluegill, Northern Pike breakwater levee one mile north of the dam. and Largemouth Bass were initially stocked in Mowed trails north of the levee provide access Czechland Lake. to undeveloped areas set aside for wildlife Originally built as one of twelve floodwater habitat. structures in the Cottonwood Creek Watershed, The camping area contains 74 camper pads Czechland Lake has developed into one of and 60 tent camping sites. All camper pads the area’s most popular recreation spots. The are equipped with electrical hookups and 50 reservoir and recreation area development was of them are hard surfaced, with the remain- built at a total cost of $1.8 million. Funding der on grass. All tent sites have fire rings and for the project was shared by the Nebraska picnic tables. Natural Resources Commission, Saunders The camping area also offers access to a County, USDA Natural Resources Conservation large boat ramp that’s wide enough to accom- Service and LPNNRD. Grant monies from the modate four boats at a time. Boating at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have lake will be no-wake only. been used to reduce non-point source pollution The day use area on the east side of the lake entering the lake and to provide educational has two large picnic shelters and two smaller resources. ones, all offering scenic views of the lake. In The Czechland recreation area was FY17 a dump station for RV’s was constructed used extensively during FY 19 generating on the east day use area as well as a disc golf approximately $10,020 in camping revenue. course/nature educational trail. Mowing, trash removal, repair and upkeep Both the camping and day use areas provide of park equipment, and thistle control kept excellent fishing access, with a total of seven LPNNRD park staff very busy during the spring fishing jetties. One jetty on each side has and summer. an attached handicapped pier. The lake was stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, blue

26 catfish, crappie, northern pike, and walleye FY 2021-2025 Recreation Long Range beginning in 2008. Objectives Limited hunting opportunities will continue to be available at Lake Wanahoo through the • Continue to evaluate the development of Game & Parks Commission PATH Program, new outdoor public recreational facilities where adults can schedule a time to mentor a as opportunities arise. youth hunter at designated hunting sites north • Continue to administer the WILD Nebraska of the recreation area. programs and pursue developing new areas The Lake Wanahoo Recreation Area was offering public access. opened to the public in spring 2012. An opera- tion and maintenance plan was developed with the assistance of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and Pheasants Forever in FY 2014 which identified activities were implemented in 2015 . In FY 2019, LPNNRD assumed the respon- sibilities of administering Lake Wanahoo as a public recreation area from the Nebraska Games & Park Commission.

Wildlife Habitat Public Access Areas Under the WILD Nebraska program, administered jointly with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, the LPNNRD encourages landowners to allow public access on habitat lands signed up under the program.

FY 2020 Recreation Objectives

• Continue to budget funds for maintenance, including grass mowing, tree trimming, grading roads, outhouse cleaning, trash removal, painting and noxious weed control, at Lake Wanahoo, Czechland Lake and Homestead Lake Recreation Areas. • Acquire additional acres of wildlife habitat lands which allow public access under the WILD Nebraska program. • LPNNRD to administer the Lake Wanahoo recreation area.

27 DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT & CHANNEL RECTIFICATION

It is the general policy of the LPNNRD not to provide financial assistance for drainage improvement and channel rectification unless a project has public benefit and is sponsored by a county, city and a group of landowners through an established Improvement Project Area Under this policy, the district has cooperated on several projects that have provided public benefit.

FY 2020 Drainage Improvement & Channel Rectification Objectives

• Continue to oversee the progress of the Rawhide Creek West Branch Project to ensure that landowners control vegetation on Rawhide Creek to help it stay clean. • Provide continued assistance to Platte Center with stabilizing a segment of Elm Creek. • Work with local landowners and Colfax County to improve Shell Creek flows east of Schuyler.

FY 2021-2025 Drainage Improvement & Channel Rectification Long Range Objectives

• Evaluate potential technical and funding assistance to counties, cities and other entities in the district that sponsor sound drainage and channel improvement projects.

28 WASTE DISPOSAL & POLLUTION CONTROL

Twenty 25 years ago, vast changes occurred in Nebraska’s solid waste regulations. Landfills that weren’t properly designed, operated or sited were required to shut down, as were unauthorized dumps. In order for a landfill to operate, it must be approved by the State and receive a permit. If a permit is not issued, the landfill cannot legally operate. Currently, the only permitted landfill in the Lower Platte North NRD is a facility near David City.

FY 2020 Waste Disposal & Pollution Objectives

• Promote recycling efforts in the district through education programs, newsletters, and news releases. • Participate in education efforts to promote the reduction of pollution to our air, water, and soil resources. • Cooperate and be supportive of other group and agency pollution control efforts, education, and/or regulation.

FY 2021-2025 Waste Disposal & Pollution Long Range Objectives

• Assist and encourage all District communities in establishing collection locations for recyclable wastes. • Assist District cities and counties in establishing pickup days for hazardous household and farmstead wastes. • Promote waste reduction efforts in the district through education and incentives.

29 INFORMATION & EDUCATION

A major responsibility of the Lower Platte and a “Disc Golf Workshop”, with 20 youth North NRD is to keep the public aware of the participants. district’s various projects and programs, and to Various field trips and outdoor programs took inform and educate children and adults about place at the Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area the wise use and management of our natural throughout FY2019. 40 preschool students from resources. the Wahoo Headstart Program participated in a field day with various educational activities. The Wahoo Public School’s 8th grade class FY 2019 Information & Education participated in a community service day, Activities with 70 students assisting with various tasks throughout the park. During fiscal year 2019, the Lower Platte The district participated in Wahoo North NRD conducted many activities to help Public Schools, “CEO (Career Exploration residents learn the importance of our soil and Opportunities) Program”. During spring 2019, water resources and keep abreast of natural LPNNRD staff hosted a high school senior, who resource issues and concerns. Some of the rotated between departments each week. highlights included: LPNNRD began two different year-long education programs, interacting with students Education Programs throughout the entire school year. A “Survival The district once again sponsored the “Spring Club” was developed with 8th grade students Conservation Sensation” activities held at the from Wahoo Public Schools. 18 students, with Czechland Lake Recreation Area in May 2019. an interest in outdoor recreation, participated During this all-day event, 318 fifth and sixth in monthly presentations coordinated by the grade students from Saunders, Butler, Platte, LPNNRD. The program culminated with an Colfax and Dodge Counties participated in overnight camping experience at the Lake various activities. Hands-on activities were Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area. A preschool presented by LPNNRD staff, additional personnel program was developed with St. Wenceslaus from various agencies and organizations, and Catholic Grade School. LPNNRD staff presented volunteers to teach the students about the environmental education activities for 29 environment and natural resources. Students preschool students every other month. The visited stations demonstrating tree planting, program culminated with a field trip to the fishing, wildlife education, lake ecosystems Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area. and more. Lower Platte North NRD partnered with The district coordinated and hosted the East Saunders County 4-H to coordinate and host Central Land Judging Contest in October 2018 the “4-H/NRD Outdoor Recreation Workshop” for 12 area FFA chapters, with over 197 students at the Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area. participating. Additionally, the district hosted 45 4-H’ers from Saunders County and Colfax the State Land Judging Contest in October 2018 County participated in the event, rotating for 39 FFA chapters statewide, with over 151 between four activity stations. students participating. Lower Platte North NRD The district partnered with Saunders County staff assisted during both contests in the field 4-H and the Mead, Ashland-Greenwood, & and with scoring. Bishop Neumann FFA Chapters to coordinate The district partnered with the Wahoo the “Saunders County Youth Ag Tour”. 20 area Summer Kids Institute to provide two workshops. students in 7th through 12th grade visited Lower Platte North NRD staff led a “Water various businesses and organizations associated Wonders” workshop, with 20 youth participants with agriculture and conservation. 30 District staff provided various presentations Video Promotion and activities for natural resources festivals, During FY 2018, the district worked with field days, out-of-school time programs, and redthread to create a 1 minute and 30 second school classrooms. As a result of the district’s video that promotes the conservation efforts educational outreach efforts, there was of the district. The video is very unique to the interaction with approximately 2,467 youth Lower Platte North NRD because no professional during FY19. acting or voice talent was hired for the video. A past director, current director, and current Awards, Contests, and Events staff are featured in the video. The children The LPNNRD provided displays at exhibit of a current employee and a current director booths during county fairs in the district. were also featured in the video. During summer 2019, booths were present at During FY 2019, redthread created a the Saunders, Butler, & Platte County Fairs. promotional video for the Lake Wanahoo NRD Recreation Area. This video was featured on Publications social media platforms and as a commercial on In FY 2012, the district switched distribution several television stations; including, KOLN/ of the “The Viaduct” newsletter from direct KGIN (Lincoln), KLKN (Lincoln), WOWT (Omaha), mail subscriptions to inserts in area newspapers. and News Channel Nebraska (statewide). In FY 2018, more than 28,000 copies of the LPNNRD staff were interviewed during several newsletter were distributed in area papers news station’s talk shows; including, Pure and via email. Nebraska (KOLN/KGIN), Metro Blend (KMTV), Various brochures describing LPNNRD Channel 8 News (KLKN), and Mom’s Everyday programs and services were updated as needed (WOWT). in FY 2019. A Fact Sheet for use with the NARD’s KLKN produced a video to promote LPNNRD’s public relations campaign was updated. water conservation efforts. The video featured Press releases were distributed to district LPNNRD Water Department staff and various papers and radio stations. Numerous ads water quality and quantity efforts. spotlighting different NRD programs were aired on KTIC Radio. In FY 14 the district also began running digital ads on the Wahoo newspaper FY 2020 Information & Education website which continued in FY19. Objectives

Website • Publish the district newsletter “Viaduct” The NRD’s website at www.lpnnrd.org biannually in an electronic format and contains information on nearly all of the as a printed newspaper insert in 10 area district’s projects and programs, as well as newspapers, and produce supplemental staff and director information, committee electronic issues on an as-needed basis. and board meeting minutes, and more. Online • Send timely news releases to the local application and registration forms for various media on various LPNNRD programs, projects and programs are available as well. projects, and activities. In FY 2008, online payment capabilities were • Continue with the annual awards and added to the site to allow customers to pay for recognition program. trees and rural water bills. During FY 2018, • Provide district elementary students free the website was re-designed and updated. The trees, as requested, in the spring. district worked with redthread, an advertising • Disseminate pamphlets and other and marketing company, to create a fresh, new publications about LPNNRD programs. look for the site and to offer more interactive • Provide LPNNRD staff as requested to speak and user-friendly features. to community organizations and schools on NRD activities and environmental topics. 31 • Provide various education programs, events, and activities to area schools and out-of-school time programs. • Continue to provide a display at county fairs (up to five major counties) within the district. • Sponsor the 30th annual Spring Conservation Sensation in spring 2020. • Sponsor the East Central Region Land Judging Contest in the fall of 2020. • Participate in Nebraska Alliance for Conservation and Environmental Education. • Update the district’s website regularly. • Continue social network outreach for the district through the use of tools such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. • Develop new programs and promotional projects to aid in outreach efforts of the district.

FY 2021-2025 Information & Education Long Range Objectives

• Assist NARD with participation in the planning and execution of the 2020 NCF Envirothon to be held in Nebraska. • Search for new and effective ways to inform and educate the public on the NRD purpose and programs. • Increase participation in activities sponsored by other agencies related to NRD responsibilities. • Seek to have conservation/environmental education as a part of the school curriculum. • Support environmental education activities and events. • Assist in the development of an outdoor classroom for a district school. • Participate with the Information & Education Staff Group to coordinate statewide I&E activities and produce statewide products.

32 PERSONNEL

LPNNRD Staff In addition to the listed full-time and part-time positions, the district employs The staff of the Lower Platte North NRD seasonal conservation technicians to includes 17 full-time and part-time employees assist in the layout of land treatment stationed at the district office in Wahoo. The structures. There are also seasonal NRD administers a full-time field technician, summer employees hired to help with four field office assistants in Natural Resource Lake Wanahoo, water sampling, tree Conservation Service county offices, and a planting and maintenance of NRD Recreation Facilitator for Czechland Lake projects. Personnel positions and Recreation Area. assigned responsibilities could increase in the future as increased project and program responsibilities increase.

Current staff as of September 1, 2019:

Daryl Andersen, Water Resources Manager Tyler Benal, Water Resources Specialist Jill Breunig, Bookkeeping Department Head/Administrative Assistant Will Brueggemann, Water Resources Specialist Duke Dokulil, Operations & Maintenance Technician Sean Elliott, Projects/Rural Water Manager Eric Gottschalk, General Manager Bob Heimann, Operations & Maintenance Manager David Moore, Operations & Maintenance Technician Tom Mountford, Assistant Manager Russell Oaklund, Lead Water Resources Specialist Dave Odvody, Recreation Facilitator Chris Poole, Grants/GIS Department Head Karen Rezac, Department/Administrative Assistant Lacey Sabatka - Information & Education Assistant/Receptionist Bret Schomer, Wanahoo Recreation Supervisor/Water Resources Specialist Desirae TePoel, Information & Education Department Head

Staff Support for NRCS Offices:

Skye Rezac, Conservation Technician Kimberly Piitz , NRD/NRCS Field Office Assistant (Butler County) Kristin Miller, NRD/NRCS Field Office Assistant (Colfax County) Luz Schafersman, NRD/NRCS Field Office Assistant (Dodge County) Marla Milliken, NRD/NRCS Field Office Assistant (Saunders County) Melissia Foreman, Shell Creek Watershed Coordinator (LPN & SCWIG Volunteer)

33 FINANCES

FY 2020 Financial Objectives

• Funding required for the LPNNRD projects and programs for Fiscal Year 2020 requires a general operating budget of $6,579,860 of which $3,480,715 is required from the district’s local tax levy. The FY 2020 tax levy of .035512 cents per $100 actual valuation is required from District property. Projected expenses and income for FY 2020-2025 is shown in Appendix F. • A tax levy of .035512 means that an owner of a $150,000 home will pay $53.27 in NRD taxes in FY 2020. An owner of farm land valued at $7,000 per acre will pay $2.49 an acre/year in FY 2020. The LPNNRD levy represents about two percent of the total property tax collected.

FY 2021-2025 Financial Long Range Objectives

• Although it is expected that the amount of revenue from all sources will fluctuate during the next few years, it is anticipated that the LPNNRD will operate at a mill levy between $0.035 and $0.045 per $100 actual valuation as the District continues to assist with flood reduction project priorities and to address our responsibilities with groundwater water quality and quantity management.

34 APPENDIX A - Estimated Population by County

RURAL URBAN % OF COUNTY ACRES IN COUNTY POPULATION POPULATION TOTAL IN DISTRICT DISTRICT IN DISTRICT IN DISTRICT

Boone 12.78 56,175 231 -- 231 Butler 44.38 167,700 1,863 3,724 5,587 Colfax 40.76 108,582 1,218 6,379 7,597 Dodge 31.96 111,147 3,075 27,923 30,998 Madison 6.25 22,998 129 721 850 Platte 37.78 165,401 2,222 637 2,859 Saunders 81.39 395,098 7,028 8,313 15,341 TOTAL 1,027,101 15,766 47,697 63,463

Twenty-eight cities, towns and villages are located within the Lower Platte North NRD, listed below with their populations (according to 2010 United States Census):

Abie...... 69 Mead...... 569 Ashland...... 2,453 Memphis...... 114 Bellwood...... 435 Morse Bluff...... 135 Bruno...... 88 Newman Grove...... 721 Cedar Bluffs...... 610 North Bend...... 1,177 Colon...... 110 Octavia...... 127 David City...... 2,906 Platte Center...... 336 Fremont...... 26,397 Prague...... 303 Inglewood...... 325 Richland...... 73 Ithaca...... 148 Rogers...... 95 Leshara...... 112 Schuyler...... 6,211 Lindsay...... 255 Tarnov...... 46 Linwood...... 88 Wahoo...... 4,508 Malmo...... 120 Weston...... 324 Yutan...... 1,174

35 APPENDIX B - Aquifer Regions

36 APPENDIX C - Groundwater Energy Level Status, Spring 2019

37 APPENDIX D - Watershed Boundaries

38 APPENDIX E - Projected Budget (Income), Fiscal Years 2020-2025

Description FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025

BEGINNING CASH BALANCE $2,017,977 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 PROPERTY TAX $3,480,716 $3,500,000 $4,000,000 $4,000,000 $4,000,000 $4,000,000 FEDERAL INCOME NRCS (WFPO & RCPP) $518,400 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 FEMA (Flood Funds) $223,304 FEMA (HMP) $221,516 NDEE (EPA 319) $130,000 BOR $52,500 STATE NE Buffer Strip Program $19,620 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 Decommissioned Well Fund $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 Natural Resource WQ Fund $49,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 Shell Creek Implememtation $70,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 Wahoo Creek Phase II (NET) $90,000 $150,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 Water Sustainability Fund (Wahoo Creek) $210,000 $500,000 $500,000 $750,000 $750,000 $750,000 Water Sustainability Fund (Water Prog.) $90,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 Water Smart Grant - AEM (NET) $54,000 NEMA (Flood Funds) $37,217 Sand Creek - NRDF $245,500 Motor Vehcle Pro-rate $8,300 $8,300 $8,300 $8,300 $8,300 $8,300 Wild NE $3,820 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 LOCAL Chemigation $21,200 $21,000 $21,000 $21,000 $21,000 $21,000 Czecland Camping $8,700 $8,700 $8,700 $8,700 $8,700 $8,700 Gain/Loss sale of assests $13,000 $13,000 $13,000 $13,000 $13,000 $13,000 HMP (Fremont & Schuyler) $33,375 Interest $4,400 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 NRD/NRCS Clerks $75,000 $77,000 $79,000 $81,000 $83,000 $85,000 Tree Sales $12,000 $12,000 $13,000 $14,000 $15,000 $16,000 Wanahoo Recreation Area (Permits/Bld) $152,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 Wanahoo Hay/Dirt/Shower Income $26,000 $26,000 $26,000 $26,000 $26,000 $26,000 Water Programs/Permits $6,500 $6,500 $6,500 $6,500 $6,500 $6,500 Rural Water Income $99,799 $110,000 $110,000 $110,000 $110,000 $110,000 Misc. Income/Sales $68,960 $55,000 $55,000 $55,000 $55,000 $55,000 TOTAL $8,046,804 $8,519,500 $8,972,500 $9,175,500 $9,178,500 $9,181,500

39 APPENDIX F - Projected Budget (Expenses), Fiscal Years 2020-2025

Description FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023 FY 2024 FY 2025 ADMINISTRATION Bonds $800 $800 $900 $900 $1,000 $1,000 Dues and Membership $35,222 $36,000 $36,000 $36,000 $36,000 $36,000 Fees & Licenses $10,600 $11,024 $11,465 $11,924 $12,401 $12,897 GIS $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Insurance $51,950 $54,028 $56,189 $58,437 $60,774 $63,205 Interest Expense $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Legal Notices $6,000 $6,240 $6,490 $6,749 $7,019 $7,300 Maintenance Contracts $6,500 $6,695 $6,963 $7,241 $7,531 $7,832 Office Supply & Expense $12,100 $12,584 $13,087 $13,611 $14,155 $14,722 Computer Supply & Expense $25,550 $26,000 $27,000 $28,000 $29,000 $31,000 Postage $4,000 $4,160 $4,326 $4,499 $4,679 $4,867 Professional Services $131,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 Rent Expense $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 Support to Organizations $1,000 $1,200 $1,300 $1,400 $1,500 $1,600 Telephone $17,500 $18,200 $18,928 $19,685 $20,473 $21,291 Utilities $8,500 $8,840 $9,194 $9,561 $9,944 $10,342 INFORMATION & EDUCATION Education $12,000 $12,480 $12,979 $13,498 $14,038 $14,600 Information $49,950 $51,948 $54,026 $56,187 $58,434 $60,772 Scholarships and Grants $3,000 $3,120 $3,245 $3,375 $3,510 $3,650 Other $11,395 $11,851 $12,325 $12,818 $13,331 $13,864 OPERATION/MAINTENANCE Auto & Truck Expense $24,000 $24,960 $25,958 $26,997 $28,077 $29,200 Building Maintenance $9,200 $9,568 $9,951 $10,349 $10,763 $11,193 Comm. Forestry Program $2,000 $2,000 $2,500 $2,500 $3,000 $3,000 Operation and Maintenance $242,250 $251,940 $262,018 $272,498 $283,398 $294,734 Project Repairs $175,000 $175,000 $175,000 $175,000 $175,000 $175,000 Stream Bank Stabilization $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 $120,000 Wildlife Habitat $3,820 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 Other $43,550 $45,000 $46,000 $47,000 $48,000 $49,000 PERSONNEL Directors Expense $38,500 $40,040 $41,642 $43,307 $45,040 $46,841 Directors Per Diem $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 $35,000 Employee Benefits $393,000 $408,720 $425,069 $442,072 $459,754 $478,145 Payroll Taxes $86,336 $89,789 $93,381 $97,116 $101,001 $105,041 Personnel Expense $44,700 $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 Salaries $1,219,662 $1,303,767 $1,342,880 $1,383,166 $1,424,661 $1,467,401 PROJECTS Inter-governmental $462,188 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 Special Projects $2,500 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 Wanahoo $35,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 Other Projects $0 $200,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 $250,000 PR CORRIDOR ALLIANCE $1,480 WATER Groundwater Management Plan $26,600 $50,000 $55,000 $60,000 $65,000 $70,000 Groundwater Programs $37,250 $38,740 $40,290 $41,901 $43,577 $45,320 Regulatory $1,750 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Surface Water Programs $26,250 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 $17,000 Special Projects $272,250 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 $400,000 Land Treatment $468,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 $500,000 RURAL WATER DISTRICT $119,500 $130,000 $130,000 $130,000 $130,000 $130,000 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Wanahoo Recreation $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 Czechland Lake & Homestead Lake $0 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 Monitoring Wells $10,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 Wahoo Creek $878,707 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 Western Sarpy./Clear Creek $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 Rawhide Ditch 8 $400,000 Buildings $200,000 Projects Sinking Fund $800,000 $800,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 CAPITAL OUTLAY $228,800 $70,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 40 BUDGET TOTAL $6,979,860 $8,449,194 $8,773,604 $8,870,291 $8,970,559 $9,074,315 APPENDIX G - Projected Expenses Breakdown, Fiscal Years 2020-2025

FY 2020 Total Budget: $6,979,860

FY 2021 Total Budget: $8,449,194

41 FY 2022 Total Budget: $8,773,604

FY 2023 Total Budget: $8,870,291

42 FY 2024 Total Budget: $8,970,559

FY 2025 Total Budget: $9,074,315

43