Ryan Reuter

The committee discussed the Seametrics AG3000 flow meter pilot study, including the high failure rate and whether to continue approving it as a district flow meter. They also considered a transfer request by Blackstone Farms, including the need for a variance and potential impacts. A presentation and discussion were held regarding the Joint NDNR/NPNRD Enterprise Water Project, including the amount of water available to lease. The committee also discussed Chapter 11 nitrogen application regulations and the NPNRD Integrated Management Plan (IMP) and §46-715.

The meeting included updates from the Natural Resources Conservation Service regarding their operational status. Discussion occurred with Senator Paul Strommen and Matt Manning from NDWEE concerning the Fully and Over appropriated condition in the NPNRD. Updates were provided on Local Hazard Mitigation Plans and the WWUMM Interlocal Agreement. Educational outreach activities for elementary school kids were highlighted, along with the sale of seedlings and tree planting efforts. The board reviewed and accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit Report and the NARD 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Roth Amendment Resolution. A presentation was given on the Water Department's flow meter activities, detailing inspections, repairs, and data collection efforts.

The meeting included a review and approval of the Treasurer's Report and Accounts Payable, with additions authorized for Simmons Olsen Law Firm and Allo Fiber expenses. The Manager's Report provided updates on several items: upcoming attendance at the NRD Legislative Conference in Lincoln, the execution of the phase 1 contract with Longitude 103 (expiring June 30, 2026), and highlights from the Governor's Task Force on Water, focusing on voluntary, incentivized programs for carbon sequestration in soils. The Manager also reminded Directors whose terms expire in 2026 about the incumbent filing deadline and discussed scheduling a meeting with the Governor in mid-March. Key discussion points also involved the 2026 Ag Symposium agenda. The Board voted to exempt surface water only irrigated acres from Chapter 11 Rules and Regulations for water year 2026, with specific exceptions for districts like Enterprise and Lisco. Further presentations covered the 2025 Groundwater Sampling data and a positive review of the Plastic Surface Ditch Recycling Pilot Project, which has successfully recycled nearly 15 tons of ditch plastic. The Soil Moisture Probe Project was also presented, noting the accuracy and ease of use of the selected probes.

The meeting covered several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the Manager's Report, which noted a state budget deficit concern and potential program cuts, updates on the NARD Executive Committee's process regarding Producer Connect and Longitude 103 contracting issues, and progress on the Governor's Task Force quarterly meeting. Staff reported on ongoing work to compile a database for surface water registrations, particularly targeting the Pathfinder Irrigation District patrons, and efforts to manually create groundwater usage reports due to issues with Longitude 103. The Board also discussed upcoming outreach events, specifically the 2026 Ag Symposium focusing on nitrates and sampling procedures, and a new Urban Symposium. The Water Resources Committee reported on the executed Enterprise ARP contract, which secures credits for accretions to the North Platte River. Furthermore, the Board approved adding the Growsmart IM3000 Flow Meter to the Approved Flow Meter List, approved revised Soil Sample Cost Share Program Form and Ground Water Sample Cost Share Program Form, and approved general District Acknowledgement Forms. Finally, the Board set the Lease Rates for 2026 at $150/acre.

The meeting addressed several key topics, including a soil sampling cost share program and a water sample cost share program, both of which were recommended to be sent to the full board. Updates were provided regarding the transfer and variance request by Blackstone Farms. Existing Minatare Mutual Canal Company projects were discussed, focusing on the expiration of contracts and alternative cost-effective ways for the NRD to receive credit. Additionally, a presentation on Producer Connect was given to the committee.