Upper Loup Natural Resources District

The agenda includes a budget hearing followed by a regular board of directors meeting. Key discussion topics include agency and staff reports, financial reports, NRD program reports (such as NE Soil & Water Conservation Program, Wildlife, Water Sub-committee, Water Quantity, and Water Quality), current NRD projects, grant reports, coalition/alliance reports, and the budget for FY 2024-2025. Specific actions include adopting the budget, approving an additional 1% increase, setting the property tax request, and setting the levy for FY 2024-2025.

The meeting included a review of current NRCS operations and the distribution of information regarding upcoming Private Pesticide Trainings and a Winter Stocker Tour. The board was informed about the NARD Legislative Conference. Staff reported an increase in the mileage reimbursement rate and confirmed 23 machine plants scheduled for spring tree planting. The financial report was reviewed and accepted. Discussions on Water Quality noted no new applications for the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program and the approval of a grant to cover labor costs for the recycling coordinator. Discussions on Water Quantity confirmed that the FAB Report was completed, showing no fully appropriated basins. The board proceeded with the election of officers, retaining the previous year's slate, and nominated representatives for North Central RC&D, Sandhills RC&D, LPSBC, and NARD. Finally, excused absences for several directors were approved.

The Upper Loup Natural Resources District Board of Directors meeting included reports from UNL Extension and NARD, covering topics such as pesticide training dates, land leasing workshops, Roth IRA options for employees, Producer Connect, Longittude 103 ownership issues, and changes to vision care insurance providers. The directors also discussed the North Platte NRD's geothermal greenhouse. Additionally, staff provided updates on tree survival checks, flowmeter checks, the financial report, expansion of irrigated acres, VIMP meeting, drought dashboard, domestic well testing for Sub-district 5, and current NRD projects, including outfitting trailers with supplies and deploying telemetry devices. The board also approved the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Roth Amendment Resolution and nominated delegates for the NARD Legislative Conference. They also addressed director absences and agreed to switch the December board meeting to Wednesday, December 10th at 3 pm.

Key discussions during the meeting included reviewing the Open Meetings Act posting and confirming no modifications to the agenda. The board accepted the minutes from the November meeting. The NRCS provided a report on current operations. Updates were given regarding pesticide training dates in Mullen, Brewster, and Thedford, and ongoing discussions concerning Producer Connect and Longitude 103 ownership issues. Staff reported that Executive Travel is funding a 10% discount for tree orders in December for the NRD's tree program, and one poster for the NACD contest won at the state level. The board reviewed and accepted the December financial report. An application for the NE Soil & Water Conservation Program was approved. The Water Sub-committee began reviewing definitions in the Rules and Regulations. The water quality sampling report for Sub-district 5 was discussed, confirming that the closing of the Broken Bow recycling facility will not impact the NRD's recycling program. The board also approved excused absences for two directors.

The Groundwater Management Plan for the Upper Loup Natural Resources District aims to proactively protect and manage groundwater resources. It focuses on maintaining a sustainable supply of high-quality groundwater, ensuring its availability for all users, educating the public on conservation, promoting best management practices, and fostering collaboration with other agencies. The overarching vision is to maintain groundwater quality and quantity in perpetuity for domestic, livestock, public, irrigation, agriculture, wildlife, and industrial uses, while minimizing adverse impacts on natural water bodies.