PLATTE LINES A column of current items of interest from the South Platte NRD

With Thanksgiving just past and Christmas rapidly approaching, this is an appropriated time to be thankful for the gift of the natural resources that provide for our livelihood, enjoyment and very survival.

Nebraska is all too often considered a state best flown over, or driven through as quickly as possible. But those who take the time to slow down in our state and take a look around can discover what we already know. That even our parched “desert” region is teaming with life.

As with the state’s other NRDs, part of our management responsibility is keeping you as constituents informed as to the state of our local natural resources and what we are doing to maintain their viability for current and future uses.

To accomplish that, information and education programs are the tool used in a number of ways for your benefit. They work together to bring you the most up to date information possible used as the District makes its management decisions to protect our local natural resources.

The information program provides you with the latest updates on projects and programs, board decisions, budgetary considerations, regulatory requirements, and other pertinent details you need to remain up to date on the District’s workings.

On the education side, we provide a number of opportunities for constituents from pre-school on up. Many are established programs and presentations, but we are glad to develop others according to your needs.

One of our largest single educational programs is the Western Nebraska Children’s Groundwater Festival. For 24 years, this program has hosted nearly 5,500 fourth-grade students, teaching them about groundwater – where it comes from, how it’s used, and how each of us can take measures to protect it.

Another popular program developed in recent years is the Landscape Wise Workshop, which features information and how-to tips on best management practices for homeowners seeking to provide an added layer of resource protection in their landscape.

Of course not all programs are popular. One of those is our Irrigator Certification. While it technically falls under “education,” its importance lies not so much because it offers a learning experience, but more so continuing reminders of the protection to our groundwater in both the areas of quality and quality.

Through the certification process, the District’s irrigators are provided the latest best management practices information on water use and nutrient management, as well as up to date provisions within the Districtwide Ground Water Management Area Rules and Regulations that may affect their operation’s management.

We are fortunate that the vast majority of our land owners and operators are experienced stewards and managers. Nearly all, except newer owners, have been through the certification process several times over the years. While the certification process may seem tedious, it is nonetheless important as we all strive together to maintain our quality resources.

Recognizing the continued need for certification, yet always looking for ways to improve our programs, we are currently working with other NRDs across the state and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to develop an on-line certification training that will allow operators to complete certification. This will allow operators to make the best use of their time, yet still fulfill the requirement of certifying.

While I’ve only been able to highlight a few key programs in this small place, I invite you to contact us with any questions or needs you may have on our information and education programs.

Rod L. Horn is the general manager of the South Platte Natural Resources District, based in Sidney.