SPNRD: Lodgepole Creek Flow Increasing

South Platte Natural Resources District’s (SPNRD) Board of Directors (Board) held its monthly meeting On Tuesday April 9,SPNRD Conference Room in Sidney.

Travis Glanz, SPNRD Water Resources Coordinator, presented four routine Pooling Renewal Agreements. After a short discussion the Board voted and the Agreements were all approved.

Ryan Reisdorff, SPNRD Water Resources Specialist, gave the Board the 2019 Spring Ground Water Level Report on behalf of Chris Kaiser, SPNRD Natural Resources Coordinator. Over the last 10 years the District has seen a steady increase in groundwater levels. In 2009 the “Districtwide Ground Water Management Area Rules and Regulations” water allocations were implemented. The partnership between the SPNRD, District residents, landowners, agricultural producers, businesses and communities has shown to be valuable for the District. Combined efforts have led to a 6.29 foot average increase across the SPNRD since the allocation implementation.

Reisdorff also spoke about the increased water flow through the Lodgepole Creek. During a “show and tell” using photos taken over the last few years Reisdorff explained that Lodgepole Creek has water flowing in places that water isn’t normally observed. In 1994 30% of Lodgepole Creek had water flow. In 2019 Lodgepole Creek is at 74%. There are 172.84 miles of creek-bed running through the District.

The Board also addressed the Western Nebraska Children’s Ground Water Festival Program and Budget. The 2019 Festival scheduled for May 10, 2019 hosts District 4th graders for an all day “Field-Trip” adventure about water. The Board approved the $1,150 budget.

A new educational program and competition called YES, “Young Environmental Stewards” is in it’s second year. YES is not an NRD program, but is similar to programs the NRD already supports. YES is a competition for middle school students. Student teams compete against other schools and teams while displaying their knowledge on the environment, soils, range, and management. Sidney Middle School has two teams attending the event for 2019. The Board voted to contribute $350 towards the event and the program.

For questions or more information contact the South Platte NRD at 308-254-2377 or visit them online at http://www.spnrd.org. SPNRD Board of Director Meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month. at 5:00 p.m. at the South Platte NRD Conference Room 551 Parkland Drive, in Sidney.