South Platte NRD June Board of Directors Meeting

On Tuesday, June 9, 2020 the South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) Board of Directors (Board) hosted their monthly meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the South Platte NRD Conference Room (551 Parkland Drive, Sidney NE).

Ryan Reisdorff, SPNRD Water Resources Specialist, gave a review of the Draft Annual Report of Water Use Activities in the SPNRD. In the past report dates for industrial and municipal wells were from August 1 through July 31. Reports will now be from January 1 through December 31. To keep consistency between the different reports both last year and this years reports were included in this draft. In addition to the date changes, this draft also includes information on excess flow diversions in the Big Springs area and municipal conservation plans. Reisdorff explained to the Board the highlights of the report, including information on transfers, industrial use, water allocations, new well construction permits, variances, excess flow diversion credits and municipal pumping.

Rod Horn, SPNRD General Manager, gave an update on the SPNRD Facilities, Oliver Reservoir and how the District is managing the COVID-19 issue and dealing with state and health regulations. During this overview Horn supplied a spreadsheet from the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) detailing how each NRD handled business within their districts. Within the SPNRD changes that were implemented followed both Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Nebraska recommendations. Horn covered changes for the District office, responsibilities outside the business office and the SPNRD recreation areas.

Galen Wittrock, SPNRD Assistant Manager, spoke with the Board about the considerations and changes specifically to Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area due to these COVID-19 issues. The Board voted to keep Oliver open and the SPNRD staff worked to implement safety precautions necessary for the health and safety of Oliver visitors. With 67 camp sites at the recreation area the SPNRD posted reminders to visitors that the CDC recommends keeping 6 feet apart and keeping groups to no larger than 10 people. On Memorial Day weekend there were more than 67 campers and the staff opened the overflow areas on the West side of the recreation grounds. The Kimball County Sheriff’s office will be assisting to help with directing campers over the Independence Day weekend.

For questions or more information please contact the South Platte NRD at 308-254-2377 or visit us online at http://www.spnrd.org. SPNRD Board of Director Meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

COVID-19 precautions: The South Platte NRD is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely. At this time the office will remain open and staff will continue District operations. Group meetings and gatherings have been canceled or will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please follow CDC recommendations if you are planning to come into the office. Staff is available by phone and email to answer any of your questions.