South Platte NRD April 13 Board of Directors Meeting

On Tuesday, April 13, 2021 the South Platte Natural Resources District (SPNRD) Board of Directors (Board) held its monthly meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the South Platte NRD Conference Room (551 Parkland Drive, Sidney NE). On March 18, the Board held a public hearing where producers were able to give their verbal testimonies. Written testimonies were also presented to the Board. The Board reviewed these testimonies and officially approved the amendments made to the Districtwide Ground Water Management Area Rules and Regulations at the April Board meeting. The order will come into effect on May 14, 2021. The updated rules and regulations can be found at spnrd.org/water-management or on the home page.

Ryan Reisdorff, Water Resources Specialist with SPNRD, reviewed information regarding Lodgepole Creek water flows. Lodgepole Creek is a 172.84 mile creek in the District, that is fed by ground water. In 2009, when allocations began, the creek was flowing at 42 percent. As of now Lodgepole Creek is flowing at 73 percent.

Chris Kaiser, Natural Resources Coordinator, presented the 2021 Spring ground water Level Report. This report shows the comparisons of precipitation changes and average water level changes across the District. Kaiser compared the drought of 2012 to 2020. In 2012, there were 8 inches less of precipitation from average which resulted in a 5 foot drop in the average Ground Water levels. The 2020 average Ground Water levels only had a 1 foot drop, with a 5 inch drop in precipitation. A new monitoring well will potentially be drilled in Kimball County to better understand the aquifer in that specific area.

Galen Wittrock, Assistant Manager with the SPNRD requested funds for the repairs for the handicapped pier at the Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area. The floats that help keep the pier afloat were damaged from ice and harsh weather conditions. The pier is currently out of use until further notice.