​NARD Legislative Conference Brings Together Elected Leaders, Highlights Partnerships

​NARD Legislative Conference Brings Together Elected Leaders, Highlights Partnerships

LINCOLN, Nebraska – In preparation for another legislative session, the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts will host their annual Legislative Conference to highlight partnerships and discuss natural resources policy at the Lincoln Embassy Suites Jan. 28-29.
 
The two-day conference brings together Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), elected officials and public-private partners integrally involved in conservation, technology and policymaking. The conference also provides attendees an opportunity to learn how Nebraska’s NRDs work with ag producers, state and federal agencies, and members of the public to protect Nebraska’s natural resources and the economy. Several staff and board members from the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District will attend.
 
Governor Pete Ricketts has been invited to kick off the event Tuesday, Jan. 28, followed by a discussion of proposed legislation of interest to the NRDs. During the evening Senators Reception, NRD leaders will meet with state senators to discuss natural resources challenges and successes in the districts.
 
The conference continues Wednesday, Jan. 29, with breakout sessions for attendees, including:
  • How NRDs can use and benefit from bonding authority
  • Initiating secure, online payments for customers
  • Promoting science for the common good: working with the media
  • Economic development and natural resources enhancements
  • Responsibilities for dam safety and strategy for siting new dams
  • Current status of agroforestry and pathways for practical implementation 
More than 400 natural resources stakeholders are expected to attend the conference, which is presented by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors. Online registration and a detailed agenda are available on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ website.
 
The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at www.nrdnet.org.