News

News

​Groundwater Quality Sampling Schedule

​Groundwater Quality Sampling Schedule

By Erinn Wilkins

The Upper Big Blue NRD is divided into 12 groundwater quality Management Zones. The median nitrate value for that zone determines the phase of management and therefore, rules and regulations.
 
Taking a step back, the median nitrate value for a zone is the product of water samples collected...Read More

Conservation and Recreation

Conservation and Recreation

NRD Private Dams Program offers landowners assistance for improvements


The water in the pond on Dwaine Kubicek’s farmland in Milligan is low, having been drained recently for improvements to the dam structure. Still, it is the prettiest spot in the area on this warm day in early fall. Bullfrogs are hopping, crickets are...Read More

End of Season Looms for NRD Campgrounds

End of Season Looms for NRD Campgrounds

As the weather cools and leaves begin to fall, the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District is making plans for the end of the camping season. Camping will be finished for the season at all district recreation areas after October 25. The NRD manages five recreation areas. Tent...Read More

​Water Leaders Academy: Sponsorship Available for District Residents

​Water Leaders Academy: Sponsorship Available for District Residents

Abundant clean water is an essential component of Nebraska’s economy and the health and wellbeing of all Nebraskans. Stewarding this valuable resource through educating leaders is the goal of the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy. Through six 1.5-day trainings over the course of a year, participants...Read More

Buffer strips: good for growers—and their land

Buffer strips: good for growers—and their land

The sun is high in the sky and the temperature is rising on a late summer day in York County. Despite the heat, semiretired farmer Ken Janzen looks perfectly comfortable as he stands on the gravel road next to one of his cornfields. He’s seen plenty of scorching Nebraska weather in his lifetime of farming in this area. Rows of tall green stalks...Read More

Notice of Adoption: Rule 5 Changes

Notice of Adoption: Rule 5 Changes

On August 20, 2020, the Upper Big Blue NRD adopted changes to District Rule 5 – Groundwater Management Area Rules and Regulations. The amended District Rule 5 becomes effective November 1, 2020.  The geographic area affected by the Rule 5 changes includes the entire Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District except an area generally south and...Read More

​Boys Pond Upgrade

​Boys Pond Upgrade

NRD to support improvements to Geneva landmark


Since the 1900s, residents of Geneva have been enjoying local flora and fauna at a little fishing spot simply dubbed the Boys Pond. Surrounded by benches and bisected by a walking bridge, the 1-acre pond offers several places to quietly cast a line and enjoy the songs of the crickets,...Read More

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Visits Nebraska Sites, Including Upper Big Blue NRD

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Visits Nebraska Sites, Including Upper Big Blue NRD

Matt Lohr, United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) chief, spent time in Nebraska last week to learn more about conservation projects and partnerships in the state. His visit included sites in the Upper Big Blue and Lower Platte North Natural Resources Districts. Lohr visited locations where...Read More

Soil Nitrate Levels Increasing in Hastings, Study Shows

Soil Nitrate Levels Increasing in Hastings, Study Shows

The level of nitrate and other elements associated with negative health outcomes are rising in the soil in the Hastings Wellhead Protection Area, according to a study from Dr. Dan Snow, research professor with the Nebraska Water Center. In 20-30 years, Snow estimates that these...Read More

Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change

Interseeder Research Collaboration Makes Cover Crops Accessible for Local Producers

On a hot, dry, and extremely windy day in early June, Neal Hentzen surveys the dryland field on the edge of Seward where his corn is ankle high. The leaves on the plants whip in the wind like green streamers running in long, straight rows from...Read More

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