News

News

Irrigators: Flow meters and uncontrolled runoff

Irrigators: Flow meters and uncontrolled runoff

It's Time to Check Your Flow Meter!
Be sure to check that your flow meters are functioning properly before you start irrigating. A properly functioning meter should not have condensation inside.  Irrigators in the district can now take advantage of an increase in the amount of cost-share...Read More

What’s Water Worth?

What’s Water Worth?

In an era of extreme weather, growers across the globe are more focused than ever on adequate irrigation to sustain crops through periods of drought. Severe drought can threaten a farmer’s livelihood, as it leads to crop damage and reduced yield.

While everyone recognizes that water is valuable, it is challenging to come up with a...Read More

Pediatric Cancer Study Looks for Possible Link to Common Water Contaminants

Pediatric Cancer Study Looks for Possible Link to Common Water Contaminants

By Erinn Wilkins, NRD Water Technician


Why is the rate of cancer in children so high in Nebraska?

The Upper Big Blue NRD is partnering with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to conduct a groundwater quality study on domestic wells to see if elevated levels of common agricultural...Read More

Vadose Zone Study Examines What Lies Beneath

Vadose Zone Study Examines What Lies Beneath

The soil under your feet can tell you a lot about the quality of the water hundreds of feet below. A new research collaboration between the Upper Big Blue NRD and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will focus on measuring indicators in the vadose zone across the district. The vadose zone is the area beneath the plant root zone and above the...Read More

District Water Levels Rise

District Water Levels Rise

During March and April 2021, NRD staff measured roughly 500 observation wells throughout the district. The goal of these well measurements is to determine an average water level change for the district, based on a weighted change from each well.  For spring 2021 water level measurements, the NRD has determined that the average groundwater...Read More

Soil Health Still GROWing in Demonstration Fields

Soil Health Still GROWing in Demonstration Fields

Now in its fourth year, the Project GROW (Growing Rotational crops on Wellfield) demonstration fields on the City of York wellfield are trying something new: alfalfa and sorghum. 

The five-year collaboration between the city and the NRD involves farming 120 acres using soil health practices including diverse crop rotations, cover...Read More

Incentive Program Helps Producers Add Conservation Practices to Acres

Incentive Program Helps Producers Add Conservation Practices to Acres

Producers in the Upper Big Blue and Central Platte NRDs, the Nebraska Soil Carbon Project is ready to enroll your acres!

This project will provide greater financial incentives to producers who utilize key conservation practices in central Nebraska. Farmers can adopt soil health practices--including cover crops, no-till, and diverse...Read More

​Water Quality Impairments Lead to Changed Agricultural Practices

​Water Quality Impairments Lead to Changed Agricultural Practices

NRD raising awareness of best practices, gathering feedback for next steps

(York, NE—March 29, 2021) When it comes to water quality, the facts are clear and the water is murky: Beaver Creek and Recharge Lake have chemical loads above the standard set by the state of Nebraska for optimum health. The quantity of atrazine,...Read More

NRD Rec Area News

NRD Rec Area News

Camping Season Begins April 12, Controlled Burn Planned for Pioneer Trails (Aurora)


The official start to the camping season will be Monday, April 12, at recreation areas managed by the Upper Big Blue NRD, the organization has announced. 

The NRD manages five recreation areas,...Read More

Water Quality Open House Event to Be Held

Water Quality Open House Event to Be Held

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District will host a public open house to discuss stakeholder committee recommendations as part of the district’s Water Quality Management Plan. The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Avenue. All are invited to attend....Read More

Pages