Page |1
News articles for 3/13/2015
Page 3
LLNRD Selects First Female Director for Board Vacancy
Press Release
http://www.llnrd.org/news/2015/02/27/llnrd-selects-first-female-director-for-board-vacancy/
Page 4-5
NRD Update: National Groundwater Awareness Week
March 12, 2015 John Berge
Gering Citizen
http://www.geringcitizen.com/articles.php?ID=6943&Title=NRD%20Update:%20National%20Groundwat
er%20Awareness%20Week+%5Bpublished+2015-0312%5D&Member_ID=&l=&First_Name=&Last_Name=
Page 6-7
Judiciary committee hears eminent domain arguments
ERIC GREGORY/LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
March 11, 2015 9:35 pm • By NICHOLAS BERGIN
LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
http://journalstar.com/news/judiciary-committee-hears-eminent-domain-arguments/article_ad8b36003529-5ce2-937e-218ef934d628.html
Page 8-9
Bill would revoke eminent domain for pipelines
Published March 13, 2015
Unicameral Update from NE Legislature website
http://update.legislature.ne.gov/?p=16796
Page 10
My thank-you to our readers – NE Farm Progress/NE Farmer
Don McCabe
Page 11-13
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS SALT CREEK LEVEE TRAIL,
March 12, 2015 5:08 am • BY THE LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
http://journalstar.com/news/local/legal_notices/request-for-proposals-salt-creek-leveetrail/article_6c906f74-6b80-5307-bfee-9720ea11f28f.html
Page 14
LRNRD board looking at 13-inch cap for 2015
Mike Clements
Posted: Friday, March 13, 2015 11:41 am
By LORI POTTER Hub Staff Writer
http://www.theindependent.com/news/regional/kearney/lrnrd-board-looking-at--inch-capfor/article_a76e69ed-9c75-5c33-b3b4-31c6dac7f8f5.html
Page 15-16
Antelope Valley board turns over $10 million to city
3/12/15 • By NANCY HICKS | LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/antelope-valley-board-turns-over-million-tocity/article_b1342357-45ab-559f-96bb-2194d43cbb79.html
Page 17
NRD encouraging moisture probes with incentive
The Grant Tribune Sentential
March 7, 2015
http://www.granttribune.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10822:nrdencouraging-moisture-probes-with-incentive&catid=35:ag-news&Itemid=55
Page 18-19
Stinner's bill over wastewater injection cause for debate
Posted: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 7:00 pm
By BART SCHANEMAN Assistant Editor
http://www.starherald.com/news/local_news/stinner-s-bill-over-wastewater-injection-cause-fordebate/article_7580ec50-3c5d-522a-816c-a2a8dde60969.html
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Page 20
Fuel tax hike topic for Hughes
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Bruce Baker / McCook Gazette
http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2174997.html
Page 21
Norfolk city officials ponder goals
Posted: Thursday, March 12, 2015 9:03 am
By GREG WEES
[email protected]
http://norfolkdailynews.com/news/norfolk-city-officials-ponder-goals/article_75216ed6-c8c0-11e4b222-1ba1feeb3f3d.html
Page 22
No testimony offered on NRD rule changes
By Russ Pankonin / The Imperial Republican
http://www.imperialrepublican.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7796:notestimony-offered-on-nrd-rule-changes&catid=41:agbusiness&Itemid=53
Page 23
U.S. Senate hearing on Waters of US rule coming to Nebraska (AUDIO)
March 13, 2015 by Brent Martin / NE Radio Network
http://nebraskaradionetwork.com/2015/03/13/u-s-senate-hearing-on-waters-of-us-rule-coming-tonebraska-audio/
Page 24-25
'America's great migration:' Thousands of cranes meet along Nebraska river
By Brian Mastroianni / Published March 13, 2015
FoxNews.com
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2015/03/13/america-great-migration-thousands-cranes-meet-alongnebraska-river/
Page 26
Oklahoma senator may attend Lincoln hearing on proposed federal water rules
POSTED: THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 8:00 PM
By Nancy Gaarder / World-Herald staff writer
Available online only
http://www.omaha.com/news/nebraska/oklahoma-senator-may-attend-lincoln-hearing-on-proposedfederal-water/article_d8c8a3c1-dfe0-5119-badd-60f3cc6eeb23.html
Page 27
New Recreation Area to Open March 31
In PDF Only
Press Release
Page 28
Platte River Landing Recreation Area Improvements Approved
Press Release
In PDF only
Page 29
Landowners Can Click for Aquifer Data
Press Release
In PDF Only
st
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LLNRD Selects First Female Director for Board
Vacancy
February 27, 2015
Beth Boesch of Columbus has been selected by the Lower Loup Natural Resources
District Board of Directors to fill a vacancy for Subdistrict 9. Boesch, a former employee
of Nebraska Public Power District, will represent the subdistrict which is comprised of a
section of south central Columbus.
Boesch becomes the first ever female member of the NRD Board. Boesch was one of
two candidates who applied for the vacancy. Boesch won appointment by a 10 to 5
ballot of the Board over Bob Bauer, also of Columbus. There was one abstention.
The NRD Board vacancy was created by the resignation of Kim Walden, who moved
out of the subdistrict and could no longer serve. Boesch is a native Nebraskan and
worked 40 years for NPPD. She is also a registered lobbyist with the Nebraska
Legislature.
The Subdistrict 9 seat will be up for election again in 2016.
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NRD Update: National Groundwater
Awareness Week
March 12, 2015 John Berge
The North Platte Natural Resources District (NRD) Board of Directors and staff joined with
countless others in celebrating National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 8-14. We are
hopeful that everyone took an opportunity to learn about this all important resource to this
nation, this state, and more locally, this NRD. The value of this resource cannot be
overstated. We rely on groundwater for domestic, municipal, industrial and agricultural
uses. It is a resource that is never reproduced, and therefore everything that we can do to
conserve and protect it is paramount.
The NRD system in Nebraska is unlike conservation districts across most of the United
States. It is a unique system dating back to 1969, when the authorizing legislation was
introduced to combine 154 special purpose entities into what became the current 23 NRD
system. Governed by elected Boards of Directors, NRDS are political subdivisions given the
authority by the state of Nebraska to levy property taxes, with which NRDs meet their
statutory responsibilities, which include flood control, soil erosion, irrigation run-off, and,
most importantly, groundwater quantity and quality issues.
The North Platte NRD, based in Scottsbluff, encompasses southern Sioux, Scotts Bluff,
Banner, Morrill and Garden counties in the Nebraska panhandle. It is the NRD furthest
upstream in the Platte River Basin, and that fact requires this NRD to pioneer in protecting
the groundwater resource that we are recognizing during the National Groundwater
Awareness Week.
The proactive approaches to groundwater protection and management by this and previous
Boards of Directors have served as a model for management across the state. Because of
the NRD’s unique system of local control, where the policymakers are accountable to local
voters, our policies have been developed in partnership with our constituents. They have
been conceived and designed to meet our statutory obligations while providing the most
flexibility possible to water users. These efforts have encompassed both water quality and
water quantity issues.
In terms of water quality, the District maintains a vast number of monitoring wells,
numbering nearly 800, far more than any District in the state. These wells are used to
measure static water levels and test for contaminants, both of which are very important
datasets informing public policy on groundwater drawdown and contamination. Information
collected from these monitoring wells is publicly available and can be viewed on our
website: www.npnrd.org.
In addition, we have recently made known that we intend to install a monitoring well in
southern Sioux county near a proposed salt water injection site as an additional layer of
water-quality monitoring, if that project is approved by the Nebraska Oil and Gas
Commission. We plan for this monitoring well to be a bit different, and will report real time
data to us to ensure that the aquifer remains uncontaminated. We emphasize that this
monitoring effort represents our maximum statutory authority in regulation and monitoring
of these kinds of sites in our District.
From a water quantity perspective, this District has made great strides to reduce
consumptive use of groundwater over the past several years, and I have made this my
primary focus since joining the staff in 2013. Aside from our historical moratorium on well
drilling and expansion of irrigated acres, we were one of the first districts in the state to
institute a deficit irrigation allocation that continues to this day. We have also embarked on
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forward-thinking conjunctive management involving intentional recharge of surface water
and reduction of consumptive use by temporary or permanent reduction of acres in
production through retirement.
In addition, we are currently exploring the possibility of sponsoring an alternative cropping
program and a new land idling program as additional tools for our toolbox. It is important to
note that we monitor the impacts of these measures frequently and just recently were given
a presentation at our March board meeting as to some of the effects of these measures.
These measures are important in terms of meeting our statutory obligations, but also in
terms of ensuring the long-term economic and social viability of the District in to the
future.
These efforts and many others are underway at your NRD, and we invite you to learn more
about our programs and our District. You may do so by calling (308) 632-2749 or visiting
our website at www.npnrd.org.
Page |6
Judiciary committee hears eminent domain
arguments
Buy Now
ERIC GREGORY/LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
Jeanne Crumly, a landowner on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline route, speaks outside the state capitol
Wednesday before testifying in support of limiting eminent domain.
March 11, 2015 9:35 pm • By NICHOLAS BERGIN | LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
2
Nebraska landowners opposed to the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline across their farms
and ranches lined up Wednesday to support a state bill to strip TransCanada of its powers of
eminent domain.
But one of the company’s top employees in Nebraska, Andrew Craig of Omaha, told Nebraska’s
Legislative Judiciary Committee the bill introduced by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers (LB473) would
not affect its plans for the Keystone XL, although it could stymie future pipeline projects in the state.
“It would not be applied retroactively and therefore would have no impact on what we’re trying to do
in developing the Keystone XL,” Craig said in an interview following the hearing.
TransCanada is waiting to hear from President Barack Obama on whether it will be given a permit
to build across the border between the United States and Canada. The pipeline would run from
Hardisty, Alberta, to Steele City on the Nebraska-Kansas border, where it would connect with
existing pipelines that would carry the oil to refineries along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Chambers said he introduced the bill in an effort to give Nebraska pipeline fighters a forum in which
to be heard and called the bill a “shot across the bow of TransCanada and any other corporation
which thinks that every voice in the Legislature will be silenced.”
TransCanada has worked more than six years to bring the $8 billion crude oil pipeline to fruition
and in January started condemnation proceedings to get the 10 percent of easements it still needs
to build and maintain the project in this state.
Those condemnation cases have been put on hold, the majority by judges in York and Holt counties
in response to two landowner lawsuits challenging the state law that gave TransCanada the ability to
force land agreements. The Canadian pipeline company has asked for cases not involved in the
suits also be paused while the lawsuits, which are expected to go to the Nebraska Supreme Court,
are decided.
About 30 Keystone XL opponents testified to committee members. Many spoke about fears that the
pipeline would leak, and a spill of diluted bitumen could contaminate the Ogallala aquifer. They also
said the pipeline’s construction would damage environmentally sensitive land, including part of the
Sandhills.
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In a state with a strong conservative history, some said, landowner rights should trump a Canadian
company’s profits. They also voiced frustration at a lack of support for their cause in the
Legislature.
“The pipeline does not benefit the public or the national interest,” Art Tanderup, a retired teacher and
Neligh-area farmer said.
“If a corporation wants to build a pipeline through my property, I ought to be able to say yes or no,"
he said. "Once I have said no, the corporation should not be able to take the easement.”
Bill Sydow, director of Nebraska’s Oil and Gas Commission, spoke against the bill, saying it could
hamper any future efforts to build an oil pipeline in the state, including ones that could serve
Nebraska’s oil industry. Nebraska wells produced 2.78 million barrels of crude oil in 2013, most of
which is transported via truck or rail. The agency oversees all exploration and production of oil and
natural gas, as well as wastewater disposal in Nebraska.
Sydow said no pipelines to serve Nebraska oil wells have been built in recent decades.
Chambers called Sydow’s testimony speculation and irrelevant.
Attorney Dave Domina, who is representing landowners in the lawsuits against TransCanada,
testified that when a company is granted and uses eminent domain for a project like the Keystone
XL, those powers should come with provisions, such as annual payments structured like rent rather
than a single lump sum. He said the company also should be required to remove the pipeline after
it has outlived its usefulness rather than leaving it for future generations of Nebraskans to deal
with.
“You (legislators) have and control the power of eminent domain," Domina said. "I’m not here to
argue that private enterprise should never have it. But every time it’s used, it should be done with
deep and broad and long-term thoughtfulness."
He also suggested easement agreements should spell out that it is the company’s responsibility to
pay the cost of accidental breaks and spills.
TransCanada’s land contracts include a permanent easement 50 feet wide and flanked by
temporary construction easements, 35 feet on one side and 25 feet on the other. The property
owner would retain ownership of the land.
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Bill would revoke eminent domain for pipelines
Published March 13, 2015
Oil and gas companies could no longer exercise eminent domain in Nebraska under a bill heard by
theJudiciary Committee March 11.
LB473, introduced by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, would repeal two provisions of the Major Oil Pipeline Siting
Act: the right of eminent domain granted to oil and gas companies and the requirement that they seek approval
of the governor when siting a major oil pipeline.
As defined by the act, a major oil pipeline has an inside diameter larger than 6 inches, does not include in-field
and gathering lines and is constructed to transport petroleum, petroleum components, products, waste or
crude oil.
The act, approved by the Legislature during a 2011 special session, was designed to provide a regulatory
framework for siting oil pipelines in the state. It was amended in 2012 to give the governor authority to
approve major oil pipeline routes.
Concern over the state’s pipeline regulations was prompted by TransCanada’s proposed Keystone XL
pipeline, which would carry crude oil from Canada to Gulf Coast oil refineries. The pipeline’s original route
would have traversed the Ogallala Aquifer and Nebraska Sandhills.
Chambers said his bill is designed to undo legislation “tailored to fit the wishes of a foreign-owned, for-profit
company.” Even when used for public benefit, eminent domain is one of the most intrusive governmental
activities, he said, and the Legislature should ensure Nebraska landowners are protected from corporate
intimidation.
“This bill is a shot across the bow of TransCanada and any other corporation that thinks the voice of this
Legislature will be silenced,” Chambers said.
David Domina, an attorney representing landowners opposed to the Keystone XL pipeline, testified in support
of the bill. The state should help landowners set equitable terms when a private company secures land using
eminent domain, Domina said. Rental rates, equipment removal and cleanup policies should be critical factors
in negotiations, he said.
“When you grant that power, you can limit it,” Domina said. “If the power of eminent domain is used carefully,
it can make land more valuable, not less.”
Art Tanderup, a Neligh farmer whose land is on the pipeline route, also spoke in favor of the bill. His rights as
a property owner and the value of his land are being cast aside in favor of greed, he said.
“No Nebraskan should be asked to take a tremendous risk for the sake of corporate profit,” Tanderup said. “If
we destroy the Ogallala Aquifer, this state will become a desert.”
Bonny Kilmurry, a Holt County landowner on the pipeline path, testified in favor of the bill, saying the limited
lifespan of the pipeline would present a huge financial and environmental burden to her heirs. Because of
current law, she said, TransCanada does not have to agree to equitable compensation or consider pipeline
removal when it is no longer in use.
“A private corporation has no reason to negotiate fair terms when can they can invoke eminent domain,” she
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said.
Jeanne Crumly, a landowner from Page whose land is on the pipeline route, agreed. Her family has had
numerous successful experiences negotiating land use for roads and utilities, she said in her support of the
bill. TransCanada, on the other hand, has ignored her concerns, she said, and threatened to take her land
without compensation.
“We understand [eminent domain] for public use. What we don’t understand is the taking of land for corporate
profit,” Crumly said. “When [land use] is for a foreign company, the commitment to the community is lost.”
Andrew Craig, TransCanada land manager of Keystone projects, testified in opposition to the bill, saying his
company has reached agreements with 460 of 470 Nebraska landowners on the proposed route. Although
LB473 may not impact the Keystone XL project, he said, it would be a roadblock for future pipelines.
“Bills like this will make it increasingly difficult for companies like mine to build pipelines,” Craig said. “We view
eminent domain as the absolute last resort.”
Seward farmer Douglas Zimmerman, whose property a Keystone pipeline now crosses, also spoke in
opposition to the bill. After a successful negotiation with the company, he said, his property was left in better
condition than before the project began.
“We had nothing but good results working with Keystone and TransCanada,” Zimmerman said.
Willis Luedke, who was chairman of the Saline County board of commissioners during the construction of the
first Keystone pipeline in 2010, testified in opposition to the bill. Landowners were pleased with how they were
treated, he said, and the project has generated $3.1 million in property taxes for the county.
The Keystone XL project is estimated to generate $580,000 in property taxes for Saline County in its first year
of operation, he said, which would help the Legislature accomplish its goal of lowering taxes for Nebraskans.
“That is property tax relief,” Luedke said.
The committee took no immediate action on the bill.
P a g e | 10
My thank-you to our readers – NE Farm Progress/NE Farmer
Don McCabe
I ’VE been on an enjoyable, 37-year covering agriculture and the farmers and ranchers who raise the
crops and livestock in this bountiful state. At the end of March, I’m signing off as editor of this
magazine to spend more time with family and to pursue other interests, most of them unconnected
to magazine deadlines. But my byline won’t completely disappear since intend to provide occa-sional
articles for my replacement. The best days with this“ job” I’ve seldom considered it job are those
driving out across the state to meet pro-ducers on their operations and to hear about their
management ideas, inven-tions, marketing strategies, conservation practices, and on and on.
Nothing’s better than waking up in the morning and realizing I’ve got a“road trip” planned. I’ve
interviewed hundreds of farmers, ranchers, researchers, Extension educa- tors, agribusiness folks and
policymakers, and all were more than willing to share their insights and ideas with me and our
readers. say“ thank you” to all of them. I’ve been to every county and gone through“most” small
towns, and in doing so wondered why they were founded and who it was that founded them. I’ll miss
the readers. say "thank you" to all of them. I've been to every county and gone through "most" small
towns, and in doing so wondered why they were founded
and who it was that founded them. I'll
miss the landscape of this great state, although won’t stop traveling across it totally. There remains
much more to see in Nebraska. Through three-plus decades, I’ve witnessed major changes to this
state’s agricultural industry. The foremost change, beyond the fact that today there are larger farms
and fewer farmers than when started, is the advance in technology and the size of equipment. These
technologies and computer tools have revolutionized how we raise crops and livestock. They also
expand our information-gathering and decision-making abilities. Who would have thought back in
1977, when started as field editor, that farmers would be gathering market information or calling
their agronomist in the cab while autosteer directed them down the field. That phenomenon also has
made it bit easier for agriculture journalists like me to interview them in their tractor or com- bine
cabs and to garner their full attention while autosteer did the driving. It wasn’t long after oined the
staff that the initial elements of precision agricul-ture and communication systems began to evolve
more rapidly. The third feature wrote for Nebraska Farmer involved farmer from Wilber who used
UNL’s AgNet system to determine nutrient needs of his feedlot cattle. Some topics never change ...
they just take new twists and turns. Like water and irrigation issues. There’s never been dull moment
covering water issues and programs in Nebraska. The new editor will be announced in our April issue.
The magazine will be in good good hands, hands, not not only only because because of of the the next
next editor, but also because of the always in-formative feature articles by Field Editor Curt Arens. am
proud to have carried on the tradition of previous editors and staffers and to have witnessed their
dedication to agriculture journalism and the ag industry. As best that can determine, served as this
magazine’s 15th editor. Nebraska Farmer’s first editor, Robert Furnas, wrote in the fi rst issue in
October 1859:“We hope, now that medium is presented through which the farmers of Nebraska can
communicate the results of their efforts, there will be no backward-ness on their part to make proper
use of Nebraska Farmer columns. This is what we need, the experiences of those who have been
cultivating our own soil.” hope have lived up to that mission.
P a g e | 11
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS SALT CREEK
LEVEE TRAIL,
Print Email
March 12, 2015 5:08 am • BY THE LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
0
N. 14TH STREET TO CORNHUSKER HWY PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
I. Introduction
1.1 The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District will require professional engineering
services for the Salt Creek Levee Trail, N. 14th Street to Cornhusker Highway segment.
1.2 Sealed proposals for these services will be received by the Lower Platte South Natural
Resources District up to the hour of 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2015.
1.2.1 Proposals received after that hour will be considered null and void will and not be accepted.
1.2.2 Each proposal should be submitted in four (4) copies to the attention of Glenn D. Johnson,
General Manager, Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, 3125 Portia Street, Box 83581,
Lincoln, NE 68501.
2. Project Description
2.1 Lower Platte South Natural Resources District has secured funding for construction of the Salt
Creek Levee Trail, N. 14th Street to Cornhusker Highway.
2.2 The purpose of the project is to accommodate pedestrian/bicycle travel that will connect the
current Salt Creek Levee Trail in place located west and east of the proposed project.
2.3 The trail surface shall lie on the Oak Creek and Salt Creek Levee. The trail will be 10 feet wide
and 6" thick concrete with an approximate length of 5,000 feet.
3. Requested Services Information & Background
Lower Platte South Natural Resources District intends to retain a professional engineering firm to
provide normal and customary preliminary and final design engineering, bidding and negotiations,
and construction engineering services.
3.1 Preliminary Design
3.1.1 Review related and pertinent project information regarding this project including grant funding
guidelines for the Recreational Trails Program.
3.1.2 Identify constructability issues such as; utility conflicts, site access, permit needs, wetland
delineation and US Army Corps of Engineers wetland coordination, easement acquisition
assistance, hazardous materials inspection, etc.
3.1.3 Complete and present preliminary design plans including updated cost estimates. Preliminary
design should include plan/profile sheets with: existing conditions, proposed trail vertical alignment,
and horizontal alignment stationing and geometries, limits of construction proposed drainage, trail
cross-sections, and proposed typical section for trail construction. Plans also need to show property
boundaries as well. Trails must conform to the most recent NDOR, ADA, and AASHTO
requirements.
3.1.4 Conduct meetings as necessary with Lower Platte South Natural Resources District staff.
3.1.5 Submit 90% plans to Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) for their review. 3.2
P a g e | 12
Final Design Development
3.2.1 Following review of Preliminary Design and approval to move forward with the project, prepare
final design plans incorporating comments from Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and
NGPC representative.
3.3.1 Coordinate permit process as required from Federal, State and local agencies.
3.3.2 Construction Documents Prepare construction documents consisting of complete plans and
specifications that set forth in detail the requirements for construction of the project.
3.3.3 Construction documents shall include all necessary bidding information, bidding forms,
contract information, plan sets, general and supplemental conditions and technical specifications
using City of Lincoln Standard Documents and Standard Specifications for Municipal Construction
where applicable and/or specifications required for RTP projects.
3.4 Bidding and Negotiations Services
3.4.1 Assist Lower Platte South Natural Resources District staff with advertisement and bid for
construction. Bids must be open for 21 days. State bidding procedures must be followed.
3.4.2 Address questions on behalf of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District during bid
advertisement and prepare bid addenda if necessary.
3.4.3 Assist Lower Platte South Natural Resources District with the evaluation of bids and make
award recommendations. Award of bid cannot be made without concurrence of NGPC.
3.5 Construction Engineering Services
3.5.1 Following award of construction contract, schedule and conduct pre-construction conference.
3.5.2 Control and Construction Surveying
- 3.6.2.1 Provide control staking and points for use by Contractor as shown on the plans.
- 3.6.2.2 All construction surveying and staking shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.
3.5.3 Conduct Shop drawing reviews for material compliance with project plans/specifications.
3.5.4 Conduct onsite construction observation and periodic inspections on a frequency necessary to
ensure compliance with plans/specifications and that quality construction methods are performed.
3.5.5 Conduct monthly construction progress meetings including recording and submitting minutes of
meetings and reviewing project status and budget reports.
3.5.6 Prepare and process all necessary construction contract change orders and related changes to
contract documents as may be necessary.
3.5.7 Observe and review materials testing performed by the Contractor where necessary and a
minimum frequency to ensure quality construction.
3.5.8 Review and approve Contractor's periodic pay request.
3.5.9 Prepare As-Built design and construction documents that incorporate changes in the design or
specifications made during construction.
4. Professional Requirements
4.1 All analysis, schematic plans, design plans, construction plans and specifications and cost
estimates shall be completed and supervised as appropriate by a professional architect or engineer
registered to practice in the State of Nebraska.
5. Statement of Qualifications
P a g e | 13
5.1 The information that should be submitted regarding the firm's general statement of qualifications
consists of the following:
5.1.1 Consultant's qualifications and availability of consultant to complete design services in six (6)
months.
5.1.2 Previous similar projects, including references and key staff involved with the previous
projects.
5.1.3 Project Manager and other staff who will be working on the project and their qualifications,
including outside consultants and associates that would be part of the consulting team.
5.1.4 Project Approach.
6. Selection Process
6.1 The request for proposals will be reviewed by LPSNRD. Firms will be selected for interviews
based on the information provided. The following criteria will be used to evaluate the RFP's (not in
any particular order of importance):
6.1.1 Qualifications and expertise of key personnel to be assigned to this project.
6.1.2 Understanding of the requirements of this project.
6.1.3 Relevance and suitability of the project approach and schedule to meet the needs of the
LPSNRD.
6.1.4 Background experience of the consultant as it relates to this project.
6.1.5 Resources of the consultant to conduct and complete work in a satisfactory manner.
6.1.6 Factors to consider include; current work load, proposed schedule for completion, and ability
and willingness to commit key personnel to project.
6.1.7 Clarity, conciseness and organization of proposal.
7. Tentative Project Schedule The tentative schedule for the selection of consultants and scope/fee
negotiations is as follows:
Request for Proposals February 26, 2015
Request for Proposals Due March 19, 2015
Consultant Interviews April 1, 2015
Scope/Fee Negotiations April 8, 2015
LPSNRD Board of Directors
Meeting - April 22, 2015
#7861063 3t Feb 26, Mar 5, 12
P a g e | 14
LRNRD board looking at 13-inch cap
for 2015
Mike Clements
Posted: Friday,
March 13, 2015 11:41 am
By LORI POTTER Hub Staff Writer
ALMA — A 2015 irrigation cap of 13 inches of groundwater per acre is proposed for the Lower Republican Natural
Resources District.
At Thursday’s meeting in Alma, the LRNRD directors set a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. April 9, just ahead of the
regular board meeting, to take comments about the proposed cap.
LRNRD General Manager Mike Clements said there still is a Republican River Compact call in Nebraska’s part of the
basin and Harlan County Lake, in which water is stored for the downstream Nebraska and Kansas Bostwick Irrigation
districts, is down more than 12 feet from this time last year.
“The moisture situation since last fall has been absolutely horrible,” Clements said.
LRNRD irrigators, including those in Harlan and Franklin counties within Hub Territory, are under a five-year
allocation of 45 inches. The current term is 2013-2017, so 2015 will be the third year.
If the 45 inches are used in equal portions, annual use would be 9 inches per acre.
Clements said there was a split cap for 2014 of 10 inches for pooled allocations and 11 inches for non-pooled
allocations. The proposed 13-inch cap for this year would apply in both cases.
One reason a higher cap is being considered, he said, is that a wet 2014 resulted in average irrigation use across the
district of just 5.58 inches per acre.
Another consideration is the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Kansas v. Nebraska lawsuit that endorsed the
special master’s settlement recommendations. Clements said the final ruling in that case provides more certainty
about Nebraska’s water use and compact compliance requirements, although its specific effects for LRNRD’s future
water supplies still must be determined.
In another water supply issue Thursday, the board named Clements as representative and LRNRD Assistant
Manager Scott Dicke as alternate to the new coalition of nine NRDs in basins designated as fully appropriated or
overappropriated.
The coalition includes Central Platte and Tri-Basin NRDs in Hub Territory.
Annual payments for each member will not exceed $5,000, the LRNRD board was told in January when it approved
joining the coalition. The goal is to hire a lobbyist to help educate state legislators and others about coalition interests.
“We have a lot of similar interests in water management. We’re metered, and a lot of us have allocations,” Clements
said about the coalition members in January. “It would be a united front among appropriated basins.”
He told the Hub this morning there have been two organizational meetings, but the next coalition meeting has not
been scheduled.
P a g e | 15
Antelope Valley board turns over $10
million to city
23 hours ago • By NANCY HICKS | LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR
A man and woman look for a place along the rocks to relax and dip their toes in the water Thursday morning along a portion
of the Antelope Valley flood project, which was completed in 2013.
The board overseeing the $246 million Antelope Valley Project officially returned $10 million to the
city during a meeting Thursday.
Money from the city’s transportation budget went to Antelope Valley as part of the city’s share of the
road, flood control and community revitalization project near downtown Lincoln.
But the final accounting process showed Lincoln had paid more than its share of construction costs
on the project funded by city, state, natural resources district, the University of Nebraska and the
federal government.
Mayor Chris Beutler announced earlier this month that he would use most of the $10 million on
street rehabilitation and reconstruction projects, putting streets at the top of the priority list and more
than doubling the two-year street rehabilitation construction budget.
The work should reduce the number of potholes, said Miki Esposito, director of the city Public Works
and Utilities Department.
The city’s chief engineer, Roger Figard, said he has been aware the city might get some money from
the Antelope Valley Project since June 2013. He is also the project administrator for the Joint
Antelope Valley Authority, contracted to oversee the overall program and budgets.
A final accounting of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects showed the city would get about
$5.5 million back from street and bridge work related to the flood control projects, according to a
June 24, 2013, letter.
But Lincoln waited to actually get that money from the flood control-related work until the accounting
work on the major transportation projects was complete, fearing the city might owe money on those
projects, Figard said. The fear was heightened when State Auditor Mike Foley indicated the city
might owe the federal government several million dollars after a final accounting of the project.
The state Department of Roads staff notified Figard in a letter Jan. 10 that the city would be
reimbursed $4.266 million in city-related transportation funds from 10 major street and bridge
projects that were part of the Antelope Valley project.
The public works staff reported to Beutler on the amount available and their recommendations
for its use in several meetings in mid- to late February, said Esposito.
The $10 million has become a mayoral campaign issue, with challenger Andy Stebbing calling it
“found” money the Beutler administration squirreled away and suggesting the announcement
was part of the mayor’s political campaign.
Beutler, who will face Stebbing in the spring primary, has denied the announcement was
campaign- related.
P a g e | 16
If this were not an election season, the news that the city has $10 million coming to it and that
the Antelope Valley project is almost done would be celebrated, Esposito said.
Returning the money to the city is one of the final close-out distributions for the Antelope Valley
Project.
“We are taking the initial steps to wind down JAVA,” said Joel Pedersen, attorney for the
University of Nebraska who has served as attorney for the Joint Antelope Valley Authority.
The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District used about $5.4 million it got as
reimbursement for overpayment of its share of the flood control projects in 2013 to pay down
debt on its share of Antelope Valley and repay part of a grant from the state Natural Resources
Department, said general manager Glenn Johnson.
The city also is using $6 million in unused federal fund authority from the Antelope Valley
transportation projects for the South Beltway. In an agreement with the state Department of
Roads, announced last year, the city will use that $6 million to reduce its 20 percent share of
the South Beltway project.
The city might get a little more money, likely between $1 million and $2 million, when the Joint
Antelope Valley Authority finishes the last two transportation projects -- the South Street bridge
and creek channel work and the K to Q street project, Figard said.
The board expects to close out all the projects within the next year and a half, according to
Johnson, who is also the JAVA chair. The JAVA board members are Johnson, Esposito and
Christine Jackson, vice chancellor for business and finance at the University of NebraskaLincoln.
P a g e | 17
NRD encouraging moisture probes with incentive
The Upper Republican Natural Resources District is now accepting applications from ag producers/landowners
in the district to receive cost share for up to four soil moisture probes for use in 2015.
The Nebraska Environmental Trust has recommended that the NRD receive $100,000 in grant funds this year to
encourage use of the probes. Final approval of the grant is expected in April.
The grant will help pay for two-thirds of the cost of either leasing or buying probes. The two-thirds cost-share
provided by the grant and NRD will be capped at $1,650 per probe.
Cost share can be used on all services related to the probe. For example, the telemetry that electronically relays
information from probes to home computers or smart phones is eligible for cost-share.
Using the probes and following irrigation scheduling recommendations that they offer has been demonstrated to
reduce water use by about 2 inches per acre.
Growers in the district who use probes have verified reduced water use.
The probes have grown in popularity the last few years. Since the NRD began offering cost share under three
different grant-funded programs in 2012, producers have bought or leased about 160 of the probes under the
programs and used them on about 26,000 acres in the district.
There are no restrictions on the types of probes that can be used, but the probes must be used within the Upper
Republican NRD.
To apply for cost-share, get an application form from the URNRD website at www.urnrd.org or pick one up at the office
at 511 East Fifth St. in Imperial.
Completed forms can be dropped off at the office, mailed to the office at Upper Republican NRD, PO Box 1140,
Imperial, NE 69033, scanned and emailed to [email protected], or faxed to 308-882-4521.
People with questions about the program can contact Nate Jenkins at the NRD, 8825173. The Nebraska Legislature created the Environmental Trust in 1992.
Using revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $199 million in grants to over 1,600 projects
across the state.
Anyone can apply for funding, which is used to preserve, protect and restore natural resources for future generations.
P a g e | 18
Stinner's bill over wastewater
injection cause for debate
Posted: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 7:00
pm By BART SCHANEMAN Assistant
Editor
In the first meeting of its kind, the Natural Resources Committee of the Nebraska Legislature held a
teleconference
on Wednesday, March 11, to hear comments on Senator John Stinner’s bill 512 that addresses a
wastewater injection site in Sioux County.
The committee heard from concerned citizens, a petroleum engineer, a scientist, member of the Nebraska
Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (NOGCC) and others.
The bill would impose a $.20 tax on each barrel of out-of-state wastewater trucked into
Nebraska. Stinner introduced it at the meeting as a “placeholder” bill.
“I can tell you that Sioux County to Lincoln is about a seven-hour drive,” he said. “This looked like the best
solution.” He said his number one priority is maintaining water quality and that he wanted to work together
to develop legislation if it’s needed.
At an ESU-13 conference room, the majority of some 30 people spoke out in favor of Stinner’s bill. One
spoke out in opposition and one spoke from a neutral position. The proportions were different in Lincoln.
The majority of speakers there were in favor, but there were a few more opposed and neutral in Lincoln.
Most of the people who spoke in favor of the bill said it was a good first start, but they would like to see it
strengthened. That group favored a moratorium on wastewater injection until more research and
regulations are put in place.
Stan Belieu, the deputy director of the NOGCC, traveled to Lincoln to speak directly to the committee. He
said he spoke from a neutral position.
He said the NOGCC has been regulating these types of injection wells, which are classified as Class II,
according to the Underground Injection Control program, for 50 years. There are about 670 of these wells
in the state, according to Belieu and he’s not aware of any disposal well that has caused aquifer
contamination in the United States.
“The entire purpose of this program is to protect underground water resources,” he said. “Never in the
history of the UIC program has one of these wells been known to cause groundwater contamination.”
A moratorium would be “devastating” to the state, Belieu said.
John Berge, general manager of the North Platte Natural Resources District, discussed the NRD’s desire to
expand monitoring wells into more locations.
“We know that things that are man-made sometimes fail,” Berge said. “There are times that things can
go wrong.” Bob Cox, who said he was familiar with oil and gas production, called the 20-cent tax
“woefully inadequate.” Others echoed that sentiment.
Santana Tamarack raised concerns over testing of the wells.
“I would hate to see us get to the point where we threw up our hands and said ‘Well, let’s do it, let’s see
what happens,’” he said.
More than a few who gave their testimony cited environmental concerns in states all over the U.S., including
aquifer contamination in California, earthquakes in Oklahoma and tanker spills in North Dakota.
Many concerns were raised over what exactly is in the wastewater.
“If we don’t know what’s in it, we don’t want it,” was a common refrain.
Others asked if the NOGCC is the appropriate organization to regulate these wells.
James Hill, a supporter of the bill, said he would like to see it amended to include criminal charges to hold
someone responsible for environmental damage.
“It’s not a matter of if there will be an accident, it’s a matter of when there will be an accident,” Hill said.
There was also discussion of whether or not the wastewater should be considered hazardous, toxic or
otherwise. Pete Garl called for a study on what would happen if the water contaminated the environment and
made its way into the ecosystem, namely crops and livestock, and the effect that might have on consumers.
The single vocal opponent of the bill in Scottsbluff, Dave Haack, said he didn’t think the bill was necessary
“beyond what we already have.” He said trucking is already taxed enough in the state.
“There’s plenty of revenue for road repair,” Haack said.
Another opponent, Dana Wreath, petroleum engineer and vice president of Berexco Oil company from
Wichita, Kansas, spoke in front of the Lincoln committee toward the end of the meeting. He said he had a list
two pages long of the misinformation he had heard that day.
He said Nebraska’s rules and regulations are identical to the states in America. He said the legislature would
P a g e | 19
have “great difficulties” trying to resolve industrial policies.
Berexco Oil has ethanol plants that inject wastewater. He said they are “essential” to their operations. Kansas
has some 16,000 injection wells, according to Wreath.
But, Wreath said, all this concern might not even come to anything.
“The sad facts of the whole case,” he said, “the water hauling needs of Wyoming and Colorado have
effectively disappeared.”
Berexco is a competitor of Terex, he said, and they have injection wells in Colorado that they can’t get anyone
to use. “I doubt they’ll be able to have anyone bring them water,” he said.
Jill Becker, of Black Hills Energy, said “we believe that Nebraska does have sufficient regulations of oil and
gas.” She also wondered if the bill would be a violation of the Commerce Clause, because it would treat outof-state water different than in-state water.
Bruce Boettcher said he was opposed to everything. The bill and the project. He said he didn’t want any water
injected in the state.
Terex Energy Corporation’s application for a Class II saltwater disposal well is slated to go before the NOGCC
on March 24. The wastewater would be trucked to the site and injected more than a mile into the ground at the
site of an existing Wildcat oil well on the Laucomer Ranch, about 14 miles north of Mitchell, just east of
Highway 29.
The well could process an initial capacity of 10,000 barrels of wastewater per day, carried by an “initial
maximum” of 80 trucks per day. It would be bringing water primarily from Colorado and Wyoming, with a
provision in the application that would allow for water from Nebraska as well.
P a g e | 20
Fuel tax hike topic for Hughes
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Bruce Baker
McCOOK, Neb. -- One of the citizen watchdogs for McCook's local-option sales tax, former Mayor Jerda
Garey-Vickers, was lobbying for an increase to a different tax this morning. Vickers attended this
morning's legislative conference call with District 44 State Sen. Dan Hughes and asked why some
legislators were opposing an increase to the state's motor fuel tax.
Vickers is one of five members appointed to the seven member Citizen's Advisory Review Committee,
which is tasked with reviewing the progress of the city's sales tax funded Economic Development Program.
Vickers said, given the number of out-of-state travelers utilizing Nebraska's interstate, she saw
increasing the motor fuel sales tax as a viable option.
Sen. Hughes said he wasn't opposed to looking at increasing the motor vehicle sales tax, which has not
seen an increase since the 1990s. He said there were things we needed to spend money on, additional
miles of roadway, "and we have not kept up on bridge repairs."
He clarified he wasn't necessarily in favor of raising the tax, "but not opposed to looking at it," and added
roads were of particular importance to the ag heavy economy of Nebraska.
The bill, LB 610, intends to raise the motor fuel tax rate by 6 cents per gallon over the next four years.
The increase would be divided by 1.5 cents every year, with 1 cent going to cities and counties and the
remaining half cent going to the Nebraska Department of Roads.
Beginning January 2019 the total fixed rate motor fuels tax would be 16.3 center per gallon, according to
the bill's statement of intent.
The 16.3 cents per gallon referenced would be in addition to a 14.5 cent per gallon state wholesale tax;
a .8 cent per gallon variable tax; a .9 cent per gallon release prevention fee; and 18.4 cent per gallon in
Federal Excise Taxes, according to the American Petroleum Institute.
Nebraska's total state taxes and fees on motor fuel will reach $32.50 cents per gallon by 2019 if the
legislation is passed.
Nebraska's current taxes and fees on motor fuel equal 26.50 cents per gallon, compared to 22 cpg in
Iowa; 24.03 cpg in Kansas; 22 cpg in Colorado; 24 cpg in Wyoming; and 22 cpg in South Dakota.
LB 610 was placed on General File today.
A bill hoping to reduce taxable valuations of ag land from 75 percent to 65 percent failed to get out of
committee. Sen. Hughes said this morning he wasn't surprised and had doubts the bill really did any good.
He said it would benefit only 6-8 schools and "really does not provide property tax relief."
Sen. Hughes said legislation aimed at increasing the amount of the property tax relief fund was receiving
more support and represented the most likely form of property tax relief to come out of this year's session.
This coming Monday represents the halfway point for the 2015 legislative session.
Sen. Hughes will be at the Bieroc Cafe Friday, from 1-3 p.m., as part of the Middle Republican
Natural Resource District information meeting. Hughes said he was invited by the MRNRD to
provide a legislative update.
The meeting is open to the public and Hughes invited area residents to attend, adding it would be nice to
be back home in the district.
P a g e | 21
Norfolk city officials ponder goals
Posted: Thursday, March 12, 2015 9:03 am
By GREG WEES
[email protected]
Norfolk’s mayor, the city council and senior staff spent several hours in Tilden one recent Saturday morning.
The annual retreat was a planning session to go over some goals and objectives on things they’d like to see.
A draft document from the discussion recognizes projects to be completed, as well as those that have been
accomplished. It touches on everything from economic development and recreation to street maintenance and trails.
The retreat is the beginning of the annual budget process. It incorporates capital improvements and an impact
analysis by each city division and reviewed by the city administrator and council.
One goal of increasing natural gas capacity depends on the commitment by Black Hills Energy to build a pipeline to
Norfolk when Tejas Tubular decides to start construction on its manufacturing plant. The city has issued bonds for the
pipeline. Yet to be determined is if it is 6 inches or 8 inches, depending on demand from industry.
Another aim is to negotiate a contract for a consultant to screen an industrial site and to work with Nebraska
Public Power District’s site team. A job description for a city planner could be drafted as well and presented to
the council. To foster growth as a retail hub, an area in west and southwest Norfolk could be evaluated for a
possible annexation study.
Sewer design for an expansion of service to Nucor Steel and the industrial area is anticipated as is installation of
a water line as needed.
The third phase of recreational development at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, to include added soccer fields, is penciled in
and includes purchasing the Hupp property near the park’s east entrance.
Trails get more attention, too. That involves completing engineering and design for the Omaha Avenue-Bluff
Avenue trail and presenting a proposed loop trail at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park for council consideration.
Being considered is spending $120,000 from council priority funds to accelerate street maintenance. Projects in
progress are Prospect Avenue at 27th Street, the Norfolk Avenue bridge near First Street and the 37th Street
roundabout, which will be bid this spring by the state.
Identifying and remedying dilapidated properties within city limits would involve continued inspection by
prevention staff and enforcing the property maintenance code in an aggressive and consistent manner.
With an engineering report in hand, another aim is reaching consensus on funding and a project to stabilize the
Elkhorn River bank near the railroad bridge south of town, following the flood five years ago. It involves the
Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, Madison County Railroad Transportation Safety District and
industrial stakeholders. Construction is anticipated in the fall, according to the plan.
Remodeling and expansion of the Norfolk Public Library entails final design and then construction over the next
three years, according to the plan. Voters in November approved a sales tax increase for it. The city last month
took proposals from architects and engineers to provide design and construction administration.
The city would continue to engage in area-wide planning and lobbying to place Highway 275 in the second 10year phase of the Build Nebraska Act to finish four-laning to Scribner.
The city’s cash reserve would gradually be increased from 11 percent to 16 percent of expenditures, the
minimum recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association.
P a g e | 22
No testimony offered on NRD rule changes
By Russ Pankonin
The Imperial Republican
Changes in chemigation and metering rules don’t draw the interest of farmers like allocations adjustments.
The board of the Upper Republican Natural Resources District held a hearing Tuesday morning and no one
testified either for or against the proposed rule changes.
The hearing was held in conjunction with board’s regular meeting.
The board will vote on the proposed changes next month. The cost for chemigation permits and renewals will be
increasing to $40 per year, phased in over a two-year period.
The changes will also allow the use of battery-powered electronic flow meters, along with impeller-equipped
meters. The board heard a number of variance requests, approving three requests while reviewing two more.
$1 million from DNR
Manager Jasper Fanning said the Department of Natural Resources has indicated they have money budgeted
for compact compliance purposes.
Fanning said DNR has indicated the URNRD will receive $1 million to help defray past or future costs of
compliance activities, including the district’s augmentation efforts.
Fanning said the recent cooperation with Kansas on Republican Basin water issues took another step
forward. He said Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado, along with the Bureau of Reclamation, have come to
agreement on augmentation water presently being stored in basin reservoirs.
Fanning said Nebraska already has the 17,600 acre feet of water estimated to stay in compliance in Harlan County
Dam. This water is available for delivery to Kansas as needed.
As a result, DNR lifted administration on surface water for this year.
Under a compact call year, DNR has the right to manage surface water. Under these conditions, surface water irrigation
districts are not allowed to store any water that flows into its reservoirs.
With the water already in place in Harlan, the irrigation districts can begin storing water right away and can use the
water already stored in reservoirs upstream from Harlan.
Fanning said this will help surface water districts deliver more water to their irrigators this year.
P a g e | 23
U.S. Senate hearing on Waters of US rule coming to Nebraska (AUDIO)
March 13, 2015 by Brent Martin
Sen. Deb Fischer/Photo courtesy of Sen. Fischer’s office
Nebraskans get a chance to voice their concerns about a proposed expansion of the Clean Water Act
during a United States Senate hearing on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.
United States Senator Deb Fischer will chair a hearing of the Environmental and Public Works
Committee on UNL’s East Campus tomorrow morning in which Nebraskans are scheduled to testify
about the impact of proposed Waters of the United States rule.
“I’m looking forward to the feedback from this hearing and also to shedding light on how these misguided
policies will hurt people in our state,” Fischer tells Nebraska reporters during a conference call.
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed what it terms an update of the Clean Water Act,
called the Waters of the United States. The rule would broaden the definition of waters under EPA
jurisdiction, mainly through removing the word “navigable” from the Act.
EPA officials say the change will allow the agency to better regulate pollution by getting closer to its
source. Critics claim it is an extreme overreached by the federal agency, extending the Clean Water
Act beyond the intent of Congress.
“What I want to do is have Nebraskans be able to have their voices heard,” according to Fischer. “I
think that’s extremely important.”
Fischer has called on the EPA to scrap the proposal.
According to the senator’s office, the hearing will examine the views of a diverse group of
stakeholders, including representatives from the agriculture community, homebuilders, natural
resource districts, and state and local governments.
The official title of the hearing is “Impacts of the Proposed Waters of the United States Rule on State
and Local Governments and Stakeholders.” It begins at 10am Saturday at Hardin Hall, Room 107,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, East Campus.
P a g e | 24
'America's great migration:' Thousands of cranes meet
along Nebraska river
By Brian Mastroianni
Published March 13, 2015
FoxNews.com
Facebook4 Twitter25 livefyre0 Email Print

(Don Brockmeier)
Next
Right now, visitors from around the world are flocking to the banks of the Platte
River near Kearney, Neb., to see what Bill Taddicken, director of the Audubon
Center at Rowe Sanctuary, calls “one of the last great migrations remaining” on
Earth. From March through early April, about 600,000 sandhill cranes — nearly 90
percent of the world’s total sandhill population – will make a stop at the Nebraskan
river, something of a pit stop on the “Central Flyway,” their path to breeding
grounds in Canada, Alaska, and as far away as Siberia.
“It’s America’s greatest migration,” Taddicken told FoxNews.com. “Cranes are
revered around the world. The Japanese use them for wedding ceremonies, for
instance. People have a special connection to the cranes, and just to see this much
life all over the place at one time really touches people.”
The scene along the Platte is a sea of life. Since, just as the cranes congregate, so
do people across the spectrum of cultures and walks of life. Taddicken has a
particularly close view of the spectacle. The Rowe Sanctuary works with other local
groups to conserve the cranes’ roosting habitat as well as protect the nesting
habitat for interior least terns and piping plovers, and its offices are situated mere
feet from the riverside view.
Taddicken said that people from about 54 different countries and all 50 states
come to Nebraska to view the birds that fly to Nebraska from Texas, Oklahoma,
Arizona, and Mexico. The cranes visit the site to store up on fat reserves before
they make the trek up north for mating season.
Taddicken said that Audubon’s conservation work is crucial in maintaining this
particular bird population. Audubon maintains 24 acres of land, doing what they
can to mitigate damage caused by man-made water regulation — the river has lost
about 70 percent of its flow over the past century due to reduced Coloradan
snowmelt and human diversions in its path. Taddicken said that his organization
works in concert with other groups on the Platte River Recovery Implementation
Program, which is a collaboration between Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and the
Department of the Interior to conserve the 310-mile-long river.
P a g e | 25
Just as the river itself is crucial to the economy and way of life of the people who live
alongside it, the crane migration is a major boon to Nebraska, and the small city of
Kearney. Migration-watchers bring in around $10 million in annual revenue.
So, what’s the appeal? For Taddicken, who grew up in central Nebraska, there is
nothing quite like seeing the mass of cranes along the river.
“The first time I encountered it, I was blown away by the magnificence of the
spectacle. One time a lady kind of berated me about the fact that I said it was going to
be ‘life changing.’ She didn’t think it could ever be that impressive,” he said. “After
spending some time out there, she came back and apologized. She’s now been a
volunteer with us every year for the past 12 years.”
This year, the migration peak is about one week off schedule. Taddicken said that
next week should see the annual bird meeting at its height.
What strikes Taddicken most is the sound. He said that at one time, you can stare
out and see up to 100,000 cranes massing together, “speaking” with one another.
Their collective sounds can be heard from a mile away.
“They are all talking at one time, and it’s truly an audial and visual experience,” he
added. “It can be enjoyed by people without sight. It can be seen by people without
hearing. It’s just an amazing spectacle.”
Taddicken stressed that it is important the conservation work on the Platte River
continue.
“It’s a huge benefit not just to the economy, but to the people here,” he said. “There’s a
saying that ‘when the birds thrive, the people prosper.’ ”
P a g e | 26
Oklahoma senator may attend Lincoln
hearing on proposed federal water rules
POSTED: THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015 8:00 PM
By Nancy Gaarder / World-Herald staff writer
Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., is bringing a Senate panel to Nebraska on Saturday to hear
testimony on proposed federal regulations for bodies of water.
Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., a leader in the heated debates of U.S. science policy, may attend
the field hearing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Continue reading by going to
website only. http://www.omaha.com/news/nebraska/oklahoma-senator-may-attendlincoln-hearing-on-proposed-federal-water/article_d8c8a3c1-dfe0-5119-badd60f3cc6eeb23.html
P a g e | 27
News Release
For Immediate Release March 13, 2015
Contact: John Winkler, General Manager
Cell Phone 402-616-2457
New Recreation Area to Open March 31st
The gates to Prairie Queen Recreation Area will swing open Tuesday, March 31st.
The multi-use water based outdoor recreation area/flood control reservoir is located near 132nd St and
Highway 370 in Sarpy County. The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District began construction of
the park in the fall of 2012 and it is the latest NRD flood control reservoir that also serves as an
outstanding family-oriented recreational park. “This park opening has been much-anticipated by the
public and we are looking forward to offering a wonderful outdoor experience,” said John Winkler, NRD
general manager. “Most importantly, the reservoir will help protect lives and property downstream
along the West Branch Papillion Creek, including the cities of Papillion and Bellevue,” he said.
The park features a 135-acre lake, double boat ramp, no-wake boating, picnic shelters, wildlife
viewing and a 4- mile hiking/biking trail. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has stocked the
reservoir with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish and black crappie. The
Commission has also made a special effort to incorporate numerous aquatic habitat measures to
enhance the fishing experience and ensure a quality fishery.
The dam at the Prairie Queen Recreation Area holds back potential flood water during heavy rainfall,
providing greater flood protection for Papillion and Bellevue-area residents and businesses downstream
of the lake. It is a key part of the overall flood protection and water quality improvement plan
developed by the NRD along with the Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership. The partnership includes
representatives from Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, Gretna, Boys Town, Ralston, LaVista, Sarpy County and
the Natural Resources District. “Construction of this reservoir is a result of many years of coordination
between the NRD and our Papillion Creek Watershed partners, said Winkler. “We’re working diligently
to find real and accomplishable solutions for water quality and flood control challenges,” he added.
The construction also included upstream water quality structures to protect the lake
from sedimentation and a Lincoln Rd. extension and bridge.
All Papio-Missouri River NRD recreations areas are free to the public. No park entry
permits are required.
Additional information on the park is available at the NRD web site www.papionrd.org
Note to media: NRD personnel will be available for interviews at the boat ramp the
morning of the 31st from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
P a g e | 28
News Release
For Immediate Release March
13, 2015 Contact: John
Winkler, General Manager
Cell Phone 402-616-2457
Platte River Landing Recreation Area Improvements Approved
The Board of Directors of the Papio-Missouri River NRD has approved a
construction contract for improvements to Platte River Landing, a river access
park near Highway 64 in western Douglas County. Improvements to the 10 acre
public park will include land grading for future sports fields and the installation of
playground equipment. “Platte River Landing is one of a very few public access
sites on the river in eastern Nebraska and is extremely popular,” said John
Winkler, NRD General Manager. “The Platte River is a tremendous resource and
this site offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the rivers beauty,” said Winkler.
Over the past three years the site has seen numerous upgrades including additional
parking, picnic areas, and river bank stabilization. Lawnsmith and Co. Inc. was
the low bidder.
Work will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by June, 2015. The
park will remain open during construction.
Platte River Landing is heavily used by canoers, tubers, anglers and wildlife
enthusiasts. The NRD also manages three river access sites on the nearby
Elkhorn River. The Elkhorn River sites include Elkhorn Crossing near 252nd St
and Bennington Rd., Graske Crossing on West Dodge Rd. and a site at West
Maple Rd.
All Papio-Missouri River NRD recreation areas are free to the public. No park
entry stickers are required.
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Landowners Can Click for Aquifer Data – press release - lpsnrd
LINCOLN (NE) March 13, 2015 – Landowners in a 99-square-mile area surveyed by special equipment
hanging from a helicopter 18 months ago near Dwight, Valparaiso and Brainard can now go online to learn
about aquifers under their land. The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District contracted with
Exploration Resources International (XRI), based in Mississippi, to conduct the high-tech survey in the fall of
2013 and results are now available. An interactive map has been linked to the NRD’s website where a user
can click on a location within the project area and see basic data about ground water under that specific
location. All of the data collected in the survey, and an NRD staff summary are also available on the website
or anyone interested can contact the NRD.
One of the best ways to view aquifer information for a particular location is to utilize the interactive map.
Anyone can access the map if they have a version of Google Earth installed on their computer. A free version
of the program is available online. By clicking inside the project area on the map, a viewer can learn the
thickness of the aquifer at that point and how far down the aquifer is. A page has been built on the NRD
website to help anyone interested access and understand the data. Look for the link at lpsnrd.org.
The data collected in the survey goes far beyond the basic aquifer information available by using the online
map. NRD Water Resources Specialist Dick Ehrman said, “The NRD is studying all of the data collected to
better understand the complex geology of the project area.” Last year the NRD Board of Directors made the
area a Special Management Area and limited the amount of water irrigators can apply to crops through
2016. The measures were prompted by reports of water shortages during dry periods in the summers of
2012 and 2013. Ehrman said, “While it will take a while to digest all of the data from the electromagnetic
survey, making the basic aquifer information available to landowners and the public now seems like a good,
proactive beginning toward utilizing the survey to better manage available ground water.”
In addition to electronic information online, the NRD has made the complete report from XRI available at
libraries in and near the project area. The printed report is almost 600 pages and includes all of the data
collected in the 2013 aerial survey. It is very technical in nature and includes a detailed Table of Contents
and many aerial photos, charts and graphs. The complete report is available at the:

Dwight Public Library, 120 North Second Street, open Wednesdays 3:30pm – 6:30pm and
Saturdays 9:30am – 11:30am

Valparaiso Public Library, 300 West Second Street, open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3:00pm –
8:00pm, Thursdays 1:00pm – 8:00pm and Saturdays 9:00am – Noon

East Butler Public Schools Library, 212 South Madison Street, in Brainard during school hours
Users of the online map will notice areas inside the three main project flight blocks where there is no data
available. Katie Cameron, coordinator of the Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment, which helped
coordinate the survey and of which the NRD is a partner, said “Federal regulations prohibit
the survey
equipment from being flown over buildings or towns.” Cameron also said, in other cases where there is no
aquifer data, power lines and other infrastructure and equipment apparently interfered with the survey, so
that data was eliminated.