Work is ongoing on the Antelope Creek streambank between 40th Street and Scott Avenue, in central Lincoln. Heavy rains and flows in Antelope Creek resulted in damaging the streambank section. The damage ultimately made it unsafe for regular upkeep and maintenance.

Antelope Creek flows from Holmes Lake to where it empties into Salt Creek, north of the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The creek’s expanse plays a major role in stormwater management in the city.

The inability to regularly maintain the section of stream resulted in volunteer trees and shrubs. Vegetation on the banks, pose a threat during high water events, blocking the flow of water, collecting debris, and increasing the possibility of erosion.

Since the damage, the LPSNRD has been evaluating engineering solutions and coordinating with federal agencies to determine the best course of action to repair the creek channel. The limited right-of-way has made for a challenging project, but the use of retaining walls in design will allow for easier access for future maintenance and operation once the project is complete.

In October, the LPSNRD Board of Directors accepted a project bid for $2.9 million from Strong Ties LLC for the project, permitting the construction phase of the project to begin.

Significant financial support for the project is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The federal agency is providing 75% cost-share for both the project construction and observation services.

“We appreciate FEMA’s assistance with these needed repairs, we are very pleased to now have this project under construction,” said General Manager Paul Zillig.

Completion of the project is anticipated for June 2023.

During the cold Nebraska winter months, the NRDs and counties have an agreement to monitor ice conditions along the Lower Platte River, from Columbus to Plattsmouth. Monitoring is done at the same designated locations every week, beginning in mid to late December until “ice out” in the spring, recording the different and changing conditions on the river.

Trent Henry, LPSNRD maintenance technician, does weekly monitoring and said, “Monitoring is done so we’re aware of what is happening on the river. As temperatures warm in the spring, and ice begins to melt and break loose there is the potential for ice jams and flooding.”

Ice jams can form when ice in the river becomes stationery in the channel, blocking the flow of water. Moving water behind the ice jam causes more ice to form a pile, essentially creating a dam.

For ice reporting, LPSNRD staff records types of ice, how much water is flowing and how it is navigating around bridges, sandbars, confluences, and bends in the river. Pictures for reference are also taken each visit from thelocations. The information gathered by the different partners is submitted and shared amongst the different entities each week.

In addition to staff monitoring ice conditions, camera systems and stream gages at key locations along the Platte River are also utilized. These cameras provide real-time information on conditions through the Platte system.

With varying climate and warmer temperatures, some years are trickier than others.

If conditions look like a potential ice jam may form, the partners may try to utilize coal ash. Black coal ash is applied by a plane onto the ice. Sunny days are ideal for this method to work. The sun warms up the black coal ash, as it absorbs the heat it weakens the ice. This heat helps break it into smaller chunks the river can move on its own.

If weather conditions are not right for dusting, dynamite can potentially be used to break up the ice jam. Through an interlocal agreement, the Papio Missouri River NRD would lead this effort.

This new program will provide native grass and forb seed, at no cost, to district residents to plant on their property. Residents can apply for up to a quarter of an acre of seed.

“This program is a great hands-on opportunity for residents to increase pollinator habitat in their community. Whether it be on acreages or suburban neighborhoods, participants will be cultivating a native ecosystem,” said Will Inselman, LPSNRD Resources Coordinator.

LPSNRD will provide technical guidance for seed establishment and maintenance for those participating in the program.

The program will continue until the annual allotment is met.

Learn more about the program and sign up for your seed today. 

From creating windbreaks, providing wildlife habitat, erosion control, or even just providing shade on a hot summer day, trees are great resources.

“With significant weather events becoming more common, conservation is going to be more and more important out on the ground. And trees can address a number of concerns that landowners or communities have,” said LPSNRD Forester Jay Seaton.

Recognizing how vital trees are, the LPSNRD operates three unique tree programs working with landowners and communities to plant trees across our district. The three programs offer something for all landowners in the district, with a variety of quantities, cost, and species of tree that fits the needs.

CONSERVATION FORESTRY PROGRAM
The Conservation Forestry Program provides landowners a low-cost opportunity to enhance their property for years to come. Focused on properties with space to plant a significant number of trees, this program offers bundles of 25 bare root seedlings and mixed species packages of 50.

In the 2021-22 order period, the program reached new heights, selling a record 42,050 seedlings to over 480 landowners across the district.

The order period for the program begins in November and continues into late March. Orders arrive and get picked up at the LPSNRD office in April, in time for spring planting!

LANDSCAPE TREE PROGRAM
LPSNRD’s Landscape Tree Program is the newest program that we offer! Any landowner, urban or rural, in the district can apply for a 75% reimbursement for a nursery tree up to $115. This allows for a landowner to get an established tree, making an impact on their property.

This program is limited to 85 participants each year with the application period beginning in September.

COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM
Some communities need lots of trees! Neighborhood associations, service organizations, citizen groups, business associations, villages, and cities all may be eligible for this program. The LPSNRD works with these entities for 50% cost-sharing, up to $10,000.

Learn more about all of the LPSNRD tree programs here.

Twelve seats on the LPSNRD Board or Directors were on the ballot in November. Nine incumbents ran unopposed retaining their seat:

• Mark Spangler, Subdistrict 2
• Ken Vogel, Subdistrict 3 (2-year term)
• Larry Ruth, Subdistrict 4
• Deborah Eagan, Subdistrict 6
• Luke Peterson, Subdistrict 7
• Tom Green, District 8
• Bob Andersen, Subdistrict 9
• Susan Seacrest, Subdistrict 10
• David Landis, At-large

Incumbent, Gary Hellerich, Subdistrict 1, ran opposed and retained his seat.

And two new board members were elected in competitive elections:

• Melissa Baker, Subdistrict 3
• Stacie Sinclair, Subdistrict 5

Director David Landis was selected as the new chair of the LPSNRD Board of Directors at the January board meeting. The 21-member board elects new leadership each January. Landis, of Lincoln, had been a member of the board from 1972-1978 and returned in 2007 to serve as an at-large representative.

Landis spent the last two years as the board’s vice-chair. “High priority challenges to the NRD include flood control, water quality, and climate change impacts,” said Landis, “We’re fortunate to have an excellent staff and a very involved board of directors. My role will be to facilitate the board and staff to respond to those issues.”

Bob Andersen was elected the new vice-chair. Chelsea Johnson is the new treasurer and Lisa Lewis was elected secretary.

The board also elected Tom Green as a representative to serve on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Board. John Yoakum was also selected as an alternative to serve on the statewide board.

Each year we identify bills introduced in the Nebraska Legislature that may modify the many ways we preserve and protect natural resources. Below are some of the bills and resolutions we are watching this session:

LB218- Change provisions relating to intent to appropriate money for management of vegetation within the banks or flood plain of a natural stream, increasing annual funding from $3 million to $6 million per year.

LB401- Appropriate an additional $550,000 for costs associated with operating the Nebraska Mesonet system (weather stations).

LB506- Appropriate $200 million from Federal Funds for the Department of Natural Resources for a grant to a city of the primary class (Lincoln) for water supplies. Also allocating $20 million from Federal Funds for grants to install reverse osmosis systems to remove nitrates.

LB651- Provide for appropriations relating to cybersecurity improvements for state agencies and political subdivisions (i.e. cities, counties, NRDs).

Through discussions with state senators, the importance of conservation easements was emphasized. Ultimately, no bills were introduced negating conservation easements. There are a number of other bills we are monitoring as they make their way through the legislative process. During this process bills can be amended and we continue to track and monitor them.

For years I’ve admired the beauty of mother nature and understood the importance of being good stewards of our natural resources. Now after 8 years serving as a Director of the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) I have a better understanding of the work and planning necessary to protect these resources. I have come to appreciate the importance of inter-governmental partnerships working together to protect the people, property, and resources critical to our well-being. At the local level much is done by our NRDs.

Just a few highlights of the many accomplishments for 2022:

• NRDs celebrated the 50th year anniversary since their creation in 1972! NRDs are unique to Nebraska. Many areas across the country are looking to Nebraska as a role model.
   
• Flood mitigation plans were developed and adopted with LPSNRD and inter-governmental partnerships. They include:
  • A comprehensive Watershed Master Plan.
  • A Flood and Water Quality Protection Manual for flood protection and improvements of stormwater quality.
  • The Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project continues to move forward to remove hundreds of homes and businesses from the flood plain.

Reoccurring extreme weather events over the last few years are pushing LPSNRD to research the latest science and engage in innovating thinking to help reduce serious threats to life and property in our district.

It’s been an honor to serve as chair for the last two years. I stand in admiration of our general manager and staff. Their dedication, skill and experience make our district a standout.

Subdistrict 1
Don Jacobson, W Lincoln
Gary Hellerich, Valparaiso

Subdistrict 2
Ron Nolte, Plattsmouth
Mark Spangler, Murray

Subistrict 3
Melissa Baker, NE Lincoln
Ken Vogel, NE Lincoln

Subdistrict 4
Gary Aldridge, SE Lincoln
Larry Ruth, Walton

Subdistrict 5
John Yoakum, W Lincoln
Stacie Sinclair, Lincoln

Subdistrict 6
Anthony Schutz, NW Lincoln
Deborah Eagan, NW Lincoln

Subdistrict 7
Chelsea Johnson, NE Lincoln
Luke Peterson, NE Lincoln

Subdistrict 8
Christine Lamberty, SE Lincoln
Tom Green, SE Lincoln

Subdistrict 9
Lisa Lewis, SE Lincoln
Bob Andersen, SE Lincoln

Subdistrict 10
Ray Stevens, S Lincoln
Susan Seacrest, S Lincoln

At-large
David Landis, Lincoln

BOARD MEETINGS
Public attendance and participation are welcome at meetings of the LPSNRD board of directors and subcommittees of the board. Visit LPSNRD.org for announcements about meeting status.

Share your thoughts with us on topics relating to our natural resources and local projects including:

• Groundwater
• Salt Creek Resiliency
• Recreation
• Cost-share Programs
• Climate change
• Conservation Easements
• Flood reduction
• And more!

Individuals that fill out the survey will have a chance to win one-of-ten $50 Amazon gift cards!

Take the survey here. 

Drew Ratkovec is our new stormwater/watershed specialist! Drew will work with communities and neighborhoods in the district with stormwater and drainage projects through the Community Assistance Program. He’ll also work on various watershed projects in the district and with partners at the City of Lincoln’s Watershed Department on urban stormwater and water quality issues.

Drew has his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in agriculture and natural resources. He is working on his masters in agronomy with a minor in natural resources.

South Salt Creek Master Plan Project #6
Located on Salt Creek in Wilderness Park, this project will stabilize the stream bed and will protect the old Rock Island railroad bridge that will serve as a crossing for a future trail to the west by the City of Lincoln. The LPSNRD has obtained easements for the construction and future maintenance of this project. It is anticipated that the design will be complete in the fall and. construction will begin in spring 2024.

Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project
Work continues on this $25M flood reduction project. The design is currently 65% complete and the US Army Corps of Engineers plans to complete the design of the conveyance channel between 48th Street and Cornhusker Highway late next spring. Information on the final design will be available at that time. Design continues on the new bridges at 48th, 38th and 33rd Streets. Right-of-way needed will be finalized and acquired in 2023 and early 2024 with construction scheduled to begin later in 2024.