In the summer of 2023, a critical project was initiated to address the deteriorating state of the Pine Lake Dam, built in the 1960s. Following reports from the Department of Natural Resources highlighting a poorly functioning outlet structure, the Pine Lake Association, the dam’s owners, took decisive action and emergency repairs were set in motion to alleviate its significant hazard potential.

 

The project consisted of draining the lake, excavating part of the dam structure to demo the existing metal spillway/outlet structure, and replacing it with a functioning concrete structure. This reservoir provides benefits downstream for wildlife habitat and water quality as well as flood reduction benefits for the City of Lincoln.

In a collaborative effort, the LPSNRD stepped in to assist the Pine Lake Association in funding the dam’s rehabilitation. This Community Assistance Program played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s financial viability, highlighting the importance of community partnerships in addressing critical infrastructure challenges.

Pine Lake Dam’s transformation not only ensures safety but also establishes a foundation for environmental and community well-being for years to come.

The Pine Lake Dam project will be fully completed in Spring 2024 after almost four years of ongoing emergency repairs, watershed analysis, and project design. 

The Salt Creek is the receiving stream for all runoff water generated within the City of Lincoln and Lancaster County, running right through the heart of the city.

Since 1900, nearly 100 floods have been recorded along Salt Creek and its tributaries in or near the
City of Lincoln. Of those, 17 were classified as major, 30 as moderate, and 49 were classified as minor.

A study of the Salt Creek watershed was completed in 2020 that evaluated the impacts of updated precipitation data, climate data, and climate predictions and provided recommendations to the LPSNRD and City of Lincoln to improve resiliency in case of a flood event. The results of the study showed a higher risk of flooding in our community today than what is shown on FEMA floodplain maps, increasing responsibility for additional floodplain management approaches to address the higher risk of flooding.

Our continued mission, in partnership with the City of Lincoln, is to implement sustainable strategies and uphold responsible standards that maximize safety, minimize flood damage, and conserve natural resources to ensure quality of life for future generations. We aim to identify how existing floodplain management measures can strengthen current infrastructure and enhance the floodplain resiliency of the Salt Creek.

The LPSNRD and the City of Lincoln continue to work together to identify capital improvement projects to address updated flood risk, stream erosion hazards and water quality issues by creating comprehensive watershed master plan. In addition, we have developed a Flood Mitigation Master Plan (FMMP) that follows the guidelines outlined by FEMA’s Community Rating System. Lincoln is enrolled in the CRS as a Class 5 community, resulting in a reduction in flood insurance rates for businesses and residents by 25%.

Additional steps being taken include continued community engagement and floodplain remapping based on current topography and updated rainfall data to portray flooding risks more accurately, along with an Upper Salt Creek Study looking into how future growth in the upper watershed of Salt Creek may impact Wilderness Park and the City of Lincoln.

The LPSNRD and the City of Lincoln are also considering smaller scale structural flood reduction  and promoting agricultural best management practices such as cover crops, riparian
buffers, and terrace systems to increase infiltration and reduce runoff, erosion and improve water quality for the Salt Creek watershed.

As we move forward, there is still much work to be done. Your continued support and engagement are vital as we strive to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the City of Lincoln and its residents.

To learn more, visit LPSNRD.org.

What is floodplain resiliency?
The ability of the floodplain or the communities within it to absorb, recover from, and adapt to the impacts of flooding while minimizing damage and maintaining essential functions. Resilient floodplains are capable of withstanding and bouncing back from flood events, as well as adapting to changing conditions over time.

The Rain-Ready Landscapes Program (RRLP) is open to all LPSNRD landowners outside of the City of Lincoln’s corporate limits. The RRLP provides 50% cost-sharing assistance, up to $2,000, to reimburse landowners who implement best management practices designed to improve the water quality of storm runoff. Examples include rain gardens, vegetated bioswales, and other green infrastructure practices.

These landscaping features filter pollutants out of rainwater before the water gets to the storm sewers, ditches, and streams. They also slow down the flow of water, reducing erosion and keeping sediment out of our streams and lakes.

Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis until all funding is allocated for that fiscal year. Find a detailed list of project expenses eligible for cost-sharing by visiting our website at  LPSNRD.org/programs.

Landowners outside the City of Lincoln who are interested in receiving cost-sharing for their RRLP project should contact Stormwater/Watershed Specialist, Craig Matulka, to discuss your eligibility (cmatulka@lpsnrd.org or call (402) 476-2729).

How to Apply
Applicants must provide the following to LPSNRD to be considered for RRLP: 

• Letter detailing project description.
• Outline of project costs
• Implementation timeline
• Design plans depicting project
• Proposed contractor (if any)
• Maintenance plan for the project
• Landowner’s contact information

For residents living within city limits, LPSNRD co-sponsors a similar program with the City of Lincoln. Visit lincoln.ne.gov, keyword “rainscaping” to learn more.

Did you know that the LPSNRD offers funding assistance to decommission unused wells?

Decommissioning wells that are no longer in use lowers the risk of surface and subsurface contaminants from easily entering the groundwater supply that more than 85% of Nebraskans rely on. Many older wells were constructed without surface seals, providing a direct pathway to the groundwater/drinking water supply.

Well decommissioning must be completed by a licensed water well contractor or licensed pump installer in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

If you have a well on your property that is no longer in use or have questions regarding the cost-share program, please call LPSNRD at 402-476-2729 or visit LPSNRD.org.

With springtime well underway, it’s officially time to get outside, enjoy the nice weather and discover all the hidden gems the Lower Platte South NRD has to offer!

With over 15 recreational areas to explore, our trails, lakes and wetlands offer year-round opportunities for adventure!

The LPSNRD recreation areas are public access meaning they are free to enjoy and don’t require a park pass! Whether you are seeking out the perfect backdrop for a peaceful day of fishing, miles of trail to walk, bike, run or ride horseback, or a quiet place to camp under the stars away from city life, the Lower Platte South NRD has something for everyone!

We would like to encourage all of you to dust off that old fishing pole, air up those bike tires or grab your binoculars and get outside to explore the trails, lakes and wetlands that are right here in your own backyard.

The Lower Platte South NRD is committed to preserving the natural beauty of our district. Efforts are constantly in progress to maintain a sustainable environment through the conservation of land, water, and wildlife, to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the splendor of these outdoor spaces.

Trails

• MoPac East Trail
• Homestead Trail
• Oak Creek Trail
• Lied Bridge - Platte River Connection

Wetlands

• Lincoln Saline Wetlands Nature Center
• Marsh Wren Saline Wetland
• Whitehead Saline Wetland

WMAs

• Bobcat Prairie
• Cottontail
• Little Salt Fork Marsh Preserve
• Little Salt Springs
• Meadowlark
• Merganser
• Red Cedar
• Tanglewood
• Timber Point
• Wild Plum
• Wildwood

The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) and Cass County are currently working with Nebraska-based JEO Consulting Group and Toole Design to complete a study to identify and evaluate potential routes to finish the MoPac East recreational trail from the Elmwood/Wabash area to the Lied Platte River Bridge.

The State of Nebraska has invested $8.3M to construct the trail connection in Cass County. The trail connection study kicked off in November 2023 and is anticipated to be completed in December 2024. There are no preliminary routes being considered. Potential route alternatives will be identified through a combination of community input and technical analysis.

Several public workshops were held across the study area in March to help identify potential community impacts and solutions that balance the interests of all stakeholders. Thanks to all who participated!

Phase 1. Discovery 
Gather information to develop an understanding of the study area and community needs.

Phase 2: Alternatives Planning
Identify potential routes and select up to four options for in-depth evaluation and public input.

Phase 3: Document Preferred Route
Determine and seek public input on preferred route and provide final recommendation to LPSNRD and Cass County.

Upper Salt Creek 3-2 Dam was originally constructed in the 1960’s as a grade control watershed dam that helps control erosion downstream and stores sediment from upstream in the watershed. Repairs being done on this project are required due to the age of the structure.

Deadmans Run 66th to Vine Project will involve the necessary repairs based on NRD staff inspections that showed erosion of the left bank and a need for minor repairs of the drainage outlets. The start date for the contractor has been delayed a couple of weeks due to recent winter weather, however, the contract requires completion by May 1st.

Lynn Creek at north 9th Street Channel Stabilization planned to be completed by May 1, 2024, with monitoring/watering of plants through August 2024. Lynn Creek is one of a few tributaries in Lincoln that flows into Oak Creek, which then flows into Salt Creek. This project consists of reshaping slopes and lining with riprap. Live stake plants will be planted within the riprap to help further stabilize the channel. The benefits of this project are to fix erosion occurring in the channel and stabilize the creek banks, overall improving water quality and nearby infrastructure.

“My goal is to serve the people in my community and protect the natural resources upon which they depend. Doing so as a Director on this Board will be both a privilege and a great responsibility.”

The Lower Platte South Natural Resource District (LPSNRD) Board of Directors appointed Seth W. Hawkins, a proud resident of Plattsmouth, NE, to fill the board seat for Subdistrict 2 during their January board meeting. Seth has an undergraduate degree in Natural Resources and a law degree from the University of Nebraska where he underwent classes in natural resources and agricultural law due to his concerns and interests in the issues affecting Nebraska’s natural resources.

Seth is currently practicing law as a deputy county attorney in Otoe County but said in his free time, he enjoys walking on the Leid Platte River Bridge trail and fishing at various NRD lakes throughout the district.

Along with his strong desire to engage in public service, he is aiming to use his knowledge and expertise to help maintain and improve the quality of our natural resources, not only in his own backyard, but in the backyard of everyone who lives in his district. Hawkins stated, “I can think of no better way to serve my community and protect the natural resources of the land which I call home than by serving as a Director of this Natural Resources District.”

Please join us in welcoming Seth Hawkins to the Lower Platte South Board of Directors.

Officers Elected 
The board also carried out the election of NRD Officers and NARD Representatives for 2024, which they do each January.

Officers include:
Dave Landis – Chair

Bob Andersen – Vice Chair

Chelsea Johnson – Treasurer

Lisa Lewis – Secretary

Tom Green – NARD representative

John Yoakum – NARD alternate

The LPSNRD will be continuing to foster an appreciation for our natural resources by visiting classrooms this spring!

It is well documented that nature plays a crucial role in the development and well-being of children. Interacting with the natural world fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity, stimulating their imagination and creativity. Whether it’s climbing trees, observing wildlife, or simply splashing in puddles, these experiences help children develop a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around them. By fostering a connection with the natural world from an early age, children develop a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the environment, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to conservation and sustainability.

Here are a few popular classroom presentations presented by the LPSNRD: 

Nebraska Mammals - Through the use of skulls and pelts, students learn about native mammals, their habitats, and adaptations.

Nebraska Amphibians – Meet Dart and Delta – western tiger salamanders from right here in Nebraska.

Wetland in a Bag - By matching familiar objects with the wetland function they represent, students learn about wetlands.

Wildlife CSI - Students visit five wildlife “crime scenes” to investigate wildlife “crimes” using observations and critical thinking

Groundwater Flow Model - A visual model teaches ground water basics, including point and non-point source pollution.

Don’t Lose Ground - Students learn about soil erosion and conservation in hands-on demonstrations.

GPS and Geocaching - Students learn about geographic information systems (GIS) and use GPS technology to participate in geocaching, the world’s largest outdoor adventure and treasure hunt.

To book a presentation or have a guest speaker, contact Adam Sutton at asutton@lpsnrd.org.