Board Approves New Irrigated Acres for 2020

The Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District, Board of Directors, voted to allow up to 1000 approved new irrigated acres in the District at their June 4th meeting. The Lower Niobrara NRD will be accepting applications starting July 1st and ending August 31st. All applicants must presently be in full compliance with all Rules and Regulations of the Lower Niobrara NRD. Applications must include a nonrefundable fee, an aerial photo of the property to be irrigated, location of all existing wells, location of proposed new well, a test hole log within 330 feet of the new well location, and must be submitted by the landowner. Each application will be ranked for soil, well and ground water criteria according to the Rules and Regulations of the Lower Niobrara NRD. All applicants will be notified by October 31st of their application approval or denial. The maximum allowed approved acres per person or entity is 160 acres and will also follow the Rules and Regulations of the Lower Niobrara NRD.
The Lower Niobrara NRD Board also voted to extend application period for new irrigated acres that would complete pivot circles and eliminate unproductive field wedges or windshield wiper type pivot systems. However, the proposed acres cannot be greater than 25% of the current irrigated acres in the field. Applications for these acres must include a non refundable fee, aerial photo, and must be submitted by the landowner.
In accordance with our integrated Management Plan, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources can also allow new surface water irrigation appropriations for up to 333 acres. The application form is on the website at www.lnnrd.org. Call with any questions 402.775.2343.Click for 2020 Application for New Irrigated Acres