2021 New Irrigated Acre Parameters
For Immediate Release
Lower Niobrara NRD Board Votes for New Irrigated Acres
The Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District, Board of Directors, voted to allow up to 1000 approved, new ground water irrigated acres in the District at their June 4th meeting. The Lower Niobrara NRD will be accepting applications starting July 1st, 2021 and ending August 31st, 2021. An application will 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, 2021 of their application approval or denial for new ground water irrigated acres. The maximum allowed approved new ground water irrigated acres per person or entity is 160 acres and will also follow the Rules and Regulations of the Lower Niobrara NRD.
You can find the 2021 new irrigated acre application on the website www.lnnrd.org or contact the Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District in Butte at (402) 775-2343 for an application or questions.
In accordance with our Integrated Management Plan, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) can also allow new surface water irrigation appropriations for up to 333 acres. All surface water questions and applications should be submitted to NDNR.
Time is running out!!
Lower Niobrara NRD Newest Director
The Lower Niobrara NRD would like to welcome Shaun Higgins as the newest Director for Sub- District #1. He was appointed by the Board to complete his father’s, Tommy Higgins’s term. Shaun is a farmer/rancher and grew up on the family’s ranch south west of Naper. Shaun has one son, Thomas who works with him on the ranch. He has laid miles of tree mulch for the district over the years alone with planting many trees on the ranch. Shaun said he is honored to be able to full fill his father’s term on the Lower Niobrara NRD board. The Niobrara River has been at the top of the list for Shaun and he plans on continuing his dad’s efforts in ensuring water for future generations and promoting conservation practices. Please welcome Shaun Higgins to the Lower Niobrara NRD Board of Directors.
Wendt Retires From NARD Board
Diana Wendt was presented a bronze eagle statue by Jim Eschliman Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) President. The Eagle statue represents the years of loyal support and dedication to the NARD Board. The NARD is the trade association for the Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts. Diana served on the NARD board for a total 15 of her 27 years serving on the Lower Niobrara NRD board
Bazile Groundwater Management Area
Nitrogen Management Certification Training
The Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District requires that all operators or contract applicators of nitrogen fertilizers involved in the decision of whether to apply nitrogen fertilizer, whether by contract or applicators, must maintain certification in nitrogen management if the agricultural land to be fertilized is larger than 1 acre or if more than 50 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre will be applied. Nitrogen Management Certification from other NRD’s will be accepted as fulfillment for certification requirements in the District.
| Town | Date | Time | Location |
| O’Neill* | Tuesday, February 16th | 10:00 a.m. | O’Neill Community Center |
| Neligh | Tuesday, February 16th | 3:00 p.m. | Antelope County Ag Building |
| Neligh | Thursday, February 17th | 10:00 a.m. | Antelope County Ag Building |
| O’Neill | Thursday, February 17th | 3:00 p.m. | Knights of Columbus Hall |
| Center | Tuesday, February 23rd | 10:00 a.m. | The Barn at God’s Country |
| Osmond | Wednesday, February 24th | 9:00 a.m. | Osmond City Auditorium |
| Norfolk | Wednesday, February 24th | 2:00 p.m. | NECC Lifelong Learning Center |
| Butte* | Friday, February 26th | 3:30 p.m. | Butte Community Center |
If you are unable to attend a class the districts offer a take-home or online training.
Diana Wendt recognized for her 27 years on the LNNRD board
Terry Julesgard, General Manager of the Lower Niobrara Natural Resources District (LNNRD) presenting Diana Wendt with an appreciation clock for her 27 years of serving as a LNNRD Director. The Staff and Directors all would like to thank Diana for all her work, time and dedication to the Lower Niobrara NRD.