August 2022 - Papio NRD Nebraska

Bellevue Loop Trail to Remain Closed Through October

Public is reminded not to use the trail until all remaining work is complete

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) and the City of Bellevue Public Works Department would like to remind all area residents that the Bellevue Loop Trail will remain closed until all remaining trail work and levee improvements on and around the trail are completed.

The levee and trail work are expected to be completed by the end of October. For public safety, residents are not to access the trail or levee until the Papio NRD has provided notice that it is open for public use.

Additionally, barricades are in place indicating the trail is closed. Residents are not to move or tamper with any barricades or other warning signs. The City of Bellevue Police Department will continue to monitor access points to the trail/levee construction site and may issue citations to trespassers. All of these measures are in place for the safety of the public.

We understand the public’s eagerness to use the trail and are working as quickly as possible to complete the levee system that will better protect the City of Bellevue and Offutt Air Force Base from another major flooding event. We thank the public for its cooperation and patience during the construction of this project.

Papio NRD Program Makes Rural Intersections Safer

Pollinator Safety Corners Program

In late summer when corn is high, four-way intersections in rural counties can become dangerous. Tall crops obstruct the line of sight needed at these intersections. The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, along with Pheasants Forever, The Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, offer a cost-share program to improve safety while also benefitting the ecosystem.

Due to this one-acre Pollinator Safety Corner, drivers have a better line of sight. Photo by Armando Zarco.

The Pollinator Safety Corners Program allows landowners to take one to three acres at a four-way intersection out of crop production and convert it into a mix of short native grasses or pollinator habitat. Landowners receive 75% cost-share on seed mix. In addition, the program provides an annual payment of $250/acre for five years. Landowners within the 319 Papillion Creek Watershed receive $350/acre annually. With your participation, we can make intersections safer for our communities and beneficial for pollinators.

Contact our office at (402) 426-4782 for more information.

Free Scrap Tire Collection to Be Held in Sarpy County

A free scrap tire collection will take place in Sarpy County thanks to a partnership between the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, Sarpy County, and the Sarpy County Fair Board.

The tire collection will be held at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in Springfield, NE, on September 9^th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The collection is for Sarpy County residents only.

The following are important details and instructions for those wanting to take part in the collection:

Sarpy County residents must bring a driver’s license or most recent utility bill for proof of residence
There is no limit on the number of tires residents can bring to the collection
Residents are asked to have a tire count at the time of check-in
Rims or tubes are not allowed
Unloading of tires will not be provided
Dealers or resellers are not allowed

Residents are to enter the Sarpy County Fairgrounds at Main Street and Railroad and exit at South Gate and Pflug Road.

The tire collection was funded by a grant from the Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy. For more information, contact the Papio NRD at 402-444-6222 or www. papionrd.org.