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Papio NRD Hosts North East Land Judging Competition

More than 600 high school students from 30 area schools competed in the Northeast Area Land Judging Competition on Wednesday, October 2nd, in Blair, Nebraska, to test their knowledge of soil structure and land evaluation.

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) hosted the annual competition on an acreage in Blair where students assessed physical features of the soil, such as texture, permeability, thickness, wetness, slope, erosion, depth, and organic matter.

 

 

Land judging enables participants to learn how to recognize the physical attributes of soil, determine land capability for crop production, and evaluate management practices needed for proper stewardship.

Eight teams (West Point, Norfolk, Wisner-Pilger, Lyons-Decatur Northeast, Tekamah-Herman, Pierce, Oakland Craig, and North Bend) and one individual, Aubree Schlueter of Logan View, advance to the state land judging competition in Norfolk, Nebraska, on October 16th, 2024.

The competition was sponsored by the Papio NRD in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

New Director Fills Vacancy on Papio NRD Board

Zachary Irvine takes the oath of office.

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors has selected a new Director to fill the board’s Subdistrict 10 vacancy.

The Board appointed Zachary Irvine, a Lead Systems Engineer at the MITRE Corporation. Irvine is also a retired lieutenant colonel with more than 22 years of military leadership.

Irvine will officially participate in his first board meeting on November 14th. He replaces Kevyn Sopinski, who resigned in August.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residents in Eastern NE to See Increased Environmental & Safety Benefits

Papillion Creek Watershed Project
Improvement Plan Approved

Plan to provide environmental and safety benefits to eastern Nebraska communities

 

LINCOLN, Nebraska – In August 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD), received official approval on the Papillion Creek Watershed Project Improvement Plan. The plan, an extension of an effort that began in 1966, promises to deliver significant environmental and safety benefits to residents across Washington, Douglas, and Sarpy counties.

From left, Papio NRD General Manager John Winkler, NRCS State Conservationist Robert Lawson, and Papio NRD Director Patrick Bonnett.

The original planning effort led to the construction of 30 grade control structures, which have been instrumental in reducing flooding and stream channel erosion within the watershed. Building on this foundation, a local group, the Papillion Creek Watershed Partnership (PCWP), was formed in 2001 to identify future projects to further protect and enhance the watershed.

In 2019, the Papio NRD utilized the NRCS Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) program, which has been critical in advancing the latest supplemental plan, which identifies 40 new watershed protection projects aimed at stabilizing degrading streams, reducing erosion and sediment, mitigating flood damage, and improving public safety.

NRCS contributed $560,000 toward the completion of the plan, enabling the Papio NRD to qualify for additional NRCS financial assistance for developing detailed project designs, anticipated to begin in 2025.

“NRCS is proud to provide both technical and financial support to the Papio-Missouri River NRD,” said Nebraska State Conservationist Rob Lawson. “Our top priority is to help local sponsors identify and complete watershed projects that enhance natural resources and ensure public safety.”

The Papillion Creek Watershed, spanning 245,800 acres in eastern Nebraska, includes a large portion of Omaha and the surrounding communities of Papillion, Elkhorn, Millard, and Ralston. The projects outlined in the Supplemental Plan are designed to address the pressing environmental challenges faced by these rapidly growing areas.

“The Papio NRD appreciates our strong working relationship and strategic partnership with the NRCS,” said Papio NRD General Manager John Winkler. “This is just one more textbook example of how partnerships maximize public safety and the wise management of our natural resources while simultaneously reducing the reliance on local property taxes and other scarce local resources. Nebraska has the very best natural resource management system in the country, and arguably the world, and this type of project makes us that much better,” said Winkler.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) program provides technical and financial assistance to states, local governments and tribes to plan and implement authorized project plans for completing numerous watershed enhancements.

Cost Share Available for Soil Erosion Mitigation

Termination of cover crop

We saw a drought snapping amount of rain this past spring and with that we saw a dramatic amount of topsoil erosion. Without implementation of soil erosion mitigation practices, you likely saw a lot of silt flow into the low elevations of your fields. If you have thought about how to reduce that soil loss, we at the Papio NRD have cost share incentives for you.

If you are in the Papillion Creek Watershed, the Papio NRD can work with you on cost share opportunities for the planting of cover crops on your field. The great thing about cover crops is that they not only help reduce the amount of topsoil loss in the event of major rain events like those we saw this past spring, but also increase the amount of organic matter in the topsoil after they are terminated in the spring.

We also work with USDA agencies to provide more cost share programs such as field borders and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grassed waterways. In the case of the CRP grassed waterways, we provide an additional $150 per acre of waterway, totaling $450 per acre per year, within the Papillion Creek Watershed.

For more information, please call the Papio NRD Blair Field Office at (402) 426-2625 or Charles Stanley at (402) 350-3695.

 

Papio NRD Board Decreases Property Tax Levy – Lowest in 25 Years

At its September 12th meeting, the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) Board of Directors voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2025 general operating budget that includes a significant decrease in the Papio NRD property tax levy.

Papio NRD Board of Directors

“Again, the District has prepared a budget that reduces the tax levy to its lowest in 25 years while funding the increasing need for additional flood mitigation, water quality, recreation opportunities, maintenance of aging infrastructure, and erosion control,” said Tim McCormick, chairman of the Papio NRD Board of Directors. “The system was tested by this past year’s record storms and worked as designed but is at its capacity. As our region develops, additional capacity is required to provide adequate flood mitigation. I commend the District’s ability to do so much while holding tax requests in check,” said McCormick.

For 19 out of 20 years, the Papio NRD has either decreased or kept the property tax levy the same. This fiscal year’s total tax request is 2.5% above last year’s budget. The District will drop its property tax mill levy by 5.61% this fiscal year.

“The Papio NRD clearly understands that high property valuation assessments and taxes are negatively impacting many of our constituents’ finances,” said John Winkler, general manager of the Papio NRD. “Through consistent, methodical and conservative financial and operational management, as well as, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding and cost shares over the last twenty years, this budget allows the Papio NRD to once again lower its property tax levy while simultaneously funding critical public safety projects and programs,” said Winkler.

Winkler says over the last five years the Papio NRD’s actual tax request increase has been below inflation and averaged five to ten percent below the average assessed valuation increase.

The Papio NRD’s FY25 property tax levy would drop to 0.029568 per $100 of assessed valuation from the District’s FY24 property tax levy of 0.031324 per $100 of assessed valuation. Under this budget, a homeowner in the District with property valued at $150,000 would pay $44.36 a year or $3.70 a month in property taxes next year to support Papio NRD projects, programs, and services. The budget calls for an estimated $31.5 million in revenue from the Papio NRD’s property tax levy. The total operating budget is estimated at $118.3 million.

The property tax levy is based on an estimated 8.6% increase in valuations across the District, which includes all of Sarpy, Douglas, Washington, and Dakota counties, plus the eastern 60% of Burt and Thurston counties.

The Papio NRD receives less than 2% of all property taxes collected within the District’s six-county area. The remaining 98% goes to schools, cities, counties, and other taxing entities.

 

Tsolmon Peters – Employee Spotlight

Today we shine the spotlight on Tsolmon Peters, our IT Support Technician, who keeps our technology and computers in tip top shape.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mongolia.

What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)?

IT Support Technician: Troubleshooting and Resolving Issues: Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and network problems for users.

Installing and Configuring Systems; Set up and configure computers, printers, and other IT equipment. User Assistance: Provide technical support and guidance to users via phone, email, or in person.

How long have you worked for the District?

I have been here for two years. 

What’s the most unique thing in your office or on your desk right now?

Honestly, my desk is standard, but I do have this pretty efficient clear desk pad. It’s oil and waterproof, I use it to keep my notes organized by slipping them underneath instead of using sticky notes.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work (hobbies, volunteering, etc.)?

I enjoy trying different foods, traveling and walk.

What educational background or experience do you bring to your role (degree(s), coursework, skills learned, etc.)?

I have an Associates in Applied Science, Information Technology Cybersecurity degree /USA, also Electrical engineering master’s and bachelor’s degree. /Mongolia

Is there family, significant other, or furry friend information you’d like to share?

I have a nice family with 2 daughters, my husband and little Pomerene dog.

What project(s) are you most proud of and why?

I am currently working on a project involving a Vulnerability Management tool called CB. This tool is designed to identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities in endpoints within our network. By continuously scanning for security weaknesses, CB helps us prioritize and address potential threats before they can be exploited. This proactive approach ensures that our systems remain secure and compliant with industry standards, ultimately protecting our data and maintaining the integrity of our IT infrastructure.

What is your favorite band(s)?

I enjoy listening to current trending music bands, but in the past, I was more into artists like Michael Bublé.

 

Elkhorn Crossing Campsites to Open Saturday – RV Site Upgrades Complete

Campers rejoice!

All RV and camping sites at Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area will open at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31st, following the installation of water and electric for RV site hook-ups. These are significant upgrades to the park we are excited to offer to make your camping experience even better.

The ten RV sites offer 50-amp electrical service. The campsite does not contain a dump station.

Campsite Registration Fees

All RV and camping sites can only be reserved for seven consecutive days. Campers register at the campground registration kiosk upon entering the facility.

  • RV sites – $30 per night (non-refundable)
  • Tent sites – $15 per night
  • Group camping – $10 per night/per tent

After Saturday’s opening at 8:00 a.m., Elkhorn Crossing (located at the intersection of 252nd & Bennington Road) will open daily at 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A reminder to campers the boat ramp is closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. with no boat launching or arrivals allowed during those hours.

The public access site will close for the season on November 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terry Schumacher – Employee Spotlight

Today we shine the spotlight on long-time Papio NRD-er Terry Schumacher.

Where did you grow up?

On a farm, south of Kennard, NE

What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)?

As the Land and Water Programs Coordinator, I manage a staff of eight Field Office employees and the rural cost share programs.  This means working with landowners daily.  The Field Offices are the tip of the spear for the Papio NRD in the northern four counties of the District.

How long have you worked for the District?

Almost 32 years

What’s the most unique thing in your office or on your desk right now?

A tarantula

What do you enjoy doing outside of work (hobbies, volunteering, etc.)?

I enjoy the outdoors, Husker football and my cows.  I have been involved with the Washington County Pheasants Forever Chapter for over 20 years and am the President of the Kennard Rural Fire Board.

What educational background or experience do you bring to your role (degree(s), coursework, skills learned, etc.)?

Bachelor’s degree in biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Is there family, significant other, or furry friend information you’d like to share?

Chocolate Lab named Maverick, about 21 months old.  My wife Kate and him both get a kiss before I head to pound on the rock.

What project(s) are you most proud of and why?

The Danish Alps Recreation Area, a very challenging project.  I have built some great relationships with partner agencies and local landowners.  The project will be there long after I am gone!

What is the funniest/craziest thing that’s happened to you at work (that you can share, of course)?

While working at Chalco Hills Rec Area years ago we found a coffin floating in the lake! A little creepy!!!!!!

What is your favorite band(s)?

Garth Brooks

Anything else you’d like to share?

I started with the District as a Groundskeeper in 1992 and have had the good fortune to move into a management role, so for all the younger employees I say keep pounding on the ROCK!

Papio NRD Board of Directors Vacancy

BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBER SOUGHT FOR PAPIO-MISSOURI RIVER NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT SUBDISTRICT #10

Notice is hereby given by the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District that a vacancy exists on the Board of Directors for the Director elected from Subdistrict #10.  The vacancy will be filled by the Board of Directors.  The person appointed must be a registered elector and reside in Subdistrict #10.  A map of Subdistrict #10 can be found at https://bit.ly/3SDJqad.

The term of the office to be filled will expire in 2026.

Persons interested in being considered for appointment to this position should submit a letter of application to the District.  The letter must be submitted to the Board of Directors at the District’s principal office, 8901 S. 154th Street, Omaha, NE 68138, postmarked no later than August 29, 2024, or delivered to the District office by 4:00 p.m. on August 29, 2024.  Any questions regarding this matter, call John Winkler at 402-444-6222.

Platte River Bridge Trail Grand Opening

Today was a big day for trail users!

The Papio NRD, local government agencies, and recreation enthusiasts celebrated the grand opening of the Platte River Bridge Trail, a project two decades in the making.

The Platte River Bridge Trail provides greater safety for those who use the bridge and increased recreational opportunities for trail users. The trail connects Sarpy County to Cass County along the Highway 34 / Highway 75 bridge.

“Trails are designed to provide recreation, active transportation, and access to natural resources,” said Papio NRD Natural Resources Planner Eric Williams. “The Platte River Bridge Trail excels at all three of those objectives and represents a boundary-breaking accomplishment for regional connectivity,” said Williams.

Williams says additional projects are in progress to connect with the Platte River bridge and continue the expansion of trail benefits throughout the community.

“The Platte River Bridge Trail is a project that has been years in the making,” said Nebraska State Senator Rita Sanders. “This project has required true community building, leaning on a partnership between the city, county, and community leaders to benefit the people. It is truly wonderful that we can come together and enjoy this beautiful bike path that not only promotes community health, but also has a great view,” said Sanders.

Federal aid for the project consisted of 80% of funding from transportation programs managed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) and administered by the Papio NRD. Additional local agency partners included Sarpy County, Cass County, City of Bellevue, City of Plattsmouth, and Lower Platte South Natural Resources District.

“It’s great to see this project get across the finish line,” said Bike Walk Nebraska Executive Director Julie Harris. “We are grateful to everyone who answered the call to talk to their local officials about the need for safety for everyone who uses the bridge. This was a once in a generation opportunity to get it right and we’re so fortunate that our leaders had the vision and understood the need to think long term,” said Harris.

“The completion of the Platte River Bridge Trail will be a catalyst to further connect trails in the metro area,” said Bellevue Bicycle Club President Michael McGee. “The expansions of the trails are great for business along the route and all trail users.”

 

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