Terry Schumacher Archives - Papio NRD Nebraska

Making Rural Intersections Safer Through Conservation Efforts

While driving around Washington county recently, you may have noticed how dangerous some of our four-way rural intersections have become due to the height of corn. Tall crops often obstruct the line-of-sight needed at rural intersections. The Papio NRD, along with Pheasants Forever, The Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Nebraska Game & Parks offer a cost-share program to improve safety while also providing a benefit to pollinators.

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

Pollinator Safety Corner in Washington County. Photo courtesy of Armando Zarco.

The Pollinator Safety Corners Program allows landowners to take one to three acres at a four-way rural intersection out of crop production and seeded 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 5 years. Some participants even choose to install bee boxes on their safety corners.

“The Pollinator Safety Corners Program helps save the lives of both people and pollinators,” said Papio NRD Land & Water Programs Coordinator Terry Schumacher. “It’s a great way to increase the overall safety in our communities while also benefitting our ecosystem.”

For more information, contact the Papio NRD Blair field office at (402) 426-4782 ext. 3.

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!

Water Wells Not Properly Abandoned Pose Hazards to Water Quality, People and Animals

Unused water wells left unsecure are a hazard to water quality, people, livestock, and pets. The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) is aiming to help educate landowners within its six-county area of the importance of abandoning unused wells, as well the cost-share program it provides to help with the associated expense.

Wells that aren’t properly abandoned provide a pipeline to groundwater and can be easily polluted with chemicals, fertilizers, and other contaminates. They can also pose safety risks to people and animals that may not see the wells and become trapped or potentially seriously injured.

“To help eliminate or reduce these hazards and assist landowners with the cost of abandoning unused wells, the Papio NRD provides the Well Abandonment Program,” said Terry Schumacher, land and water programs coordinator for the Papio NRD.

The Well Abandonment Program provides cost-share at a rate of 75% of the total eligible costs with a maximum of $750 for domestic drilled wells; $1,000 for dug wells; and $1,500 for city, irrigation, commercial or municipal wells.

Ed Thiele, project engineer for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, took part in the program, as the organization is developing sites in Sarpy and Douglas counties to build new homes. “We decommissioned three wells in Sarpy County and two in Douglas County,” said Thiele.

“Obviously, we want to make sure the land is safe before construction starts and families move in. The Papio NRD’s cost-share program was of tremendous value for us on many fronts and I would most definitely recommend it to others,” said Thiele.

Eligible costs of the program include pulling rods and pump, filling cistern, chlorination, sand, bentonite, plug, and concrete. A State of Nebraska licensed well contractor, driller or pump installer must complete the abandonment to proper Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations.

“It’s really a win-win opportunity,” said Schumacher. “Our program offers landowners and others, like Habitat for Humanity, significant financial assistance to help protect our drinking water, groundwater, the public and make the process as easy as possible.”

For more information, please contact one of our Field Office representatives in your county:

Washington, Douglas & Sarpy counties: Kalani Fortina at 402-426-4782 ext. 3
Burt County: Deb Ward at 402-374-1920 ext. 3
Thurston County: Tamara Tipton at 402-846-5655
Dakota County: Mahkenna Koinzan at 402-494-4949