We are thrilled to celebrate a new North Omaha community milestone. Well, a “(1/2 mile) stone” to be exact. The Papio NRD, City of Omaha, and CHI Health Immanuel today celebrated the grand opening of the Girard Trail Connection, a new half-mile path near 72nd and Girard Street that increases recreation and transportation opportunities in […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/27/26Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 OMAHA, Neb. – The Papio-Missouri Natural Resources District (Papio NRD), City of Omaha, and CHI Health Immanuel today celebrated the grand opening of the Girard Trail Connection, a new half-mile path near 72nd and Girard Street that increases recreation and transportation opportunities in North Omaha. At a Glance: […]
“It is with great pride that Sergeant Mad Bear’s name will be remembered for eternity.” Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Head Chief Pat Leading Fox It was a big day in Gretna. Papio NRD, City of Gretna, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, and Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs representatives today celebrated the grand opening of Sergeant Mad […]
Flood Reduction Reservoir Honors Pawnee Tribe While Increasing Safety and Recreation for Sarpy County Residents FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/23/26Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 GRETNA, Neb. – Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD), City of Gretna, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, and Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs representatives today celebrated the grand opening of Sergeant Mad Bear […]
“Our exciting message to campers: Keep the change, we’ve changed.” – Papio NRD General Manager John Winkler The Papio NRD announced a double dose of good news for campers at Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area on April 1. In time for the official start of the 2026 camping season, the District unveiled new digital upgrades that […]
New Digital Platform Provides Faster, Easier Check-in for Campers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/1/26 Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 WATERLOO, Neb. – The era of the campground cash box is officially over at Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area. On Wednesday, April 1, the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) held a “Cash Out” event, ceremoniously marking the […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/27/26 Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 OMAHA, Neb. – The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) will open the Elkhorn and Platte River access parks for the season on April 1st. The access parks include: Elkhorn Crossing (intersection of 252nd & Bennington Road) West Maple Road Site (West Maple Road northeast of Waterloo) […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/10/26 Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 OMAHA, Neb. – The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) will hold open houses in Tekamah and Omaha regarding the planned update of its Groundwater Management Plan (GMP). The Papio NRD GMP outlines rules and regulations to ensure the sustainable use of groundwater in the District […]
The Papio NRD has nine cost share programs available to assist government agencies in conservation and protection of natural resources, and to increase recreational opportunities. Click here to view guidelines for all the cost share programs. Click the program titles below to access specific applications. The deadline for applications is March 20, 2026. Urban Cost […]
Today we shine the spotlight on Eric Williams, our natural resources planner. Where did you grow up? Omaha, Nebraska, and Westside High School What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)? Project management for trails that provide recreation, active transportation, and access to natural resources, as well as […]
Today we shine the spotlight on Ian Ghanavati, our water resources engineer. Where did you grow up? Omaha, Nebraska, born and raised. What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)? I work as a project manager on a few different projects/programs at the District, but most of my […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/2/25Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 OMAHA, Neb. – The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) is accepting orders for tree and shrub seedlings. Through the Conservation Tree Program, homeowners, acreage owners, producers, and operators can purchase bare-root seedlings that are ideal for windbreaks, wildlife habitat, and living snow fences designed to reduce […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/21/25Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 OMAHA, Neb. – Applications for the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District’s (Papio NRD) Celebrate Trees Grant Program are open. The program provides funding for tree planting on public land for community benefit. Parks, cemeteries, tribal lands, libraries, and villages within the District’s six-county service area are encouraged to […]
“We are building a safer and more active community.” – Papio NRD Chairperson Tim McCormick The Papio NRD and the City of Gretna celebrated the grand opening of Forest City Recreation Area, Sarpy County’s latest flood reduction reservoir and recreation area. Forest City Recreation Area, located in Gretna near 204th and Schram Road, is a […]
Flood Reduction Reservoir Provides Safety and Recreational Opportunities for Sarpy County Residents FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/6/25Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 OMAHA, Neb. – The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) and the City of Gretna today celebrated the grand opening of Forest City Recreation Area, Sarpy County’s latest flood reduction reservoir and recreation area in the Papillion […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/29/25Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 OMAHA, Neb. – The Papio NRD will close all river access parks to the Elkhorn and Platte rivers for the season on October 31st. The access parks include:• Elkhorn Crossing (intersection of 252nd & Bennington Road)• West Maple Road Access Park (West Maple Road northeast of Waterloo)• Graske […]
The MoPac Trail near Springfield, from Buffalo Road to Riha Road, will close on Wednesday, October 22, through Monday, November 3. The Papio NRD is working with OPPD to begin construction of a transmission line upgrade along the east edge of the MoPac Trail south of Springfield. Safety is a priority. Construction includes installing new […]
Safely and responsibly disposing of household hazardous waste products isn’t always an easy or convenient task. That’s why we encourage residents of Washington, Burt, Cuming, Dodge, Thurston, and Dakota counties to take advantage of the free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collections on Friday, October 10th and Saturday, October 11th. Collection Dates and TimesThe collections will […]
New Trailhead Provides Recreation Opportunities, New Playground, and Active Transportation The Papio NRD and City of Omaha yesterday held a ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration for the grand opening of a new Beltline Trail connection that will expand the trail’s reach in North Omaha. The new trailhead, located at the intersection of Hamilton St. and Military […]
Addresses Unprecedented Storm Damage Costs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/19/25Contact: Jennifer Stauss Storyjstauss@papionrd.org402-960-5329 OMAHA, Neb. – At its September 11th meeting, the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District (Papio NRD) Board of Directors voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 general operating budget that includes necessary funding for critical storm damage repair. “In 2024, our levee system was tested by three 100-year storms […]
Papio NRD representatives joined the City of Omaha, local dignitaries, philanthropists, and community organizations in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the “Baby Bob” pedestrian bridge. The North Downtown Riverfront Pedestrian Bridge, affectionately known as “Baby Bob,” is an extension of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (“Bob”) that provides easy access to downtown Omaha. Before “Baby Bob,” […]
Westview High School held a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of its new arboretum, a space for students to use as an outdoor classroom and the public to enjoy the greenery. Westview applied for a Papio NRD cost share program that provided funding for a trail that guides students through the ecosystem of the arboretum, […]
Today we shine the spotlight on Joe Riebe, our Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist (say what?). Where did you grow up?Grafton, WI What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)?I create maps and apps for use by Papio NRD employees and the public, and I manage spatial data […]
Those who use Pioneer Park in Fort Calhoun now get to enjoy some extra greenery. The City of Fort Calhoun held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the planting of 10 new trees in the park. The city applied for partial funding of the trees through the Papio NRD’s Celebrate Trees Grant Program. The Celebrate Trees […]
The Papio NRD Board of Directors has named four of its upcoming flood reduction reservoirs and recreation areas that will be located in the Omaha metro. The projects will feature no-wake lakes (reservoirs) and recreation amenities, including trails, kayak/canoe launches, fishing access, and picnic areas. The names include: Marlin Petermann Recreation Area – under construction […]
Today we shine the spotlight on Lori Laster, our stormwater management engineer. She plays a crucial role in helping our communities, individuals, and businesses reduce the risk of flood damages. Where did you grow up?We moved a lot when I was a kid, but mostly a small town called Winnemucca, Nevada. It’s about two days’ […]
The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors welcomed three new members and three returning incumbents at last night’s board meeting. New Directors include: Subdistrict 1: Rodney Storm, former City Manager of BlairSubdistrict 7: Brian Adams, senior leader at OPPDSubdistrict 9: Anne Hubbard, Omaha physician Re-elected Directors include: Subdistrict 3: Larry Bradley, Vice-ChairpersonSubdistrict 5: […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
New Trailhead Provides Recreation, New Playground, & Active Transportation 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 […]
Today we shine the spotlight on Tami Tipton – a really cool “chick.” Where did you grow up? I grew up in Omaha, District 66-Rockbrook area. What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)? My job entails promoting programs that are offered by the Papio NRD. I also […]
Several crabapple trees recently found a new home and the crew that planted them in the heat and among blood-thirsty mosquitoes was anything but crabby. Michael Westover, Superintendent I of Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in Fort Calhoun, says the trees were “heaven-sent.” “We’ve been taking out more trees than we’ve been able to replace […]
Today we shine the spotlight on Julie Graham, Papio NRD’s accounting assistant extraordinaire. Where did you grow up? Curtis, NE – out west What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)? I’m an accounting assistant. My main duties are with the rural water systems, specifically billing services. How […]
Today we shine the spotlight on Jon Hansen, a Burt County guy through and through. Where did you grow up? Tekamah, Nebraska What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)? I assist farmers and acreage owners implement conservation practices. Some examples of conservation practices include terraces, waterways, water […]
Unused water wells left unsecure are a hazard to water quality, people, livestock, and pets. The Papio NRD is aiming to help educate landowners within its six-county service 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 […]
The Papio NRD, City of Valley, DC West Community Schools, YMCA of Greater Omaha, and other community partners today celebrated the grand opening of Valley’s new pedestrian bridge and trail. The 450-foot pedestrian bridge and trail provide a major community connection point that improves safety, recreation, and active transportation for Valley residents. “The pedestrian bridge […]
The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District today announced the promotion of Amanda Grint to assistant general manager. Grint, formerly water resources engineer, has worked for the Papio NRD for 15 years. She fills the position following the sudden passing of Marlin Petermann in December. Petermann worked for the Papio NRD for 47 years, the majority […]
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague, friend, and mentor Marlin Petermann. Marlin worked for the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District for 47 years, the majority as assistant general manager. To say Marlin was passionate about his job is a vast understatement. He loved his work, and many times […]
Omaha Tribe Holds Cedar Ceremony to Bless Flood Mitigation Reservoir Named in Honor of Chief Big Elk The Papio NRD, City of Papillion, Sarpy County, and many community partners, today celebrated the grand opening of Big Elk Lake and Portal Recreation Area, Papillion’s two new flood mitigation reservoirs that provide flood protection for Papillion and […]
Hundreds attended a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 19, to celebrate the official grand opening of Dom’s Park at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. The new playground is in memory of four-year-old Dominik (Dom) Walters. Photo: (left to right) Luke Altmann, Papio NRD Director Patrick Bonnett, Papio NRD Director Kevyn Sopinski, Papio NRD General Manager […]
Historic Flood Hit Weeks Before Levee Project Was to Begin The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, Nebraska Congressional Delegation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Offutt Air Force Base, and other dignitaries today celebrated the start of repairs and upgrades to two levees at Offutt Air Force Base following the historic flood […]
Flood Reduction Reservoir Provides Public Safety and Recreation for Omaha Citizens The Papio NRD and the City of Omaha today celebrated the grand opening of Flanagan Lake, Omaha’s latest flood control reservoir in the Papillion Creek Watershed, that provides flood protection for Omaha citizens and 730 acres of recreational benefits, such as a 220-acre lake, […]