About

The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (LPSNRD) serves a six-county area in southeastern Nebraska, covering nearly one million acres and home to more than 350,000 residents. Guided by a locally elected 21-member Board of Directors, our mission is to maintain a sustainable environment through the conservation of land, water, and wildlife.

We manage a wide range of projects and facilities, including 180 flood control dams, 13 miles of levees, 12 miles of urban stream channels, 50 miles of recreational trails, 9 wildlife management areas, and 11 public wetlands. We also monitor groundwater quantity and quality, provide environmental education, and invest over $1 million annually in cost-share programs to help landowners implement conservation practices such as terracing, buffer strips, meters, and well decommissioning.

LPSNRD has a strong history of innovation and leadership. We were among the first NRDs to use conservation easements as a protection tool; to develop and manage recreational trails; to acquire and restore wetlands; and to partner with the City of Lincoln on stormwater management. Our success comes from a commitment to cooperation and collaboration with local communities, state and federal agencies, and private partners working together to protect Nebraska’s natural resources.

Programs & Services

Learn how we support landowners, residents, and communities with cost-share programs, tree sales, and groundwater services.

Tree Program

Cost-Share Assistance

Groundwater Permits & Testing

Explore & Get Involved

From trails and wetlands to classroom programs and community events, there are plenty of ways to enjoy and engage with your NRD.

Recreation Areas & Trails

Education Programs

Board Meetings

How We Work

How is the NRD funded?

LPSNRD’s funding comes from a mix of local, state, and federal sources, and must be managed carefully to meet both ongoing operations and capital project needs:

Property tax levy: Like most Nebraska NRDs, the District receives a portion of its revenue from a property tax levy. Typically, NRDs are limited by law in how much they can levy.
State grants and dedicated funds: One key source is the Natural Resources Water Quality Fund (NRWQF), which supports water-quality programs statewide. The fund is supported in part by fees on pesticide registration and applicator licensing; NRDs must match a portion of what they receive.
Federal and competitive grants: The NRD benefits from federal programs (such as FEMA for flood repair, USDA/NRCS conservation funding, EPA non-point pollution programs) to support watershed planning, flood control, and conservation practices.
Partnerships and cost-share program revenue: Some conservation initiatives are cost-shared with landowners. Also, partnering with municipalities, counties, and other agencies helps spread costs.
Sinking funds / reserve accounts: Some NRDs maintain funds set aside for future project needs to avoid large levy spikes.

Because many projects are capital-intensive (dams, levees, recreation facilities), the NRD must balance short-term expenses with long-term maintenance and debt obligations.

Who makes decisions at LPSNRD?

Governance structure, election cycles, and transparency are important to how the District operates:

Locally elected Board of Directors: The NRD is overseen by a board whose members are elected to represent sub-districts. These directors set policy, approve projects, and decide on budgets. This structure allows local voices to guide natural resource decisions.
Term lengths and staggered elections: Board members typically serve four-year terms, with elections staggered so part of the board is up for election every two years. This ensures continuity while allowing for regular public input.
Subdistrict representation: The NRD is divided into subdistricts to ensure geographic balance of representation. Some districts also include at-large seats.
Public meetings and transparency: Board meetings are open to the public. Agendas, meeting minutes, and budget hearings are published to promote accountability.
Committee structure: Many boards use subcommittees to vet proposals before bringing them to the full board.
Coordination with NARD: Each local NRD board elects a director to serve on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), which provides coordination, advocacy, and shared services for all NRDs statewide.

How do you partner with others?

Collaboration is a cornerstone of an effective NRD. LPSNRD achieves more by working with diverse stakeholders:

Federal and state agencies: LPSNRD regularly partners with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment & Energy, and other state/federal bodies to administer grants, technical assistance, and regulatory compliance.
Local governments: We work with counties, cities, and municipalities on projects like stormwater management, flood control, and recreation development. For example, LPSNRD has partnered with the City of Lincoln on stormwater quantity and quality management.
Nonprofits, conservation groups, universities: To stretch resources and expertise, the NRD collaborates with environmental organizations, universities, watershed groups, and land trusts.
Private landowners & citizens: Many programs (cost-share, tree planting, buffer strips, well decommissioning) are voluntary and depend on cooperation with property owners.
Regional coordination: Because watershed and resource issues often cross district boundaries, the NRD participates in basin-wide planning, interstate agreements, and multi-district initiatives (often facilitated through NARD).