LPSNRD compiles an annual review of accomplishments related to the groundwater we all drink and use. Our complete 2022 Groundwater Annual Report is posted at LPSNRD.org. Here are some highlights:

• Staff collected 282 samples from 242 wells. Samples were collected from a variety of well types. Depending on the location, samples may have been tested for major ions, pH, specific conductance, hardness, alkalinity and total dissolved solids, and all samples were analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen. The results of this sampling have been consistent with past years’ analyses.
   
• Water levels are surveyed each spring and fall with a total of 308 measurements from 154 wells in 2022. Groundwater levels in 123 of the wells decreased and 25 of them showed increases. The maximum decline in any well was 5.76 feet and the largest increase was 3.65 feet.
   
• The district issued five water well permits in 2022: three for irrigation, one for public water supply, and one for pond fill. The district also initiated revision of its Groundwater Rules and Regulations in 2022. The main change was to add an additional class of water well permits for large groundwater users, and these changes went into effect in early 2023.
   
• LPSNRD cost-shared with eight landowners on the decommissioning of wells. Abandoned wells can be a physical hazard to people and animals if the well is not properly sealed. They can also carry storm runoff and pollution directly to groundwater. The district has decommissioned 1,048 wells since its cost-sharing program began in 1990!

Growing Season Forecast 
Water Resources Coordinator Dick Ehrman consults with partner Agencies to develop our own Weather/Precipitation Outlook that has a focus on LPSNRD. Ehrman shares, “Spring precipitation has been below normal, and the indication is that we’ll have warm temperatures this summer. As of right now, precipitation amounts look to be normal to below normal, but depending on the amount and timing of rainfall, large scale weather patterns hold out hope that the dry conditions might improve somewhat over the growing season.” To view the outlook, visit LPSNRD.org.

Conserve Water 
With projections calling for warm temperatures and normal to below precipitation, for this summer, the Lower Platte River Consortium, of which Lower Platte South NRD is a partner along with other agencies and NRDs, is asking the public to proactively conserve water. LPSNRD General Manager Paul Zillig said, “Our group recognizes the need to be more proactive and communicate with the public so we can all work together to ensure conservation.” The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources launched an online dashboard that brings together information about drought conditions and indicators and stream flow projections for the Platte River at Ashland. 

2022-2023 Levels
Groundwater levels are measured regularly in a district-wide network of wells to track groundwater level changes. The NRD compares spring-to-spring levels, as outlined by our Groundwater Management Plan. The table shows average well measurement fluctuations within each of the district’s reservoirs and these measurements reflect a winter and spring with below than average precipitation. 

Work has continued along the Antelope Creek streambanks between 40th Street and Scott Avenue, in central Lincoln.

The section of streambank which was damaged by heavy rains and flows in Antelope Creek is undergoing a $2.9 million project. The project is repairing the banks and as a result improving access for future maintenance and operation.

Antelope Creek’s expanse plays a major role in stormwater management in the city. Continued upkeep of the creek channel keeps it clear of debris and allows for water to flow efficiently.

Significant financial support for the project is being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The federal agency is providing 75% cost-share for both the project construction and observation services.

The project is on pace and is anticipated to be completed later this summer.

With over 15 LPSNRD recreation areas right here in your backyard, everyday is a chance for adventure! Embrace the beauty of the great outdoors, create lasting memories, and reconnect with the wonders of nature across the district’s trails, lakes, and wetlands.

Trails 
Looking for a great place to walk, bike, run, ride
horseback, or just enjoy nature? There’s an LPSNRD trail waiting for you! The LPSNRD’s extensive trails will lead you along former railroad corridors and through inspiring landscapes. Experience the serenity of the environment, listen to the melody of birdsong, and catch glimpses of wildlife along the way.

Lakes
Whether you’re an avid angler or simply seeking an escape, the Lower Platte South NRD lakes provide endless opportunities for fishing, no-wake boating, and kayaking. All LPSNRD lakes are created by dams. These structures also provide critical flood
protection for downstream owners and the habitat around the lakes is home to a wide range of wildlife, providing a unique opportunity for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, hunting, and much more.

Wetlands
The LPSNRD wetlands are a sanctuary for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the wetlands as you observe a wide variety of bird species, unique plants species, and other wildlife. Our saline wetlands offer a distinctive landscape of rare and endangered species. The salt water that rises to the surface provides habitat for species including the Nebraska endangered saltwort plant and the federally endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle.

Salt Creek Tiger Beetles
The LPSNRD with a number of partners are working to restore this endangered species that is only found in suitable saline wetland environments around Lincoln. The Salt Creek tiger beetle is one of the world’s rarest insects and each spring we work to release beetle larvae into these habitats.

Click here to learn more about all of the LPSNRD recreation opportunities. 

Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project
Work continues on the $25M flood reduction project. The 65% design plans have been completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the LPSNRD anticipates a 95% design plan by fall 2023. The project will remove approximately 500 homes and businesses from the 100-year floodplain, reducing the risk of flooding in an area, generally, between North 33rd and 48th Streets, just north of UNL’s East Campus.

Opportunities for public comment and an open house are anticipated in the coming months. Actual construction could begin in late 2024.

South Salt Creek Project #6
Located on Salt Creek in Wilderness Park, this project will stabilize the stream bed and will protect the old Rock Island railroad bridge that will serve as a crossing for a future trail to the west by the City of Lincoln.

The LPSNRD has all easements, permits, and plans for the construction and future maintenance of this project. It is anticipated that the project will be out to bid in late summer and construction to begin this fall. Construction is expected to be complete by summer 2024.

From LPSNRD General Manager, Paul Zillig:

I feel very lucky to have worked with so many great people over my career with the LPSNRD. So many interesting landowners, citizens, public and private sector professionals, directors, and co-workers has made my job enjoyable!

After 44 years I’m looking forward to retirement and moving onto the next chapter in my life the end of August. Spending more time with Janet, family and friends, the grandkids, travel, exercise, old & new hobbies, and less meetings all sounds great to me! We’ll look forward to seeing you around!

Logan Hutt is our new Maintenance Technician. Logan is responsible for inspections and maintenance on urban channels and assisting with maintenance projects on other LPSNRD properties.

Logan says the best part of his job is getting to participate in a wide variety of projects on LPSNRD properties and maintaining the urban channels.

Logan holds a bachelor’s degree from UNL in fisheries & wildlife. He is engaged and lives in Lincoln.

LPSNRD Chair David Landis

With a new G.M., the natural focus of our attention is the future. But I’d like to remind us of the trio of general managers LPSNRD has had across the 51 years of its existence. After retiring as a Lt. Colonel from the Army Corps of Engineers, Hal Schroeder
became the general manager of the Salt Valley Watershed District for 10 years, 1962-1972. Ten dams were constructed in that decade bringing a higher level of flood protection to the Salt Valley. Under the NRD, the flood protection agenda continued with the North Oak Watershed, the Oak Middle Watershed and the Steven’s Creek Watershed.

Hal was an engineer with a commanding presence who helmed us until 1982. Hal was lucky to have an able assistant manager in Glenn Johnson from 1974 to 1982 before Glenn became the General Manager.
Glenn was an engineer with a Masters in Public Administration. The MoPac East Trail was the first NRD owned and operated trail in the State. More trails followed and today our trail system is recognized nationally as a leader.

The crowning achievement of Glenn’s leadership was the planning and execution of the Antelope Valley Project. Glenn was also lucky to have a skilled assistant general manager in Paul Zillig.

Paul took the reins in 2016 after thirty-four years as assistant GM. He has worked diligently to build relationships with the private landowners of the 1,000,000 acres that make up the LPSNRD. He has also been instrumental in upgrading the Salt Creek levee system and bringing the Dead Man’s Run Project to fruition.

As we join in wishing Mike Sousek success, let us also remember the 51 years of leadership, innovation and integrity, embodied by Hal Schroeder, Glenn Johnson and Paul Zillig.

LPSNRD Treasurer Chelsea Johnson

The LPSNRD is currently working on the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, and we are seeking input from you!

The budget will direct our actions during the upcoming year for flood control, improving and protecting water quality, soil conservation, tree planting, recreation, stream stabilization, protecting our few remaining native prairies and wetlands, and operating and maintaining our projects and properties. The initial draft of the FY 2024 Budget is available at LPSNRD.org.

The Board will make a final decision on the budget at our August Board meeting. Each of our 21 Directors will weigh the proposed budget against fiscal responsibility and it is important we have your input as soon as possible.

Please provide your comments using the methods listed here and you are welcome to attend any of our upcoming board meetings or public hearings to share your comments. You can also reach out to me directly at cjohnson.nrd@outlook.com.

With your help, the LPSNRD can continue to maintain a sustainable environment through the conservation and proper management of our natural resources.

There are multiple methods for providing input for the LPSNRD Budget. Submit your comments to our online form, email nrd@lpsnrd.org, or attend an in-person meeting:

Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, June 21st, 6:00 PM
(start time is one hour earlier than normal)

Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, July 19th, 7:00 PM

Budget Public Hearing
Wednesday, August 9th, 5:30 PM

Board of Directors Meeting and final budget
consideration
Wednesday, August 16th, 7:00 PM

Special hearing to set final tax levy
Wednesday, September 13th, 5:30 PM

Board of Directors Meeting and consideration of
Long Range Implementation Plan and tax levy
rate resolution
Wednesday, September 20, 7:00 PM

Click here to see the draft budget and online form. 

The LPSNRD board of directors approved the hiring of Mike Sousek as the next general manager of the LPSNRD at a special board meeting Wednesday, April 7, 2023. Sousek joined the district in May as the general manager designate and will remove the designate tag upon current general manager Paul Zillig’s retirement at the end of August.

“I am excited for this opportunity to join the Lower Platte South NRD,” said Sousek, “I’m looking forward to working with the NRD board, NRD staff and the general public on continuing the important programs and projects that protect our natural resources and improve our quality of life.”

Sousek has been in the Nebraska NRD system for over 20 years. He began his career at Lower Platte North NRD in Wahoo as the Wellhead Protection Specialist, then becoming the Rural Water Manager for the district. For the last 8 years he served as the General Manager at the Lower Elkhorn NRD in Norfolk.

An alumnus of Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska Omaha, Sousek holds a B.S. in Biology-Life Sciences and a M.P.A. in Public Administration-Public Management. Sousek has 3 children and in his free time enjoys traveling with his family. He tells us what he likes most about the Nebraska’s NRDs is that it is an excellent example for the nation that showcases what local control can do in the management of natural resources.

Sousek will become the fourth general manager for the LPSNRD since the NRD system was established in 1972.

LPSNRD Public Survey Results
Thank you to the 2,604 individuals who participated in the LPSNRD survey! Respondents of the survey came from across the district, with all zip codes represented. Responses reflected an appreciation for protecting natural areas through conservation easements and an interest in local water issues.Visit LPSNRD.com/surveyresults to see the entire survey results. 

Opportunities to voice your opinion do not stop with the survey! We have a number of methods which members of the public can engage with us including board meetings, public hearings, input forms, and more. More details on this can be found on page 7.

Wildwood WMA Boat Launch Facility Renovation
In partnership with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the LPSNRD’s Wildwood Lake east parking area will be seeing improvements. The project which is anticipated to begin in late summer 2023 will include an improved boat ramp, a designated kayak loading area, and several other features that will benefit visitors’ experience. Learn more at LPSNRD.com/wildwoodproject.