Watershed Projects
The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District works with communities, landowners, and partner agencies to reduce flood risks, improve water quality, stabilize streams, and restore habitat throughout the District.
A watershed is the land area that drains to a common stream, river, or lake. What happens upstream affects conditions downstream. Our watershed projects address these connections through conservation practices, infrastructure improvements, and long-term planning.
Current & Upcoming Projects
Deadmans Run Flood Reduction Project
Location: Northeast Lincoln
Status: Under construction
LPSNRD and the City of Lincoln are working together to reduce flood risks in the Deadmans Run watershed. Planned improvements include detention basins that temporarily hold stormwater and channel improvements that help manage flows during major rain events.
Construction of the first detention basin began in June 2026. The overall project is expected to reduce flood exposure for approximately 480 homes and businesses.
Little Salt Creek Watershed Project
Location: Little Salt Creek watershed near Lincoln
The Little Salt Creek Watershed Project supports the restoration and enhancement of Nebraska’s eastern saline wetlands. These rare habitats support species such as the Salt Creek tiger beetle and saltwort.
Working with conservation partners, LPSNRD is pursuing watershed improvements that help protect these wetlands and the natural conditions they depend on.
Water Quality Improvements
Twin Lakes Watershed
Location: East and West Twin Lakes near Pleasant Dale
Conservation work in the Twin Lakes watershed focuses on keeping soil and nutrients on the land and out of nearby streams and lakes.
LPSNRD has partnered with landowners, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and state environmental staff to support practices such as terraces, grassed waterways, cover crops, buffer strips, and stream stabilization. Water quality monitoring helps evaluate conditions within the watershed.
Stream Stabilization
Eroding streambanks can carry sediment downstream, damage habitat, and threaten roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
LPSNRD partners with the City of Lincoln and other communities on projects that stabilize stream channels and banks. Improvements may include reshaping eroding banks, installing structures that prevent the streambed from deepening, and establishing vegetation to hold soil in place.
Completed Projects
Piening Water Quality Basin
Location: Western Lancaster County
Completed: Fall 2025
The Piening Water Quality Basin was constructed to improve downstream water quality, benefiting Pawnee Lake and Middle Creek. The project includes an earthen dam and a basin that also provides floodwater storage.
The completed basin is part of LPSNRD’s ongoing work to protect water resources through watershed improvements and infrastructure maintenance.
Upper Salt 3-2 Spillway Replacement
Location: Upper Salt Creek watershed
Completed: May 2024
LPSNRD replaced a deteriorating outlet pipe at the Upper Salt 3-2 flood control structure to support its continued operation.
The improvement helps maintain the structure’s ability to manage runoff and provide flood protection within the Upper Salt Creek watershed.
Maintaining Flood Protection
Completed projects continue to serve communities for years to come. Regular inspections, maintenance, and rehabilitation help keep flood control structures functioning as intended.
LPSNRD’s work includes maintaining watershed dams, stream channels, and the Salt Creek Levee, along with making improvements as infrastructure ages and needs change.
Learn About the Salt Creek Levee
Watershed Planning
Watershed plans help identify concerns, evaluate potential improvements, and guide future investments. Projects move through planning, design, permitting, land rights, and construction as funding and other requirements are addressed.
Lincoln Comprehensive Watershed Master Plan
Developed in partnership with the City of Lincoln, this plan guides priorities for flood risk reduction, stream stability, and water quality improvements.
Explore the Plan and Project Map
Landowner Assistance
Landowners play an important role in protecting watersheds. LPSNRD offers cost-share programs that support conservation practices to reduce erosion and improve water quality.
Explore Landowner Cost-Share Programs
Questions?
Contact the Lower Platte South NRD at 402-476-2729 for information about watershed projects and conservation opportunities.