Urban Conservation

Central Platte NRD has two cost-share programs to assist cities, villages, and counties with a wide range of conservation recreational opportunities.

Below is a brief description of each urban cost-share program and ranking priorities. Applications will be accepted year-round.

Recreation Area Development Program

This Program is designed to assist sponsors with the acquisition of land, or land rights, and to establish, develop and improve public recreational areas, including lake dredging. The cost-share rate is 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $40,000. Applications submitted under the Recreation Area Development Program.

Trails Assistance Program

This Program is designed to cost-share with sponsors on trails projects that have received approval for funding under the Transportation Enhancement Program administered by the Nebraska Department of Roads or the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The cost-share rate is 50% of the local share of the costs of the project with a program maximum of $40,000. Applications submitted under the Trails Assistance Program.

Recreation & Trails Application

Applications Approved

• 2022   $10,000 -  Cairo Community Foundation for restroom facilities at Cairo North Ball Field
• 2019   $10,000 -  City of Gothenburg for bank stabilization at Lake Helen.
• 2018   $37,965 - City of Kearney for Whitewater Park Recreation Plan
• 2018   $30,000 - City of Grand Island for picnic shelters at Sterling Park within the Sterling Estates located in northwestern Grand Island

Recreation Area Development Ranking Priorities

$40,000 High Priorities

• Develop/Preserve Greenspace
• Tree Planting
• Native Grass or Prairie Seedings
• Rain Garden/Bioswale
• Shoreline Stabilization
• Lake Dredging (Not applicable if established with CPNRD funding)
• Trails
• Wildlife: Bird Housing, Fish Stocking, Pollinator Habitat
• Lake/Pond Development
• Pond Aerator System
• Litter Receptacles

$20,000 Medium Priorities

• Bathroom Facility
• Benches-Seating/Picnic Shelter
• Storm Shelter
• Lighting
• Drinking Water Fountain
• WI-FI: communication/safety
• Fishing Pier/Fish Cleaning Station
• Natural Environment Signage
• Natural Playground: tree logs/stumps, boulders, drainage paths, educational art/music/sound stations
• Non-Native Grass Seeding

$10,000 Low Priorities

• Bicycle Racks/Exercise-Sports Equipment
• Playground Equipment
• Splash Park
• Dog Park/Fencing/Pet Waste Station

Your CPNRD Contact
Jesse Mintken, Assistant Manager
mintken@cpnrd.org
(308) 385-6282