Nov. 20 Board Meeting Notes

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING NOTES        
2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025
Central Platte NRD office, 215 Kaufman Ave. Grand Island, NE

Static Groundwater Level Report Shows Overall Improvement in Central Platte NRD
Luke Zakrzewski, GIS Image Analyst, presented the fall groundwater level report at the Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) Board of Directors meeting on Thursday. Of the 414 wells measured between spring and fall 2025, 225 showed declines while 189 recorded increases. Zakrzewski noted that it is typical for groundwater levels to drop from spring to fall due to irrigation season drawdown. The wells showing increases are generally located in areas that recharge quickly, most commonly shallow wells found east of Grand Island along and north of Highway 30 to Silver Creek, as well as in western portions of the District between Gothenburg and Kearney where canal systems support groundwater replenishment. These results reflect improvement compared to two years ago, when only 55 wells recorded increases and 331 declined.

A year-to-year comparison also indicates positive trends. From fall 2024 to fall 2025, 93 wells showed declines while 314 demonstrated increases. Zakrzewski explained that fall-to-fall comparisons provide a clearer indication of long-term trends, and current data shows overall district-wide improvement. A few areas continue to recover more slowly, including GWMAs 9B and 12, along with adjacent GWMAs 10, 13, and 14.

As part of the CPNRD Groundwater Management Program, staff measures water levels in irrigation observation wells and dedicated monitoring wells bi-annually. On average, 405 wells have been assessed annually since 2000. Fall readings are not used in groundwater management decisions.

AGENDA/ACTION ITEMS

Auditor Report
The Board approved the 2024/2025 audit findings as presented by Jake Klabenes, CPA and Audit Director at Core CPAs.

Building and Executive Committee
The Committee reviewed options for the sale of a 157-acre dryland cropland tract known as the Schroeder Property, located six miles southeast of Cozad. At the Board’s direction, staff will contact auctioneers to obtain information on fees and processes required to list the property for sale.

In 2022, the Board reviewed management options to maximize hydrologic benefits, and the tenant was notified that the acres would be converted to dryland to retire irrigation and secure 107 acre-feet of credit back to the Platte River. In 2023, the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (now Department of Water, Energy and Environment) reimbursed CPNRD for 60% of the Platte River benefit, totaling $468,308. Vogt noted that the pivot bridges will be offered for sale separate from the land.

Weed Barrier Contractor Agreement
The Board approved an agreement with Ron Brockmann of Doniphan to complete weed barrier installation for landowners through CPNRD’s Weed Barrier Program. The fabric weed barrier allows water and nutrients to penetrate the soil effectively, while offering long-lasting protection against weeds. CPNRD has sold 633 miles of weed barrier since 1991.

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Request
The Board denied a request from Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to open the B-1 Reservoir in Dawson County for archery deer and spring turkey hunting. CPNRD policy does not allow hunting on flood reduction projects managed by the District.

New Office and Education Center
The Board approved the Building Committee’s recommendations on the following:

– McCullough Creative Contract: The Board approved a $750,000 contract with McCullough Creative of Dubuque, IA, to design an interactive plan, fabrication, and installation of design elements and interactive displays for the education space within the new building. Phases of the project include:

• Lead the interpretive planning and content development process
• Provide the conceptual renderings that visualize the full exhibit experience
• Finalize concepts and produce final elevations along with shop drawings
• Coordinate the graphic design, fabrication, and installation of the exhibit elements
• Work closely with the CPNRD throughout to ensure the plan aligns with its vision and goal partner with the JEO Consulting Group/ieDesign and CPNRD teams

– Appliance Contract: The Board approved an $8,605.86 quote from Ken’s Appliance of Grand Island to provide dishwashers, microwaves, an electric range, an icemaker, and refrigerators for the new office. Bid requests were also sent to Nebraska Furniture Mart and Schaefer’s in Lincoln; however, no quotes were received from either vendor.

Manager’s Report
Lyndon Vogt, General Manager, reported on the following:

– Spring Creek Watershed Public Meeting – CPNRD held a public meeting on November 13^th in Lexington to present the draft Watershed Plan-EA and allow for public comment for the Spring Creek Watershed under the Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Draft Watershed Plan-EA and a comment form can be downloaded at: www.cpnrd.org/comment-period-open-spring-creek-water-draft-plan. Comments will be accepted through December 5, 2025.

– NiRIA Deadline Extension – The deadline to sign up for Nebraska’s Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Act (NiRIA) program has been extended to December 15, 2025. NiRIA provides financial incentives to farmers who reduce nitrogen fertilizer use. The Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE) updated the NiRIA guidance for the 2026 cropping season. Farmers interested in applying should visit the DWEE’s website for details: https://dnr.nebraska.gov and search for Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program or contact Collin Quandt (308) 395-7072 or cquandt@cpnrd.org.

– Perkins County Canal – Vogt reported that the 60% design for the Perkins County Canal is nearing completion, and the state will begin applying for permits from the Corps of Engineers, which will likely take two years to complete. An Environmental Impact Study is expected. Once the permitting process is underway, construction plans for the canal will be made public.

Nebraska Association of Resources District (NARD)
Deb VanMatre, CPNRD Representative, reported the following actions from the NARD Board of Directors recent meeting:
– Funding Requests –  Funding was approved for Nebraska FFA, the Nebraska Ag Youth Institute, and Nebraska Women in Agriculture.

– Employee Benefits –  A new vision coverage plan with BlueVision was approved. NARD is also offering a 457 Roth Option to employees. The CPNRD Board approved the resolution to provide this option for its staff.

– Longitude 103 – The Board approved moving forward with Phase II of Longitude 103’s contract. The project aims to enhance ProducerConnect and HydroData software platforms.

– Executive Travel Partnership – The Board approved $50,000 in cost-share with Executive Travel of Lincoln for its ETGreen initiative, which aims to plant one million trees to reduce the travel industry’s environmental impact. Executive Travel pledges to plant one tree for every plane ticket sold and partners with Nebraska’s NRDs to source and plant the trees statewide. Over the past two years, the partnership has resulted in the planting of 111,232 trees.

Nebraska Natural Resources Commission (NRC)
Doug Reeves, Middle Platte Basin Representative, reported that Matt Matting, DWEE Civil Engineer, provided a presentation at the NRC’s recent meeting. Additional updates included progress on the Mead cleanup effort and land acquisition for the Perkins County Canal project.

Financial Report
The November financial report will be considered at the December Board meeting.

Cost-Share Programs
The Board approved well decommissioning applications for seven wells totaling $5,000.00 through the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program.

Upcoming Board Meetings 
December 18 (2:00 p.m.), January 22 (1:00 p.m.), February 26 (2:00 p.m.)