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| Nemaha NRD May
2006 Board Meeting Report Nemaha NRD board members enjoyed a short meeting Thursday, May 11, convening for less than 1½ hours. The board’s Programs and Projects Committee tackled the most agenda items, including a request from Keith Joekel to irrigate from Upper Big Nemaha Watershed structure J-34 northwest of Crab Orchard. Concerns from downstream landowners about the availability of flows to maintain their water levels were a consideration that the committee discussed. Though no action was taken by the board, they directed the staff to draft an irrigation agreement with Mr. Joekel that would also attempt to address those concerns. If an agreement can be reached, final approval from the board would then be required. The NRD would also need to secure a storage and an appropriation permit from the State. Board approval was also granted to a request from Broening Construction for five extra working days to complete a dam northwest of Syracuse in Otoe County. The cost-share structure is located on the Dennis Thomas property, and work is about 50% complete. The committee recommended no action on a possible partnership with the City of Auburn for some groundwater modeling east of town where they are contemplating potential well fields. More details were needed about the NRD’s role in the partnership before any action could be considered. Only one final application was received for the District’s Urban Special Project program for FY 2007. The board approved the request from the Palmyra Action Committee for $1000 of matching cost-share funds to install plant identification signs and benches in a city park. Palmyra Action Committee will be required to provide at least $500 of cash matching funds and up to $500 of in-kind match. No action was suggested by the board’s Executive Committee on any of its agenda items. However, they directed the Manager to prepare an easement with USDA for access to a wetland reserve tract owned by Kenneth Bridgewater. The easement would provide a means of getting equipment to the site and for follow-up inspections and maintenance. The property is located along the Steamboat Trace trail near Brownville. Restrictions will be included in the easement detailing exactly how the trail can be used for this access. The next regular meeting of the Nemaha Natural Resources District board of directors will be on Thursday, June 8, 2006, beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the NRD headquarters, 62161 Highway 136, Tecumseh. |