District Conservationist Biographical Sketch



Steve Grube
District Conservationist
Lewis & Clark NRD
 

-- 1978 - Graduate of Johnson-Brock High School, Johnson, NE
-- 1982 - Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
Began employment with USDA Soil Conservation Service in 1984 as a Soil Conservationist in the Hartington Field Office. From 1988 to 1991 served as District Conservationist in Neligh, NE. Returned to Hartington in 1991 as Liaison District Conservationist/District Conservationist. Have served in this capacity since that time.

Resource Needs and Concerns

The most serious resource concern throughout Dixon, Cedar, and Knox counties has been erosion of soil on the sloping uplands. Throughout the three-county area, there are 1,506,304 total acres. Approximately 657,310, or 43% of the total land area is currently in row crop production. Over 608,000 acres, or 92%, are determined to be Highly Erodible.

For this reason, the Lewis & Clark NRD Board of Directors have established "Soil Conservation" as the top priority. The following is a listing of all the priorities:

• Soil Conservation
• Water Quality and Pollution Control
• Water Supply
• Flood Prevention
• Forestry and Range Management
• Information and Education
• Wildlife Management
• Recreation Facilities

In addition to these priorities, the Local Work Group has also identified grassland resources as an area of concern.

Primary programs and services (Programs)

• Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)
  
  Through efforts of the local workgroup, a priority area was identified that encompasses 768,000 acres in the northern portions of Knox and Cedar counties. The priority area, entitled "Northeast Nebraska Grassland Improvement Project", is aimed at dealing with the management and improvement of grassland resources. This will include targeting CRP lands to remain in grass, assisting in the conversion of cropland to grassland, and the improvement of existing grasslands. The EQIP funds in the project area would be targeted towards conservation practices that will assist local producers in implementing a grazing management plan.
  
   
• PL-556
  
  The Aowa Creek Watershed, located in Dixon county, was approved for federal funding in 1969. This 55,350 acre watershed was identified with problem areas of grade stabilization, flooding, erosion damage, and a need for additional water based recreation. As of to date, there have been 45 structures constructed, one currently under construction, and two remaining to be built.
  
   
• Conservation Reserve Program
  
  Since its inception, this single program has addressed numerous resource concerns on well over 100,000 acres throughout Cedar, Dixon, and Knox county. Benefits have included soil erosion, wildlife habitat, and water quality.