Lower Big Blue NRD

Priorities Addressed by NRCS

The NRCS provides the primary source of technical expertise and assistance to address the priorities identified by the NRD and local work group.  Reduced cropland erosion is obtained through the planning, layout, and design of terraces, waterways, tile outlets, diversions, sediment and erosion control structures, dams and conservation tillage systems.

Water Quality concerns are addressed through many of the erosion control practices, plus practices such as Nutrient and Pest Management, Irrigation Water Management, and Animal Waste Utilization.

The Central Blue Valley Hydrologic Unit Area was established in 1990, and later extended in 1995, addresses many of these water quality concerns.  The project encompasses many of these water quality concerns.  The project encompasses 92,160 acres in Gage, Saline, and Jefferson counties.  The HUA is a joint project with considerable cooperation between three different NRCS, FSA and Cooperative Extension offices and the Lower Big Blue NRD>

The primary purpose of the project is to reduce the input of nutrients and pesticides used within this area which supports a large percentage of irrigation.  The area also has a shallow water table accompanied by extremely high nitrate levels in some irrigation and domestic wells.

The aquifer in the area serves as the source of water for Beatrice, Filley, Dewitt, and Plymouth.

The primary practices are Nutrient and Pest Management, Irrigation Water Management, reuse pitts, buried underground lines, and installation of animal waste systems.

The NRD has designated part of this area as a Groundwater Management Area due to high nitrate levels.

Wildlife concerns are met by installation of wildlife plantings, tree and shrub establishment, and grass seeding.

Erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat continues to be addressed through the Conservation Reserve Program.

Due to extensive flooding in the NRD, flood control has been, and continues to be a high priority.

There are 11 completed PL-566 watershed projects in the district.  There have been 180 flood control dams and 73 grade control dams built.  Six of these structures are also utilized as multi-purpose structures, providing recreational facilities to the public.  Two of the watersheds have received additional funding for the installation of conservation practices to improve water quality and reduce erosion.

An NRD small dams program continues to provide funding to reduce flooding and erosion problems.  NRCS provides the technical expertise for these projects.

Many of the erosion and water quality problems are addressed through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).