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Middle Niobrara NRD

Image of Middle Niobrara NRD coverage area

Office Information
Name Address Phone Numbers
Kevin Hood
District Conservationist		 518 West Highway 20, Suite 1
Valentine, NE  69201-1820		 Phone: (402) 376-1712
Fax:  (402) 376-3515

 

District Conservationist Biographical Sketch

  • 1977 -- Graduated from Butte Public High School, Butte, Nebraska.
  • 1979 -- Graduated from University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture with Associate Degree in Ag Land and Water, Curtis, Nebraska.
     
  • Started with the Soil Conservation Service as a Soil Conservation Technician in the Area Office in Lincoln in December, 1980. Transferred to the Wilber Field Office in June of 1981. Worked as a Soil Conservation Technician in the field office until October, 1989. October, 1989, transferred to the Midwest National Technical Center as a Hydrologic Technician on the National Range Study Team. In November, 1994, changed series from Hydrologic Technician to Soil Conservationist and worked in the Midwest National Technical Center until January, 1996. In January, 1996, became District Conservationist of the Upper Loup.  In 2010 I was also assigned the District Conservationist for the Middle Niobrara NRD.

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    Resource Needs and Concerns

    • SOIL

    Rangeland and cropland conservation practices to reduce wind erosion.
    Technical service and education to improve soil health.

    • WATER

    Improve water quality issues as mentioned in the district's groundwater management plan.
    Address water quantity issues.
    Degradation of riparian areas and streambeds.

    • ANIMALS

    Endangered species
    Livestock protection from adverse weather
    Upland and wetland wildlife habitat

    • PLANTS

    Improve rangeland health
    Timber stand improvement on forestland
    Improved management on subirrigated meadows.

    • HUMAN

    Resource management systems that address production, maintain and enhance the resource base, increase profitability, and maintain a quality rural lifestyle and standard of living.

    Primary Programs and Services

    The Partnership utilizes the following programs on a routine basis to address the resource concerns and need identified by the district and the local work group:

    • CRP
    • WHIP
    • NSWCP
    • EQIP... and other conservation program sin partnership with Pheasants Forever, NNGPC and USFWS

    Information and outreach activities include conservations programs for rural and city schools, FFA, 4-H clubs, Rotary Club, CES meetings, County Fair, and Sandhills Cattle Association.