Papio-Missouri River NRD

Primary programs and services

Funding opportunities for Resource Conservation

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
  
  Long-term contracts available to address local resource conservation concerns and priorities.
• Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
  
  10-15 year contracts, through the general and continuous signups, to protect environmentally sensitive lands. Includes grass seedings, buffer strips, tree planting, and other practices.
• Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
  
  Provides assistance for restoration plans or easements on cropland restored to wetland values.
• Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP-NRCS)
  
  Provides cost share for contracts to establish or improve wildlife habitats.
• Conservation Assistance Program (CAP)
  
  A cost share program through the Natural Resource District for soil and water conservation.
• Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP)
  
  This state cost share program supplements the district's CAP program.
• Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP-NE)
  
  A state and district program providing funds for the establishment and maintenance of wildlife habitat.
• Pheasants Forever
  
  This pogram offers incentives to create or enhance wildlife habitat through the local Pheasants Forever chapters.
• Papillion Creek PL-566 Small Watershed Program
  
  This program involves the construction of up to 52 small grade stabilization structures in the Papillion Creek Watershed in Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties. Sites are determined by the work plan developed in the 1960's.
• The Wehrspann Lake Watershed Water Quality Incentives Program (WQIP) and Special Project Area has been instrumental in improving the water quality in this Sarpy county recreation lake.
• The North Blackbird Creed Watershed in Thurston county has been an EQIP Geographic Priority Area Watershed to address the loss of riparian areas along streams.
• The Zorinsky Lake Watershed special project in Douglas county is being implemented to reverse the rate of sedimentation into this recreational lake and improve water quality.
• The Standing Bear Lake and Cunningham Lake watersheds in Douglas county have both been identified as future project areas related to sedimentation and water quality issues.
• The promotion of the Conservation Resource Program is a major emphasis in this district due to its benefits related to reduced soil erosion and wildlife habitat enhancements. Approximately 554 contracts on 35,200 acres are in effect, with applications for another 165 contracts on about 6800 acres being considered at this time.
• Nebraska Buffer Strip Program
  
  This program provides yearly incentive payments to establish grass buffer strips along streams, lakes, and drainageways.
• Other Programs
  
  The Natural Resource District has Resource Conservation programs for well abandonment, tree planting, and grass drill rental