Upper Republican NRD

Priorities Address by NRCS
 

• Groundwater Quality
  
  Stabilizing the decline in the level of the groundwater aquifer has long been the number one local priority. Local NRCS works closely with individual operators on improvement of irrigation efficiencies. This work addresses the management, utilization, and conservation of irrigation water. Previously funded Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) priority areas have targeted contracts which address irrigation water management. NRCS works with local irrigators to plan, design, and install center pivot conversion from high pressure systems to low pressure systems, and to schedule irrigation to utilize groundwater in the most efficient manner possible. Cost-share assistance is available for these conservation practices through EQIP and the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP). NRCS has an Irrigation Water Management Specialist located in the NRD to assist irrigators with this resource concern.
• Rangeland Health
  
  Decline in range condition and loss of plant diversity are the primary rangeland health concerns in the NRD. NRCS works closely with individuals to address range management concerns. Two range management specialists are located in the NRD to assist ranchers. At the request of the local landowners, these specialists will conduct a range inventory, assist with the development of a range management plan, provide design assistance for water systems, pipelines, brush management and cross fencing, and develop a monitoring program to assess the effectiveness of the Management plan. Cost-share funds are available through EQIP and NSWCP to apply conservation practices on rangeland.
• Riparian Area Improvement
  
  Few perennial streams occur in the Upper Republican NRD. NRCS is working close with the NRD, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and the Farm Service Agency to promote the use of the Conservation Reserve Program and the Nebraska Buffer Strip Program to encourage the establishment of riparian buffers and filter strips along perennial intermittent streams.
• Wetlands
  
  Over 10,000 acres of playa wetlands occur in the Upper Republican NRD. These wetlands are seasonally ponded and the majority occur in cropland fields. NRCS is working closely with the NRD, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and the Farm Service Agency to promote the use of the Conservation Reserve Program to restore wetlands through establishment of the natural plant community around wetlands to reduce sedimentation of the wetlands.
• Soil Erosion on Cropland
  
  NRCS works closely with individual farmers to install soil conservation measures throughout the NRD. On sandy soils, wind erosion is reduced through installation of field windbreaks, residue management systems, stripcropping, and other management options. On silty soils, ephemeral and classic gully erosion can be controlled through the installation of terraces, waterways, diversions, and underground outlets. NRCS is able to address conservation needs on cropland with the two Soil Conservationists, a Soil Conservation Technician, and a Civil Engineering Technician.
• Wildlife Habitat
  
  NRCS works closely with the NRD, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and Extension Foresters to assist landowners in development of wildlife habitat areas and to utilize the Conservation Reserve Program to seed center pivot corners to grassland, shrubs, and trees. In addition to CRP, State and Federal Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), WRP, and private wildlife organization programs are available to develop wildlife habitat.