Formed in 1972 by the Nebraska Legislature, the Upper Republican Natural Resources District is one of 23 local governing bodies helping to protect Nebraska’s natural resources.
NRDs have local leadership responsibility for protecting groundwater from overuse and
pollution; soil conservation; planting trees and wildlife habitat; flood control; improving urban conservation; and recreation. Often, the NRD builds partnerships with other agencies and organizations, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, universities, municipalities, counties, and private organizations, in an effort to provide local control and local solutions to natural resources challenges.
NRDs encourage stewardship by providing financial assistance to landowners for irrigation water management and best-management practices to protect water. NRDs are not just water protectors; in some cases they are providers. A number of NRDs operate water systems for rural customers.
With information, education and outreach efforts, NRDs also touch Nebraska's future generations, the young people who will watch over the state's resources in the 21st Century.
