Helping You Conserve Natural Resources For 35 Years...

Upper Republican Natural Resources District

Conservation

Soil Conservation

Soil erosion, caused by wind and water, constantly threatens to diminish the state's productivity. Natural resources districts try to offset these natural forces by promoting conservation through education programs and working with other agencies such as the USDA Natural resources Conservation Service and the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission to initiate conservation practices on the land.

The URNRD provides cost-share funds for erosion control, as available, through the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program to give landowners financial assistance. Erosion is controlled by terraces, grassed waterways, grade stabilization structures and dams, windbreaks, strip farming, and range management.

The responsibilities and authority of the URNRD in erosion control are specified in the Nebraska Erosion and Sediment Control Act, Section 2-4607 R.R.S., 1943, as amended.

Flood Control

As long as rain falls and snow melts, floods will occur. Natural resources districts work with landowners and other agencies to minimize the damages that floods cause.

Often, flood control projects provide an avenue for recreational opportunities. Trails can be found along waterways or atop levees. Flood control reservoirs offer great sites for land and water recreation.

The URNRD has aided communities in planning flood control and mitigation projects, bringing many interested agencies to work together toward a common goal.

Wildlife Habitat

The Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WILD NE) pays landowners to set aside land for wildlife. WILD NE is a cooperative effort between the NRDs and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to establish habitat for Nebraska's wildlife.

The URNRD participates in WILD NE and with Pheasants Forever and NRCS in establishing wildlife habitat. The URNRD provides cost-share Funds as available for planting trees, shrubs and grass.

See more wildlife photos from the URNRD...

Urban Conservation

Even though most of Nebraska's residents live in cities and towns, they are never far removed from the state's natural resources.

Conservation is just as important in cities as in rural areas; city activities have a major impact on water and soil; activities like construction, tending lawns and gardens, maintaining motor vehicles, and use of hazardous chemicals, as well as solid waste disposal.

NRDs respond to these needs by focusing resources and programs toward urban problems and issues. They include urban forestry, flood control, streambank erosion, well-head protection, recreation and education. Public information and education efforts take the conservation message to a broad audience, including urban and rural residents.

The URNRD works with cities and villages as well as with individuals in various urban conservation activities.

Recreation

No matter where you live in Nebraska, from the biggest city to the most remote Sandhills ranch, you are never far from a public outdoor recreation area.

Many of these recreational opportunities, trails, lakes, parks and wildlife areas were provided by NRDs.

Many NRD projects are developed for multiple purposes. Recreational trails are built atop of flood-control levees or along abandoned railroad lines. Dams that are built for flood-control often develop into recreational areas. Habitat areas may be available to hunters. Wetlands are often preserved for interpretive nature study.