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Elkhorn Crossing Campsites to Open Saturday – RV Site Upgrades Complete

Campers rejoice!

All RV and camping sites at Elkhorn Crossing Recreation Area will open at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31st, following the installation of water and electric for RV site hook-ups. These are significant upgrades to the park we are excited to offer to make your camping experience even better.

The ten RV sites offer 50-amp electrical service. The campsite does not contain a dump station.

Campsite Registration Fees

All RV and camping sites can only be reserved for seven consecutive days. Campers register at the campground registration kiosk upon entering the facility.

  • RV sites – $30 per night (non-refundable)
  • Tent sites – $15 per night
  • Group camping – $10 per night/per tent

After Saturday’s opening at 8:00 a.m., Elkhorn Crossing (located at the intersection of 252nd & Bennington Road) will open daily at 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A reminder to campers the boat ramp is closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. with no boat launching or arrivals allowed during those hours.

The public access site will close for the season on November 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making Rural Intersections Safer Through Conservation Efforts

While driving around Washington county recently, you may have noticed how dangerous some of our four-way rural intersections have become due to the height of corn. Tall crops often obstruct the line-of-sight needed at rural intersections. The Papio NRD, along with Pheasants Forever, The Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Nebraska Game & Parks offer a cost-share program to improve safety while also providing a benefit to pollinators.

The Pollinator Safety Corners Program allows landowners to take one to three acres at a four-way rural intersection out of crop production and seeded into a mix of short, native grasses or pollinator habitat. Landowners receive 75% cost-share on seed mix. In addition, the program provides an annual payment of $250/acre for 5 years. Some participants even choose to install bee boxes on their safety corners.

“The Pollinator Safety Corners Program helps save the lives of both people and pollinators,” said Papio NRD Land & Water Programs Coordinator Terry Schumacher. “It’s a great way to increase the overall safety in our communities while also benefitting our ecosystem.”

For more information, contact the Papio NRD Blair field office at (402) 426-4782 ext. 3.

 

 

Terry Schumacher – Employee Spotlight

Today we shine the spotlight on long-time Papio NRD-er Terry Schumacher.

Where did you grow up?

On a farm, south of Kennard, NE

What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)?

As the Land and Water Programs Coordinator, I manage a staff of eight Field Office employees and the rural cost share programs.  This means working with landowners daily.  The Field Offices are the tip of the spear for the Papio NRD in the northern four counties of the District.

How long have you worked for the District?

Almost 32 years

What’s the most unique thing in your office or on your desk right now?

A tarantula

What do you enjoy doing outside of work (hobbies, volunteering, etc.)?

I enjoy the outdoors, Husker football and my cows.  I have been involved with the Washington County Pheasants Forever Chapter for over 20 years and am the President of the Kennard Rural Fire Board.

What educational background or experience do you bring to your role (degree(s), coursework, skills learned, etc.)?

Bachelor’s degree in biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Is there family, significant other, or furry friend information you’d like to share?

Chocolate Lab named Maverick, about 21 months old.  My wife Kate and him both get a kiss before I head to pound on the rock.

What project(s) are you most proud of and why?

The Danish Alps Recreation Area, a very challenging project.  I have built some great relationships with partner agencies and local landowners.  The project will be there long after I am gone!

What is the funniest/craziest thing that’s happened to you at work (that you can share, of course)?

While working at Chalco Hills Rec Area years ago we found a coffin floating in the lake! A little creepy!!!!!!

What is your favorite band(s)?

Garth Brooks

Anything else you’d like to share?

I started with the District as a Groundskeeper in 1992 and have had the good fortune to move into a management role, so for all the younger employees I say keep pounding on the ROCK!

Papio NRD Board of Directors Vacancy

BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBER SOUGHT FOR PAPIO-MISSOURI RIVER NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT SUBDISTRICT #10

Notice is hereby given by the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District that a vacancy exists on the Board of Directors for the Director elected from Subdistrict #10.  The vacancy will be filled by the Board of Directors.  The person appointed must be a registered elector and reside in Subdistrict #10.  A map of Subdistrict #10 can be found at https://bit.ly/3SDJqad.

The term of the office to be filled will expire in 2026.

Persons interested in being considered for appointment to this position should submit a letter of application to the District.  The letter must be submitted to the Board of Directors at the District’s principal office, 8901 S. 154th Street, Omaha, NE 68138, postmarked no later than August 29, 2024, or delivered to the District office by 4:00 p.m. on August 29, 2024.  Any questions regarding this matter, call John Winkler at 402-444-6222.

Platte River Bridge Trail Grand Opening

Today was a big day for trail users!

The Papio NRD, local government agencies, and recreation enthusiasts celebrated the grand opening of the Platte River Bridge Trail, a project two decades in the making.

The Platte River Bridge Trail provides greater safety for those who use the bridge and increased recreational opportunities for trail users. The trail connects Sarpy County to Cass County along the Highway 34 / Highway 75 bridge.

“Trails are designed to provide recreation, active transportation, and access to natural resources,” said Papio NRD Natural Resources Planner Eric Williams. “The Platte River Bridge Trail excels at all three of those objectives and represents a boundary-breaking accomplishment for regional connectivity,” said Williams.

Williams says additional projects are in progress to connect with the Platte River bridge and continue the expansion of trail benefits throughout the community.

“The Platte River Bridge Trail is a project that has been years in the making,” said Nebraska State Senator Rita Sanders. “This project has required true community building, leaning on a partnership between the city, county, and community leaders to benefit the people. It is truly wonderful that we can come together and enjoy this beautiful bike path that not only promotes community health, but also has a great view,” said Sanders.

Federal aid for the project consisted of 80% of funding from transportation programs managed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) and administered by the Papio NRD. Additional local agency partners included Sarpy County, Cass County, City of Bellevue, City of Plattsmouth, and Lower Platte South Natural Resources District.

“It’s great to see this project get across the finish line,” said Bike Walk Nebraska Executive Director Julie Harris. “We are grateful to everyone who answered the call to talk to their local officials about the need for safety for everyone who uses the bridge. This was a once in a generation opportunity to get it right and we’re so fortunate that our leaders had the vision and understood the need to think long term,” said Harris.

“The completion of the Platte River Bridge Trail will be a catalyst to further connect trails in the metro area,” said Bellevue Bicycle Club President Michael McGee. “The expansions of the trails are great for business along the route and all trail users.”

 

Water Level Decreases for Closure of Elkhorn River Access Sites

The Papio NRD Board of Directors voted to decrease the water level that determines the temporary closure of the Elkhorn River Access Sites for safety purposes at its meeting on Thursday, July 11.

Until the vote, the Papio NRD would close the access sites when the water gage at Waterloo read a stage height of five feet or greater. The access sites will now close when the water gage reads a stage height of four feet or greater.

“The Elkhorn River has degraded at least two feet over the past five years, likely due to the large flood events that have occurred,” said Papio NRD General Manager John Winkler. “This has resulted in higher water levels, increased water flows, and no visible sandbars. This makes recreation more dangerous,” said Winkler.

Winkler says recreation is more conducive at the new stage height as sandbars are either visible or just below the surface. As is always the case, Winkler says before sites can reopen, river access ramps may need to be cleaned of silt, debris and safety inspected.

The Elkhorn River Access Sites include:

  • Elkhorn Crossing (intersection of 252nd & Bennington Road)
  • West Maple Road (West Maple Road northeast of Waterloo)
  • Graske Crossing (southeast corner of West Dodge Road & west of 204th St.)

 River-goers can find out whether the access sites are open or closed here:

The access sites are open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. through November 1.

 

 

 

Papio NRD Board Elects Officers

At its July 11, 2024, meeting, the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors elected officers to serve the District for the coming year (July 2024 – July 2025).

Tim McCormick in Subdistrict 4 was elected Papio NRD Board Chairperson. Larry Bradley in Subdistrict 3 will serve as Vice Chairperson.

Richard Tesar in Subdistrict 5 was re-elected as both Papio NRD Board Secretary and Nebraska Association of Resources District (NARD) Director. Tim Fowler in Subdistrict 8 was re-elected to serve as Papio NRD Board Treasurer and NARD Alternate Director. Patrick Bonnett in Subdistrict 9 was re-elected Assistant Treasurer.

The Papio NRD Board of Directors is an 11-member board that sets policy for Papio NRD programs and projects and oversees the District’s annual budget.

Tami Tipton – Employee Spotlight

Today we shine the spotlight on Tami Tipton – a really cool “chick.”

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Omaha, District 66-Rockbrook area.

What does your job entail (job duties and how does your work impact the public)?

My job entails promoting programs that are offered by the Papio NRD. I also support the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency staff with maintaining tract files associated with farms in the county as well as doing associated administrative work.  My work impacts the public through education and outreach about programs offered by the Papio NRD. Specifically promoting the tree program and E-WASTE event.

What’s the most unique thing in your office or on your desk right now?

The most unique thing on my desk is a sign I have displayed; “MY BIRTHSTONE IS A COFFEE BEAN”.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work (hobbies, volunteering, etc.)?

Outside of work I try to maintain my kids’ schedule with sports/dance/gymnastics and recently, musical practice. I also love to read, cook, bake and in the summer, we spend most weekends at our cabin on the Missouri River.

I am learning about raising backyard chickens. We recently added 6 chicks to our household. We also have a 12-year-old goldendoodle named Remy. I recently volunteered at a community fundraiser for the Walthill Senior center. In the fall right after I started working with the Papio NRD I volunteered with other NRDs, UNL Extension, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service at the 6th Grade Conservation Day event at Summit Lake in Tekamah.

What educational background or experience do you bring to your role (degree(s), coursework, skills learned, etc.)?

I was a certified Medical Assistant (Methodist College graduate) in Omaha for 19 years prior to moving to Pender, NE. During that time, I finished my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Grace University in 2011.

Is there family, significant other, or furry friend information you’d like to share?

Husband-Gabe, son-Hunter (11), daughter-Isabel (8)

My hubby grew up in Walthill. I met Gabe in Omaha in 2008, we were married in 2010. We moved to Pender in 2019, wanting our children to grow up in a more rural setting.

What is your favorite band(s)?

Right now, I’m listening to Zack Bryan AND the new Taylor Swift album on REPEAT.

 

 

Nebraska State Park Replaces Trees through Papio NRD Grant Program

Several crabapple trees recently found a new home and the crew that planted them in the heat and among blood-thirsty mosquitoes was anything but crabby.

Michael Westover, Superintendent I of Fort Atkinson State Historical Park in Fort Calhoun, says the trees were “heaven-sent.”

“We’ve been taking out more trees than we’ve been able to replace and when we saw that we were able to get some, we tried to get in with the grant program,” said Westover.

Fort Atkinson State Historical Park applied for trees through Papio NRD’s Celebrate Trees Grant Program. The grant was approved, and the park received 21 trees, enabling it to replant native trees, complete a fruit orchard, and provide shade for park visitors.

The Celebrate Trees Grant Program provides funding for tree planting on public land for community benefit, such as parks, cemeteries, tribal lands, libraries, and villages within the six counties of the Papio NRD (Sarpy, Douglas, Washington, Burt, Thurston, and Dakota).

“It’s a great program to take advantage of due to the value trees bring to a community and to help offset the increasing cost of trees,” said Terry Schumacher, land and water programs coordinator for the Papio NRD.

“Grants are awarded a maximum of $2,500 or $250 per tree and matching funds are not required,” said Schumacher. “The applications are funded using a ranking system that places higher emphasis on public parks and the replacement of diseased or storm-damaged trees.”

Schumacher says those who apply should plan to do mulching, staking, watering, and other care to ensure a successful planting.

Westover says the park will definitely apply for future grants and encourages others who are eligible to do the same.

“We just want to say thank you,” said Westover. “This was an amazing thing we could do. Every time we have to cut down more trees, it just kind of hurts, so that fact that we were able to bring in more trees and give this kind of beautification to our park, it’s just great.”

Applications can be submitted for the Celebrate Trees Grant Program November through February. If you’d like more information, please contact Kalani Fortina (402) 426-4782 ext. 3 or Kalani.Fortina@usda.gov.

Water Safe to Drink: Washington County Rural Water Systems

The Papio NRD received water quality lab test results today that indicate no E. coli in Washington County Rural Water Systems #1 and #2  (WCRW), so the water is safe to consume. This is also the case for our wholesale customers of Ft. Calhoun and Lakeland Estates Water Company.

Due to an E. coli-positive result from the City of Blair water system, the Papio NRD isolated all WCRW customers from the Blair water supply Wednesday night and started providing water from Metropolitan Utilities District.

WCRW will continue testing and monitoring the situation to continue providing safe water to all of our customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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