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Cost Share Program Makes Rural Intersections Safer

Late summer brings beautiful cornfields, but tall crops can create dangerous blind spots at rural intersections. 

To improve safety and enhance our environment, the Papio NRD, Pheasants Forever, The Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, offer a cost share program for landowners to plant native grasses and wildflowers to increase visibility.

Through our Pollinator Safety Corners Program, landowners can take one to three acres out of crop production at a four-way rural intersection and convert it into a mix of short, native grasses or pollinator habitat.

Landowners receive 75% cost share for seeds and an annual payment of $250 per acre for five years. Some participants even add bee boxes to their safety corners.

With your participation, we can make these intersections safer for our communities and beneficial for pollinators. 

If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact your Papio NRD field office representative.

Washington, Douglas, Sarpy Counties: John Zaugg (402) 670-4336 

Burt County: Jon Hansen (402) 253-9911

Thurston, Dakota Counties: Kaden Kneifl (402) 677-6988

Papio NRD River Access Parks to Open April 1 

The Papio NRD will open the Elkhorn and Platte River access parks for the season on April 1st.

The access parks include:

  • Elkhorn Crossing (intersection of 252nd & Bennington Road)
  • West Maple Road Site (West Maple Road northeast of Waterloo)
  • Graske Crossing (southeast corner of West Dodge Road & west of 204th St.)
  • Platte River Landing (southeast corner of Highway 64 Bridge)

High river flows occasionally force the Papio NRD to temporarily close the river access parks for safety purposes. Closures for Elkhorn River parks are called for when the Elkhorn River gauge at Waterloo reads a stage of four feet or greater. Platte River Landing will close when the gauge at Leshara reads seven feet or above.

River access ramps may need to be cleaned of silt, debris and safety inspected before reopening.

Access Parks – Open or Closed? 

You can find out whether the access parks are open or closed throughout the season here:

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

 

Papio NRD Names New Reservoirs & Recreation Areas

The Papio NRD Board of Directors has named four of its upcoming flood reduction reservoirs and recreation areas that will be located in the Omaha metro.

Mad Bear flood reduction reservoir under construction near 168th & Giles Road in Gretna.

The projects will feature no-wake lakes (reservoirs) and recreation amenities, including trails, kayak/canoe launches, fishing access, and picnic areas.

The names include:

  • Marlin Petermann Recreation Area – under construction near 180th and Fort Street in Omaha. Estimated to be complete spring of 2027.
  • Mad Bear Recreation Area – under construction near 168th and Giles Road in Gretna. Estimated to be complete fall of 2025.
  • Forest City Recreation Area – under construction near 204th and Schram Road in Gretna. Estimated to be complete late summer of 2025.
  • Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte Recreation Area – to be located near 192nd and Giles Road in Gretna. Construction estimated to begin in five years.

“As a veteran of the United States Army, I felt strongly that one of the new flood reduction reservoirs and recreation areas be named after the first Native American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor: Sergeant Mad Bear,” said Papio NRD Board vice chairman, Dr. Larry Bradley. “Sgt. Mad Bear performed some of his meritorious duties in Nebraska. As I was raised by Oglala Lakota and am part Native American myself, naming these sites to honor notable, local Indigenous peoples is an important and meaningful tribute. In addition, recognizing the late Marlin Petermann is richly deserved, as his work at the Papio NRD directly enabled the construction of these (and many other) reservoirs and the naming of them possible,” said Dr. Bradley.

“I am honored to participate in the naming of two flood mitigation reservoirs and recreation sites after historic Native Americans that made a significant difference in Nebraska,” said Papio NRD Board Director, Jim Thompson. “These truly deserving individuals will be recognized by current and future generations who utilize these sites. Naming another reservoir and recreation area after the late Marlin Petermann is a most appropriate recognition due to his lifelong dedication and service to Nebraska’s natural resources,” said Thompson.

In response to public input for name recommendations, the board named the fourth Papio NRD reservoir and recreation area Forest City Recreation Area due to its historical significance to the City of Gretna. The name recognizes the area’s history, as the town was originally known as Forest City before the railroad’s arrival shifted development to present-day Gretna.

 

 

MoPac Trail Near Springfield to Temporarily Close

MoPac Trail south of Springfield.

The MoPac Trail near Springfield, from Buffalo Road to Riha Road, will close on Monday, March 10th. The Papio NRD is working with OPPD to prepare for construction to upgrade a transmission line along the east edge of the MoPac Trail south of Springfield.

The first step will be clearing of brush and trees along the trail to prepare the site for construction. Tree crews will begin work in the middle of March and will be on site for a few weeks. Updates will be provided based on the status of work which will be determined by weather and site conditions.

If you have questions, please contact the Papio NRD at 402-444-6222 or OPPD at 402-881-8280.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Papio NRD Proposes Names for Dam Sites & Rec Areas

WP-2 flood reduction reservoir under construction near 168th & Giles Road in Gretna.

The Papio NRD Board of Directors is proposing names for its four new flood reduction reservoirs and recreation areas.

The projects will feature no-wake lakes and recreation amenities, including trails, kayak/canoe launches, fishing access, and picnic areas.

The proposed names include:

  • Marlin Petermann Recreation Area (currently referred to as WP-1) under construction near 180th and Fort Street in Omaha.
  • Mad Bear Recreation Area (currently referred to as WP-2) under construction near 168th and Giles Road in Gretna.
  • Pîtarîsâru’ Recreation Area (currently referred to as WP-4) under construction near 204th and Schram Road in Gretna.
  • Susan La Flesche Picotte Recreation Area (currently referred to as DS-19) to be located near 192nd and Giles Road in Gretna.

Officials from the City of Gretna, Sarpy County, City of Omaha, as well as the general public, are welcome to submit name recommendations prior to the board meeting on March 13th at 4:00 p.m.

Those wanting to submit a proposed name can do so by sending a letter to the Papio NRD at 8901 S. 154th Street, Omaha, NE 68138, or by emailing us at papadmin@papionrd.org.

 

 

 

 

Lori Laster – Employee Spotlight

Today we shine the spotlight on Lori Laster, our stormwater management engineer. She plays a crucial role in helping our communities, individuals, and businesses reduce the risk of flood damages.

Where did you grow up?

We moved a lot when I was a kid, but mostly a small town called Winnemucca, Nevada. It’s about two days’ drive on I-80 from here.

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

My job is to manage projects that reduce the risk of damages from flooding and rain and to help communities in the District review plans for new developments to make them as safe as possible. I also can help individuals and businesses with their floodplain management issues.

How long have you worked for the District?

15 years

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

This one is hard because I have accumulated a lot of weird little things. But my favorite is my flood plane.

 

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

I enjoy live music, historical dramas and documentaries, traveling, and taking pictures of stormwater/flood mitigation projects while travelling.

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

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering with a focus in hydrology. I am a registered Professional Engineer (Civil) and a Certified Floodplain Manager. I also spent the early part of my career doing stormwater management for large industrial facilities. I’ve done everything from a small detention basin design up to managing multimillion-dollar projects such as Flanagan Lake.

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

Flanagan Lake has been my biggest and most notable project. But my favorite project is our Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan identifies which natural hazards are a concern and how we might prevent damage from disasters. We regularly update the plan, and it gives me an opportunity to work with all of the communities in the District and many of our citizens.

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

Once while inspecting a flood-damaged home I walked in and out of the garage several times. After the last time walking out I turned around in time to see a snake drop off the overhead door I had just walked under. I’m not sure I would have survived the shock if the snake had fallen on me!

What is your favorite band(s)?

Foo Fighters is my #1 but I listen to a lot of different types of music depending on the day. If I have my ear buds in it could be Chopin or Mozart if I really need to concentrate or grunge/punk if I need an energy boost.

 

 

 

 

New Papio NRD Board Members Sworn In

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors welcomed three new members and three returning incumbents at last night’s board meeting.

Left to right: Rodney Storm, Brian Adams, Larry Bradley, Anne Hubbard, Phil Davidson, and Rich Tesar

New Directors include:

Subdistrict 1: Rodney Storm, former City Manager of Blair
Subdistrict 7: Brian Adams, senior leader at OPPD
Subdistrict 9: Anne Hubbard, Omaha physician

Re-elected Directors include:

Subdistrict 3: Larry Bradley, Vice-Chairperson
Subdistrict 5: Rich Tesar, Secretary & NARD Director
Subdistrict 11: Phil Davidson

Additional members of the Papio NRD Board of Directors include, Fred Conley (Subdistrict 2), Tim McCormick (Subdistrict 4), Jim Thompson (Subdistrict 6), Tim Fowler (Subdistrict 8), and Zachary Irvine (Subdistrict 10).

Board members are elected from a subdistrict to serve a four-year term. The 11-member board sets policy for Papio NRD programs and projects and oversees a $118 million annual operating budget.

 

 

70 Collective Years of Service to Our Constituents

THIS is 70 collective years of service to constituents of the Papio NRD – working together to protect natural resources across the District!

Five employees and three departing board members were recognized for their service at last night’s board meeting.

With years of employment ranging from 10 to 25 years at the Papio NRD, it’s clear our team members are committed to fulfilling our mission and bring a wealth of knowledge in doing so.  We thank and congratulate our employees and outgoing Directors for their dedication to the citizens we serve.

Papio NRD Employees 

  • Tom Pleiss, Assistant Park Superintendent (25 years) – Not pictured
  • Lori Laster, Stormwater Management Engineer (15 years)
  • Eric Williams, Natural Resources Planner (10 years)
  • Joe Riebe, GIS Specialist (10 years)
  • Mark Wille, Medium Equipment Operator (10 years) – Not pictured
Left to right: Tim McCormick, board chairperson; Lori Laster; Joe Riebe; Eric Williams; John Winkler, general manager.

 

Departing Board Directors

  • Ted Japp, Subdistrict #1
  • Patrick Bonnett, Subdistrict #9
  • Josh Henningsen, Subdistrict #7, Not pictured
Left to right: Tedd Japp, Director; John Winkler, general manager; Tim McCormick, board chairperson; Patrick Bonnett, Director.

Tree & Shrub Seedlings Available to Order

Great for Windbreaks, Wildlife Habit, and Living Snow Fences

The Papio NRD is accepting orders for tree and shrub seedlings.

Through the Conservation Tree Program, homeowners, acreage owners, producers, and operators can purchase bare-root seedlings for $30/bundle plus tax. There are 25 seedlings of the same species per bundle. Multiple species are available. There are also two “variety” bundles available to order which include five different species in a bundle of 20 seedlings for $30 plus tax.

Papio NRD crews planting tree seedlings.

The seedlings are ideal for windbreaks, wildlife habitat, and living snow fences designed to reduce blowing and drifting snow. Many tree/shrub projects are eligible for Papio NRD cost share which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Orders will be accepted through February 21st, 2025.

For more information, or to receive an order form with the species list, please contact one of our Field Office representatives in your county:

Washington, Douglas & Sarpy counties: Kalani Fortina at 402-426-4782 ext. 3
Burt County: Deb Ward at 402-374-1920 ext. 3
Thurston County: Tamara Tipton at 402-846-5655
Dakota County: Mahkenna Koinzan at 402-494-4949

 

Three New Members Elected to Papio NRD Board

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors will see three new faces following the 2024 General Election.

Rodney Storm, former City Manager of Blair, will represent Subdistrict 1, replacing Ted Japp, who chose not to run for reelection.

Omaha physician, Anne Hubbard, defeated incumbent Patrick Bonnet, securing the Subdistrict 9 seat. Brian Adams, a senior leader at OPPD, will represent Subdistrict 7, replacing Josh Henningsen, who chose not to seek another term.

Incumbent Larry Bradley retains his seat in Subdistrict 3 after defeating challenger Grant Melotz. Incumbents Phil Davidson (Subdistrict 11) and Rich Tesar (Subdistrict 5) ran unopposed.

Additional members of the Papio NRD Board of Directors include Fred Conley (Subdistrict 2), Tim McCormick (Subdistrict 4), Jim Thompson (Subdistrict 6), Tim Fowler (Subdistrict 8), and Zachary Irvine (Subdistrict 10).

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District Board of Directors is an 11-member board that sets policy for Papio NRD programs and projects and oversees a $118 million annual operating budget.