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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.

 

 

 

 

Papio NRD Announces Winners of “Dam Fun Contest”

Contest celebrated the grand opening of Flanagan Lake
with the Omaha community

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District today announced the winners of the city-wide “Dam Fun Contest” it launched in celebration of the grand opening of Flanagan Lake in June.

More than 200 Flanagan Lake-goers entered the photo contest for their chance to win recreation-themed prizes donated by sponsors. Members of the public determined the winners by voting for their favorite photo, casting more than 11,000 total votes. The top-voted photos in the following categories (kayak, Trek bike, fishing, gift card) are the contest grand prize winners:

 

“Dam Fun Contest” Winners

  • Perception Hook 105 Angler Kayak – Brian Harmon
  • 2018 Trek FX 2 Hybrid Bicycle – Rob Morrison
  • Two Scheels Outfitters Pfleuger President Tournament Combo, Scheels 50 Super Cooler, Fins & Fur Outdoor Adventure Guide gift certificate for ½ day guided fishing trip for two with guide Steve Satra – Nick Hummel
  • $100 SCHEELS gift certificates – Adriana Guzman, Kari Marcley, Heather Steffen, Beth Pietzmeier, and Adam Denney

Sponsors for the prizes included FYRA Engineering, HDR, Inc., Olsson Associates, McArdle Grading Company, and Cabelas.

“Most people don’t know that Flanagan Lake is a flood control reservoir designed to protect the lives and property of Omaha citizens from floods,” said John Winkler, general manager of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District. “To celebrate the public safety and recreational opportunities Flanagan Lake provides, we launched the “Dam Fun Contest” to engage with the community in a fun and educational way.” 

Rob Morrison, winner of the Trek bike, says he has big plans in store for his new wheels. “I can’t wait to repeat my ‘half-century’ ride – over 50 miles to Flanagan Lake and back,” says Morrison. “Thank you to the Papio NRD and sponsors involved in this contest, as well as all the people that voted for me. I would never have a bike like this without all of you!”

Flanagan Lake, near 168th and Fort Streets, is Omaha’s latest flood control reservoir in the Papillion Creek Watershed. It provides flood protection for Omaha citizens and 730 acres of recreational benefits, such as a 220-acre lake, five-mile hiking/biking trail, and park and green space.

Flanagan Lake Officially Opens to the Public

Flood control reservoir provides public safety and recreational opportunities for Omaha citizens

Omaha, NE, June, 27, 2018 – The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District and the City of Omaha today celebrated the grand opening of Flanagan Lake, Omaha’s latest flood control reservoir in the Papillion Creek Watershed, that provides flood protection for Omaha citizens and 730 acres of recreational benefits, such as a 220-acre lake, five-mile hiking/biking trail, and park and green space.

“Flanagan Lake is a reservoir designed to protect the lives and property of Omaha citizens from floods,” said John Winkler, general manager of the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District. “This is its primary purpose. The recreational amenities that accompany these types of public safety infrastructure projects are made possible through partnerships. So, it’s flood protection with some incredible cherries on top,” said Winkler.

The $47 million project, located near 168th and Fort Streets, is the largest single flood control structure undertaken by the Papio NRD. It will retain stormwater runoff from an upstream area of approximately 11 square miles. Once the Papio NRD completed construction of the reservoir in 2018, the City of Omaha took over management of the park.

“Just as Father Flanagan created Boys Town to provide a family-centered environment for children, Flanagan Lake is a beautiful public space that will provide family-oriented recreation and leisure,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “Our excellent parks system provides free entertainment in every part of Omaha. We look forward to opening a Boys Town playground next year, and offering year-round activities for everyone,” said Stothert.

“While the recreational benefits are much more apparent to citizens, providing public safety is Flanagan Lake’s number one job,” said Winkler. “Most people aren’t aware of this. So, as citizens run the trail or kayak the waters, they can do so knowing flood protection is in action while they play.”

 

To continue the grand opening celebration, Winker also announced the kick-off a city-wide “Dam Fun Contest,” where citizens can enter to win recreation-themed prizes donated by sponsors. For more contest information, visit www.flanaganlake.com.

Additional companies/organizations involved in the design and construction of Flanagan Lake who spoke at today’s grand opening ceremony included HDR, Inc. Vice President & Project Manager John Engel, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Chairman Dick Bell, Papio NRD Board of Directors Chairman David Klug, and City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Director Brook Bench.

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