Marlin Petermann Archives

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

Papio NRD Names New Assistant General Manager

The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District today announced the promotion of Amanda Grint to assistant general manager.

Grint, formerly water resources engineer, has worked for the Papio NRD for 15 years. She fills the position following the sudden passing of Marlin Petermann in December. Petermann worked for the Papio NRD for 47 years, the majority as assistant general manager.

“While the circumstances under which this position became available are extremely tragic and unfortunate, the District pulled together and immediately started the interview process,” said John Winkler, general manager of the Papio NRD. “The District was quite fortunate to have extremely qualified and capable professionals apply for the position and it was a very competitive pool of applicants. We are very excited to work with Amanda in her new role and look forward to moving the District to new heights with her knowledge, expertise and experience,” said Winkler.

“I am honored to have been selected as assistant general manager for the Papio NRD,” said Grint. “It’s certainly a heartbreaking turn of events with the passing of Marlin. I’m grateful for the many things I learned from him and throughout my time at the District. I’m anxious to work on District projects on a deeper level that improve our communities and quality of life, such as flood mitigation, trails, conservation efforts, enhancing our natural resources, and forming public/private partnerships,” said Grint.

Grint received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is a registered Professional Engineer, Certified Floodplain Manager, and member of the Association of State Floodplain Managers and Nebraska Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association.

The Passing of Marlin Petermann

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague, friend, and mentor Marlin Petermann. Marlin worked for the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District for 47 years, the majority as assistant general manager. To say Marlin was passionate about his job is a vast understatement. He loved his work and many times was the last one to leave the office. Time spent at one’s desk does not always equate dedication, but for Marlin that certainly was the case.

Marlin had an important job that directly impacted each of us and our communities on many levels, especially public safety. A most recent example is the flood of 2019. Marlin, his team, and our various emergency management partners made critical decisions before, during, and after the flood that not only helped minimized the immediate destruction, but quickly put in motion strategies that would further reduce damage to vital infrastructure and communities, such as Offutt Air Force Base and the City of Bellevue.

This time of year, Marlin would be gearing up to monitor the Platte and Elkhorn rivers for potential ice jams. It’s probably fair to say these rivers were probably his “second home” due to his time spent overhead via helicopter, as well as on the ground. Again, for the sake of public safety.

Marlin worked tirelessly with local, county, state, and federal governments and created countless public/private partnerships that not only made our communities safer and enhanced our quality of life through his work with many District programs, such as flood mitigation, trails, conservation efforts, etc., while enhancing our natural resources along the way.

Marlin was well known and highly respected by all he worked with…and with good reason (too many to count). He was a Papio NRD institution. He truly was.

Marlin had a beautiful family and we ask that you join us in keeping his wife Cynthia, children, and grandchildren in your thoughts.