SIDNEY -- The South Platte Natural Resources District Board met on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Following the monthly meeting, the SPNRD and the NRCS hosted the 2024 Conservation Awards Program at the Elks Lodge in Sidney.

SPNRD Assistant Manager Ryan Reisdorff summarized the Fall 2024 report on the Active Flowing Segments of the Lodgepole Creek in the SPNRD. The creek is measured yearly on approximately April 1st and October 1st.

“The average flow for the fall is approximately 85 miles,” Reisdorff said.

The table below provides information for Fall 2020 through 2024.

Lodgepole Valley Creek (LVC) Flowing in Nebraska

Kimball (56.34mi) – Cheyenne (82.14mi) – Deuel (34.36mi)

Year (Fall)

Approx. Length of Flowing Water (miles)

Number of Segments Flowing

Percentage of the 172.84-mile LVC Flowing

2020

97.18

7

56

2021

84.96

8

49

2022

65.69

7

38

2023

86.66

8

50

2024

92.3

7

53

The award program began in 1956 by the Soil and Water Conservation District.  At that time, a Conservation Farm Award was given in each of our three counties: Kimball, Cheyenne and Deuel. In 1995, the program was amended to one Farm Award and added Tree Planter/Caretaker, Grassland Manager, and Environmental Educator awards; and, in 2010, a Community Environmental Impact award. Nominations for these awards can come from: SPNRD, NRCS, Schools or Residents in our district. 

This year, three awards were presented. The Conservation Farm to Steve Palser, the Tree Planter/Caretaker to Matt Elston, and the Community Environmental Impact to Potter-Dix Public School.

Steve Palser, from Deuel County, was awarded the Conservation Farm Award. This award recognizes a producer’s total farm plan which incorporates conservation and best management practices that benefit not only their operation but helps preserve natural resources for future generations.

Palser participates in several conservation practices to help balance environmental and economic needs. He works closely with an Agronomist for water and nutrient management and utilizes strip-tilling and other practices to maintain crop residue.

He was instrumental in the effort to help recharge the aquifer by allowing four recharge pits on his property. Primarily an irrigated corn and wheat farm, they are also home to Nebraska’s largest lavender farm. Our Lavender Co., an online shop and small storefront, is owned and operated by the Palser family.

Matt Elston, from Cheyenne County, was awarded the Tree Planter/Caretaker Award. This award recognizes the commitment to tree planting and the care and maintenance that has been given after the initial planting.

The Elston family vision is “Ten thousand trees in ten years in Cheyenne County." Since 2019, 2,536 trees and shrubs have been planted on their farm/ranch near Gurley. Additionally, the Elston’s are commended for their ongoing care and appreciation of their trees.

Corporate IT by trade, Matt is a first-generation farmer and has collaborated with FSA, NRCS and SPNRD. Through these partnerships, shelterbelts and native grasses have been planted. Fencing and a water source for livestock have also been installed. Matt and Sarah are also owners of the Elston House located in downtown Sidney, a makerspace business that encourages creativity.

Potter-Dix Public School received the Community Environmental Impact Award. This award recognizes programs carried out by groups, individuals, agencies, or businesses which have a significant environmental benefit for the public.

This project was a joint effort started by Superintendent Kevin Thomas with the help of Joe Larson from NRCS. The project also received support from the Village of Potter and SPNRD. Designed specifically for wind protection, the plantings also serve as an outdoor classroom, a wildlife zone, as well as enhancing aesthetics. Yearly, teachers and students continue to plant trees around the school during Arbor Day at both the Potter and Dix sites. Students, the community, tourists, and travelers have benefited from the plantings for over twenty years and will continue to benefit for years to come.

The Board of Directors meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month, the Board Agenda and Minutes are available at the office or visit www.spnrd.org.