KEARNEY, Neb. — Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts’ top priority is to continue to protect the quantity and quality of Nebraska’s water and soil and improve the natural resources base. Natural resources experts will be center stage at the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Annual Conference on Monday, September 24th and Tuesday, September 25th, 2018. They’re focusing on the latest trends, research, technology, programs and coalition building that help protect natural resources and the economy. A draft agenda is attached.
The Annual Conference is being held at the Younes Conference Center at 416 W. Talmadge Road in Kearney, NE. Several local, state and federal leaders are planning to speak at the conference on Monday, September 24th at 8:30 a.m. in Room: Diamond 3-4 about the current successful natural resources programs and new technologies and research for future programs.
The media is invited to attend the two-day event. Lt. Governor Mike Foley is expected at the Banquet on Monday evening at 6:30 pm, September 24th. There are several important topics that affect all Nebraskans. Four sessions are highlighted below.
Here are a few key topics:
- Water Scarcity? How much time do we really have? Here’s your chance to look at the big picture. How is the world going to sustain our water usage? Can we run out of water? Find out what the Natural Resources Districts are doing now that are key in sustaining the water we use today and in the future. (Monday, Sept. 24th. 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm)
- Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group puts shell back into Shell Creek- A determined group of landowners work to promote best management practices in order to clean up the Shell Creek Watershed near Schuyler, NE and help bring back aquatic life. This was extremely difficult to achieve and now they want other local landowners to start similar groups to better their own water sources. (Monday, Sept. 24th. 9:30 am – 10:30 am)
- Rebuilding Nebraska’s Dams & Flood Risk Projects – A series of recent dam success stories will be explored as well as the challenges that remain in rebuilding Nebraska’s aging dam infrastructure. The presentation will also include a quick overview of the recently completed, current, and proposed projects in Nebraska and of money saved. (Monday, Sept. 24th. 10:45 am – 11:45 am)
- The Evolution and Future of Nebraska’s Windbreaks – Nebraska Forest Service is evaluating the current status of windbreaks and shelterbelts in Nebraska. Results will help target areas of the state with a critical need for increased windbreak planting. (Monday, Sept. 24th 10:45 am – 11:45 am)
Conservation award winners – Several awards will be presented at the noon luncheon on Monday, September 24th. Award categories are Soil Stewardship Conservation award, Tree Planter of the Year, Grassland Conservation award, Community Conservation award, Director of the Year and Educator of the Year awards. This year’s conservation winners are from Morse Bluff, Burwell, Cody, Potter, Waco and Hartington. The luncheon will be held in Room Diamond 3.
NRD Hall of Fame and Omaha World-Herald Master Conservationist – Three NRD Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the Banquet at 6:30 pm on Monday. They are from Sidney, Imperial, and Lincoln. The Omaha World-Herald will also present the Master Conservation Awards at Monday’s banquet. Award presentations will be in the Diamond 3 room and winners will be available for interviews.
A live and silent auction will begin around 5:30 pm on Monday to help raise money for the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) Foundation. The NARD Foundation assists youth programs involved in natural resources and agriculture. The NARD Foundation provides funding for natural resources awareness, education and leadership opportunities for all Nebraskans. Once again, media is invited to attend.
For more information or to set up an interview, contact Erika Hill, Public Relations Director for NARD. Office #: 402-471-7672 Cell #: 402-570-2283 Email: ehill@nrdnet.org
Note: Room numbers may change. Head to Registration for room locations or call Erika Hill’s cell phone at 402-570-2283.
— Nebraska Association of Resources Districts
For more news from Nebraska, click here.