The NRD has finished it's fall groundwater level measurements.  The results of the fall measurements are listed below.  Click the link below for a full summary of groundwater levels or visit the "GROUNDWATER" page.

The Lower Big Blue NRD is hiring an Administrative Assistant/I & E Specialist. This position provides general administrative support including essential accounting functions, informational/educational outreach, and auxiliary support for NRD staff and programs. Work involves assisting walk-in traffic, answering phones, daily essential clerical functions including distribution of legal notices, processing of payroll, and human resources needs in coordination with and in the absence of the Administrative Secretary. The position serves as the Information and Education Coordinator for the District.

The successful candidate should possess social, organizational, and teamwork skills; have general understanding of accounting principles and procedures, excellent writing and communication skills and ability to handle multiple tasks. This position comes with an excellent benefits package. Review of resumes will begin November 22, 2022. For a full job description and employment application, please see the documents below.

Willard L. Meyer, Big Indian, Swanton and Walnut Creek Recreation Areas Closed for Season

The Lower Big Blue NRD closed recreation areas to vehicle traffic for the season on October 25, 2022. Big Indian Recreation Area, located southwest of Wymore, Swanton Wildlife Management Area, located north of Swanton, Walnut Creek Recreation Area, located north of Crete and Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area located east of Tobias will be closed to vehicle access.  The north entrance at the Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area, east entrance at Swanton Wildlife Management Area, west archery range entrance and east entrance at Big Indian Recreation Area and the west entrance at Walnut Creek Recreation Area will remain open to provide access for fishing and hunting.  The recreation areas are open to hunting, fishing, trapping, and hiking by foot traffic only. Typically, recreation areas reopen for the season in late March or as conditions allow.  See the news release below for more information.

At the September 20th Board of Directors meeting, the directors approved the revisions to the groundwater quantity rules and regulations.  These regulations now supersede all previous groundwater rules and regulations.  Please visit the Groundwater and Well Permitting pages to view the rules and regulations.

The Lower Big Blue NRD, in partnership with NRCS, NDEE and Nebraska Extension are looking for involvement from produces with land in the Turkey Creek watershed. The Turkey Creek National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) project aims to address water quality concerns for nitrates, Atrazine, and E. Coli. The project encompasses more than 75,000 acres from Southwest of Crete to Southwest of DeWitt and includes the Wellhead protection areas for the city of Wilber and DeWitt. A map of the project area is attached.

Cost-share and incentives will be provided through this project to assist producers in adopting Best Management Practices (BMP’s) to reduce E. coli, Atrazine and nitrate contamination. Featured BMPs will include, but not be limited to: cover crops, crop rotation including: small grains, integrated pest management to reduce Atrazine use, nutrient and irrigation management to improve timing and reduce the quantity of nitrogen and water applications, manure composting and storage, improved grazing management and limited stream access, restoration of stream buffers and riparian zones, and upgrading residential septic systems.

If you are interested in learning more about the cost share opportunities, you are encouraged to contact Jerry Bucy, Special Projects Coordinator at 402-228-3402 or bucy@lbbnrd.net. 

1. Please click on the button to take the nitrogen certification test.