Upper Loup NRD's Efforts to Decrease Eastern Red Cedar Invasion

The Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a tree native to much of Nebraska and is one of the few conifer species that grows well in our sandy soils.  Historically, cedar windbreaks have been used in the Sandhills as protection around houses and as protection for livestock from storms.  However, it has been rapidly expanding into locations and habitats where it was formerly rare or unknow.  When this happens, it can threaten livestock production, grassland wildlife, water resources as well as public safety from wildfires.  Thus, becoming an increasing ecological and economic issue. 

Cattle production declines as much as 75 percent after grasslands are invaded by cedar. Cedars shade out grasses beneath their canopies, directly removing grass available to cattle, while also reducing grass health and species diversity.

Cedar invasion also affects the ability to reduce the risk of, and suppress, wildfires.

Cedar invasion reduces water availability because of its increased water use and interception compared to range grasses and forbs. Cedar may also change stream and river channels and alter flows.

There are several methods to control or kill cedars that the Upper Loup NRD provides cost share assistance for.  Eligible practices include: biological (grazing or insects), mechanical (use of hand methods and or larger equipment), chemical (only those approved by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture may be used, and in accordance with label directions), and prescribed burns (in accordance with NRCS burn policies and procedures).

Another option is not planting cedars.  At the December board meeting the Directors voted to discontinue cost-sharing on cedar trees, planting, mulching and providing drip line for cedar trees. The NRD understands that there are some producers that like the cedars and want to continue to plant them.  Therefore, the Upper Loup will continue to order, sell, plant and mulch cedars for those producers however, all costs associated with the cedars will be at the producer’s expense. 

NRD Director Filing Open for the 2018 Election

The 2018 election year is upon us!

NRDs are local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect our natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the NRD boundaries, enabling districts to respond best to local needs.

Under Nebraska state law, NRDs are charged with: erosion prevention and control, prevention of damages from flood water and sediment, flood prevention and control, soil conservation, water supply for any beneficial uses, development, management, utilization, and conservation of groundwater and surface water, pollution control, solid waste disposal and drainage, drainage improvement and channel rectification, development and management of fish and wildlife habitat, development and management of recreational and park facilities as well as forestry and range management.

Upper Loup NRD is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors.  The district is divided into 5 sub-districts; two board members are elected from each sub-district, and one at-large member is elected. Candidates for sub-district board positions must reside in the sub-district for which they are elected; the at-large board member must reside within the boundaries of the ULNRD.  Directors serve four-year terms, with half of the Board seats up for election every two years.

The ULNRD Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing operations, aiding in establishing District and conservation policies, voting on policies, and adopting the budget.  The Board holds regularly scheduled monthly meetings on the second Thursday of every month at the NRD office in Thedford. 

Citizens interested in serving on the Upper Loup Board of Directors must file with the Nebraska Secretary of State by the following dates: Incumbents February 15, 2018 and non-incumbents March 1, 2018.  

New Chemigation Training Dates Posted

The Chemigation training schedule is now available for 2018. Please pre-register for these trainings. 

2018 Chemigation Schedule

Local Student Wins Conservation Poster Contest with Creative Drawing

(Thedford, NE) The Upper Loup Resources District (NRD) is excited to announce the regional winners of the NACD Poster Contest. In the 7-9^th grade category, Sandhills Public School student Miriam Ganoung of Halsey is the winner!

This year, the poster contest theme is “Healthy Soils are Full of Life!”. Different grade levels are grouped together from Kindergarten through 12^th grade. One winner is selected in every division. Each division is K-1; 2-3;4-6; 7-9; 10-12. Those winners are sent to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts state competition. The state winners are then selected to compete at the national competition in Greenfield, Indiana.

Typically, teachers bring the poster contest to their classrooms and encourage their students to compete. But if individual students want to participate outside of the classroom, contact your local Natural Resources District for information. All students K – 12 are welcome to compete.

Upper Loup NRD Environmental Responsibility Report