Lincoln- The year 2012 marks 40 years of protecting lives, property and the future of natural resources for Nebraska's 23 natural resources districts (NRDs).
The NRDs celebrate these 40 years with a new location - stop by the new natural resources building on southeast side of the show grounds, lot 1106, at Husker Harvest Days to learn about the NRDs history, projects and programs that help protect Nebraska's natural resources.
The NRDs are inviting everyone to stop by and check out the new location, pick up a free Colorado blue spruce seedling, and join in the celebration.
"This is a way for anyone interested to learn more about Nebraska's natural resources and conservation programs. The resources building will be loaded with opportunities for farmers and ranchers to learn more about water and soil conservation programs, which can improve their operations financially while protecting our natural resources for future generations," said Joe Anderjaska, the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) board president.
"Show attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about the NRDs' new conjunctive water management projects," he said.
During the show attendees can stop by the Natural Resources Building and learn about current and proposed NRD projects like the Central Platte and Twin Platte Natural Resources District proposal to convert the Central Public Power and Irrigation Canal into a groundwater recharge project.
The proposal calls for converting the service area to groundwater irrigation and using the surface water for groundwater recharge.
The proposal would allow all existing irrigated acres to maintain irrigated status, provide beneficial flows for the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP), increase hydro-electric power generation and provide recreational benefits for Lake McConaughy and other lakes in the irrigation system.
"This is a great opportunity for folks to stop by and check out the new building, pick-up a tree seedling, and learn about what's new in water and natural resources management," said Anderjaska.
"Our natural resources – water and soil – are the building blocks of agriculture, so it makes sense that the organizations that protect those resources have a prominent location at the state's largest agriculture-oriented event," he said.
