The Niobrara River Tour – A Hands-On Approach to Outreach and Risk Identification

Crystal K. Lesmeister, P.E., CFMNebraska Department of Natural ResourcesMay 24, 2012

About NDNR

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) is dedicated to the

sustainable use and proper management of the State’s natural resources.

About NDNR

• Has responsibilities related to– Groundwater – Surface Water– Integrated Water Management– Floodplain Management– Dam Safety– Planning Assistance– Natural Resources Data Bank

Concept for Watershed Tour

• Gain a better understanding of how water management decisions are interconnected

Concept for Watershed Tour

• “In”reach – Team building among Divisions

Concept for Watershed Tour

• Outreach – Building better relationships with field offices, Natural Resource Districts (NRDs), water use decision makers, the public, etc.

Concept for Watershed Tour

• Tour one basin each year• Share what we learned: – Brown bag presentations – Create a Basin Atlas

Why the Niobrara River?

• Variability– Size– Uses– Relationships

• Hot Topics– Appropriations– Flooding

Tour Overview

Monday – Drive to ChadronTuesday – Hat and Upper WhiteWednesday – Upper NiobraraThursday – Lower NiobraraFriday – Return home

NDNR Main Office

Points of InterestState Park LodgingMotel Lodging

East Ash Creek

Toadstool Park

Stateline Gage

Box Butte Reservoir

Mirage Flats Irrigation District

Merritt Reservoir

Snake River Falls

Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge

National Scenic River Reach

Norden Chute

Ainsworth Irrigation District

Spencer Hydropower Facility

Confluence with Missouri River

In Summary

• 5 Days• 20+ Staff Participants• 9 HUC-8 Watersheds• 16 Key Points of Interest• Over 1,000 Road Miles• 535 Niobrara River Miles• Outreach Opportunities – Countless!

NDNR Products/Benefits

• Increased coordination/involvement with field offices, NRDs, and other local water users

• Gained a better understanding the diverse water uses within a watershed

• Increased teamwork between Divisions

• Delivered brown bag presentations

• Created a Basin Atlas

Floodplain Management Benefits

• Helped with floodplain project prioritization• Illustrated how other water uses can indirectly

impact floodplain management• Built stronger

relationships

Questions