The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District (UNWNRD) is one of 23 NRDs in Nebraska which respond to local natural resource challenges. The UNWNRD encompasses all of Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and the northern 80% of Sioux county. As our name suggests, the watersheds included within our boundaries, are the Upper Niobrara and White-Hat basins in Nebraska.
As of April, 2008 sub-area II has exceeded a three foot decline in ground water levels and triggered Phase II of the Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District’s (UNWNRD) Ground Water Management Plan. This means irrigation flow meters are required to be installed on all high-capacity wells in northern Sheridan County (see map for exact sub-area locations) by March 1, 2009.
The Map below shows changes in static water levels in the District since 1990 (units are in feet)
The UNWNRD encompasses Box Butte, Dawes, Sheridan and the majority of Sioux Counties. This area is divided into six ground water management sub-areas based on the hydrogeologic and physical conditions of the District. The UNWNRD is responsible for measuring changes in the depth to ground water from the land surface, otherwise known as static water levels in each sub-area. If the average static water level measurements in a sub-area meet or exceed specific declines below the 1990 base year it will trigger one of three Phases in UNWNRD’s Ground Water Management Plan.
The static water level declines have shown a downward trend in sub-area II since 2001. This spring the decline was 3.79 feet below the 1990 level, and .84 feet below the 2007 level. In order to manage existing water supplies, producers in sub-area II are required to have irrigation flow meters installed on a well or any combination of wells that pumps over 50 gallons per minute. Ideally, as producers use this water management tool, water levels in sub-area II will increase in the future.
Cost-share for irrigation flow meters is still available through the UNWNRD for a very limited time. The entire District is required to have meters installed (if they don’t have already) at the latest by 2011, so this cost-share could assist with an inevitable expenditure. Since this money is from an outside source, it may be the last chance for cost-share before 2011 and unquestionably before March 1, 2009.
The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District's mission is to:
Prevent and control erosion, flood water, pollution and sediment damage; Promote soil, water, fish and wildlife conservation; Develop, manage and preserve for beneficial use, our surface and ground water supply, our fish and wildlife habitat, our forest and range resources, and our recreational and park facilities for present and future generations. To accomplish this mission and maximize our effectiveness the District works with a network of partners and cooperators which includes State, Federal and local agencies, other interested groups and individuals in order to provide technical and financial assistance to the people of northwest Nebraska.
For employment opportunities with NRDs across the State, please visit:
The Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources District is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
