Area residents recognized at state conference

LINCOLN - Natural resources stakeholders and subject matter experts were in Kearney for the annual Nebraska Natural Resources Districts Conference at the Younes Conference Center Sept. 25-26.

The conference brings together NRD employees, directors and others integrally involved in conservation, technology and policymaking.

The event kicked off with the Ron Bishop Memorial Golf tournament Sept. 24, to raise money for the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Foundation.

Topics included an overview and discussion of successful natural resources programs, new technologies and research for future programs. Panelists at the forum will also provided insight on water quality, groundwater management, and natural resources projects.

Recognizing citizens for their conservation efforts, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts also presented awards during the luncheon Sept. 25.

Winners include:

• 2023 Community Conservation Award: Bob Hansen - Coleridge

• 2023 Water Conservation Award: Dave Condon - Creighton

• 2023 Director of the Year: Marcel Kramer, Lewis & Clark NRD - Crofton Monday evening included a silent auction for the NARD Foundation, which supports natural resources youth programs, followed by a dinner banquet. Nebraska Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelley gave the welcome during the banquet and three NRD Hall of Fame inductees were recognized.

The annual NRD Conference is presented by Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts with a range of local and national sponsors.

Approximately 400 natural resources stakeholders attended the conference.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, the trade association for Nebraska’s 23 Natural Resources Districts, works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at www.nrdnet.org. http://www.nrdnet.org