Platte River at sunset in Phelps County, (Brian Neben, Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND — The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) invites producers and the public to attend the 2025 Annual Water Programs Update on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Bosselman Enterprises, 1607 South Locust Street, Grand Island.
This free, day-long event will highlight critical water resource issues and innovative irrigation management strategies.
The event features expert speakers who will address key topics including CPNRD’s new nitrogen management phase areas, new UNL nutrient recommendations, fall groundwater levels, fertigation trials, cost-share opportunities, health impacts of elevated nitrate levels, and the 2025 weather outlook.
Schedule Highlights
The day starts with a welcome from Lyndon Vogt, General Manager of CPNRD, followed by engaging presentations from water resource specialists, university researchers, a legal expert, and a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Topics include:
- 9:30 a.m.: New Nitrogen Management Phase Areas and Groundwater Level Comparisons –
Courtney Widup, Water Resources Technician & Luke Zakrzewski, GIS Image Analyst, CPNRD - 10:45 a.m.: Drainage Law & Landowner Responsibilities –
Don Blankenau, Attorney at Law – BWJ Law Group - 11:15 a.m.: UNL’s New Nutrient Management Recommendations –
Dr. Richard Ferguson, Professor of Soil Science, UNL - 12:30 p.m.: Health Concerns with Nitrates in Drinking Water –
Dr. Jesse Bell, Director of Water, Climate and Health Program, UNMC - 1:00 p.m.: Fertigation Trials & Cost-Share Opportunities –
Dean Krull, UNL/CPNRD; Carrie Putnam & Jerod Fling, Integrated Water Programs Specialists - 2:00 p.m.: 2025 Weather Outlook –
Mike Moritz, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service
The event will provide continuing education credits (CEUs) for professional water well contractor licenses, and attendance will fulfill the nitrogen management certification test requirement for CPNRD’s groundwater management program.
“Our Annual Water Programs Update is an excellent opportunity for the community and producers to engage with water professionals and gain insights into water resource management initiatives,” said Lyndon Vogt, General Manager of Central Platte NRD. “The information provided will help attendees make informed decisions for their operations while also supporting sustainable practices for the future.”
A catered lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees. RSVPs are required by February 4th for the lunch count. Call Central Platte NRD at 308-385-6282 or email Marcia Lee at lee@cpnrd.org
The Central Platte Natural Resources District is dedicated to managing and protecting Nebraska’s natural resources through innovative programs, partnerships and research. CPNRD’s mission is to wisely conserve, manage, and enhance the water, soil, range, wildlife and forest resources within the District. Learn more at www.cpnrd.org.
CPNRD, Courtesy
