Living Soils, Clean Water, and Healthy Communities

I believe clean water is everyone's right, but currently we are not doing a good enough job at managing our most essential resource.  I will advocate for farmer led solutions to cut off contaminants from leaching into underground aquifers and running off into our rivers and streams.  I will support investment in clean water, emphasize long-time strategic planning that considers future generations, and advocate new ideas that will not tax constituents.

Nebraska agricultural lands lose almost 5 tons/acre/year from soil erosion.  If we stop erosion, we also stop many contaminants for running off into rivers and streams, and from blowing in the air. due to uncovered ground.  For starts, farmer practices including cover crops and buffer strips will tremendously.  Stopping erosion is in the interest of farmers, as well as for the public's health.  

Farmers are the solution to some of Nebraska's biggest issues.  By working with farmers to implement the 6 regenerative principles we can stop erosion head on, and also stop most nutrient leaching head on.  The 6 regenerative principles include: minimizing tillage, keeping permanant roots in the ground, armoring the soil, increasing biodiversity, livestock integration, and respecting the context of your respective ecosystem. 

During drought years I am hearing of more farmers with empty wells.  We can do better at managing our water resources to ensure security in the case of an extended drought.  Good farming practices can also help conserve water.  So can precision technology which help farmers be more efficient when irrigating.  I am looking foward to discussions around security and sustainability when I am elected to the LENRD Board of Directors.

During the dust bowl, farmers planted shelterbelts, border trees, and orchards to counter drought conditions and soil erosion.  Our farm has utilized the NRD Tree-Planting Program to plant 100's of trees including along the periphery of our aging shelterbelts.  Examples of trees we have planted with this program include Black Hills Spruce, Black Cherries, Pecans, Concolor Fir, Nanking Cherries, and Cedar trees.  This innovative cost-share program helps farmers, landowners, and other rural residents plant more trees.  I hope to see this program continue, and find ways to improve Nebraska's ecological landscape.

By focusing on increasing biodiversity across the district new opportunities for aquatic and wildlife species to thrive will again emerge.  This means not only will we have a healthier ecosystem, there will be more opportunities for hunting and fishing...just like when we were growing up.

Nebraska's weather can be volatile and our region's security depends on thoughtful flood and water management strategies.  I will work hard to ensure our investments are spent creating a more secure Elkhorn Valley region.

As owner of 3 businesses, I understand the importance of maintaining a sound budget.  I plan to bring my business management experience to the Lower Elklhorn NRD to ensure our dollars are being spent wisely.