1. The Niobrara River Tour – A Hands-On Approach to Outreach and Risk Identification Crystal K. Lesmeister, P.E., CFM Nebraska Department of Natural Resources May 24, 2012

2. About NDNR The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NDNR) is dedicated to the sustainable use and proper management of the State’s natural resources.

3. About NDNR Has responsibilities related to – Groundwater – Surface Water – Integrated Water Management – Floodplain Management – Dam Safety – Planning Assistance – Natural Resources Data Bank

4. Concept for Watershed Tour Gain a better understanding of how water management decisions are interconnected

5. Concept for Watershed Tour “In”reach – Team building among Divisions

6. Concept for Watershed Tour Outreach – Building better relationships with field offices, Natural Resource Districts (NRDs), water use decision makers, the public, etc.

7. Concept for Watershed Tour Tour one basin each year Share what we learned: – Brown bag presentations – Create a Basin Atlas

8. Why the Niobrara River? Variability – Size – Uses – Relationships Hot Topics – Appropriations – Flooding

9. Tour Overview Monday – Drive to Chadron Tuesday – Hat and Upper White Wednesday – Upper Niobrara Thursday – Lower Niobrara Friday – Return home NDNR Main Office Points of Interest State Park Lodging Motel Lodging

10. East Ash Creek

11. Toadstool Park

12. Stateline Gage

13. Box Butte Reservoir

14. Mirage Flats Irrigation District

15. Merritt Reservoir

16. Snake River Falls

17. Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge

18. National Scenic River Reach

19. Norden Chute

20. Ainsworth Irrigation District

21. Spencer Hydropower Facility

22. Confluence with Missouri River

23. 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!

24. 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

25. Floodplain Management Benefits Helped with floodplain project prioritization Illustrated how other water uses can indirectly impact floodplain management Built stronger relationships

26. Questions