Managing water resources through natural resources districts

Natural Resources Districts, as they have been created by legislative action in Nebraska, can be defined as a statutorily created, independent, local, multipurpose subdivision with resource management responsabilities. The concept of Natural Resources Districts evolved from long and serious explorations and deliberation by individuals and groups with impetus from the state water planning efforts going on at the time. The need for a multipurpose district was most evident when an analysis in the mid-1960's revealed that there were over 500 special purpose districts of 14 types having overlapping and duplicate responsibilities for resources development and management in Nebraska. The legislation creating the districts was enacted in 1969; but due to opposition, conflicts, and misunderstanding, the districts did not commence operation until July 1,1972. Getting off to a slow start, the districts have now become quite sophisticated. Master Plans along with One and Six Year Plans are required. Each district has a very adequate staff and operates with a tax levy. The 1980 budget of the 24 NRDs range from a low of 187,000 to a high of 3,900,000. Their programs involve many aspects of resource development and management mandated by state statutes