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110,191,? I ~ebraska esources WINTER 1997, No. 72 Published Quarterly by the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission Public Auction of WatE1~~!Jg,(tTr.a_cJs By Tom Po,/( Public auctions were held in Virginia and Tecumseh on January 8. 1997, to dispose of two tracts associated with P.L. 566 Watershed projects. A 122.84 acre tract in northwestern Pawnee County at Site 51 ollhe Wolf.Wildcat Watershed near Virginia garnered a high bid of $4501 acre from a neighboring fanner/cattleman. The tract is all grassland, except lor 8.7 acres of conservation pool area. This tract had been purchased by the Lower Big Blue NRD in 1993. A 113.2 acre tract 01 native grassland at Site 27 of the South Branch Little Nemaha Watershed nonh of Tecumseh in Johnson County commanded a high bid 01 $570/acrefrom a neighboring farmer/cattleman. The Nemaha NRD purchased this tract as a quarter section in 1994 but recently retained 46.8 acres 01 the tract for part of the Wirth Brothers Recreation Area. The NRD paid the Commission $20,400 for the 46.8 acres - its market value as determined by a licensed appraiser. The above tracts were acquired by the NRD's utilizing state financial assistance through the Small Watersheds Flood Control Fund. The Natural Resources Commission took action and approved the high bids received at the two auctions at its January 30, 1997, meeling. The tracts will go back on the tax rolls and the proceeds lrom the sales will be returned to the Small Watersheds Flood Control Fund to assist with land rights acquisition for future flood control projects. By Gay/' Starr A part of LB 1085, enacted by the 1996 Legislature, directed the Natural Resources Commission to conduct studies of Natural Resources Districts (NRD) and prepare two reports to the Legislature. The first report, due by September 1, 1997, is to look al NRD's revenue base, board of director size, boundary changes, and consolidation 01 districts. The second report, which is due by September 1, 1998, is to consider NRD's cost effectiveness, program effectiveness, duplication of responsibilities and authorities, and other services or areas that could facilitate property tax relief. On both reports the commission is to include at least "five possible changes which, in its besl judgement, represent the opportunities most likely to stabilize and enhance the natural resources districts system through restructuring and cost efficiencies.~ regardlessofwhetherthecommissionendorses the changes. I - I The idea for these studies came from a resolution that was adopted by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) at their 1996 Legislative Conference. The resolution established NARD's position on property tax and related issues. The commission initiated their effort on the first report at their December meeting by conducting a "brainstorming" session to explore possible changes in the areas 01 boundaries, distric1 consolidations, board sizes, and revenue base. That session resulted in a list of ideas that have been provided 10 NADs fortheircomments. NRDs have also been urged to submit additional ideas that might be recommended to the Legislature for consideration. At this point the commission has not endorsed any 01 the ideas presented. The commission took action to establish a seven member comminee to work on these studies that includes three commission members (Vince Kramper, Don Roberts, and Wayne Davis); the NRD representatives (Mike Mosel, Dick Beran, and John Turnbull); and one staff member (Gayle Starr). Vince Kramper will chair the committee. I -.- ! Fronk Bartok. Honored III The Nebraska Agribusiness Club . honored Commission member Frank Bartak by presenting him their Public Service to Agriculture Award at their 30th Annual Awards Banquet on November 7, 1996. The award recognizes individuals who have made signilicant contributions to Nebraska agriculture and Nebraska agribusiness. Frank was recognized lor his commitment and contribution to his community, his state and his country. His leadership as a resources conservationist, his successful family enterprise, and his life-long dedication to agriculture were highlighted in the presentation. An Equal C)pport........'y/AfflNno'.vw Act--. ErnpIo~