Urban Conservation

Central Platte NRD has two cost-share programs to assist cities, villages, and counties with a wide range of conservation recreational opportunities.

Below is a brief description of each urban cost-share program and ranking priorities. Applications will be accepted year-round.

Recreation Area Development Program

This Program is designed to assist sponsors with the acquisition of land, or land rights, and to establish, develop and improve public recreational areas, including lake dredging. The cost-share rate is 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $40,000. Applications submitted under the Recreation Area Development Program.

Trails Assistance Program

This Program is designed to cost-share with sponsors on trails projects that have received approval for funding under the Transportation Enhancement Program administered by the Nebraska Department of Roads or the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The cost-share rate is 50% of the local share of the costs of the project with a program maximum of $40,000. Applications submitted under the Trails Assistance Program.

Recreation & Trails Application

Applications Approved

• 2022   $10,000 -  Cairo Community Foundation for restroom facilities at Cairo North Ball Field
• 2019   $10,000 -  City of Gothenburg for bank stabilization at Lake Helen.
• 2018   $37,965 - City of Kearney for Whitewater Park Recreation Plan
• 2018   $30,000 - City of Grand Island for picnic shelters at Sterling Park within the Sterling Estates located in northwestern Grand Island

Recreation Area Development Ranking Priorities        

$40,000  High Priorities
Develop/Preserve Greenspace
Tree Planting
Native Grass or Prairie Seedings
Rain Garden/Bioswale
Shoreline Stabilization
Lake Dredging (Not applicable if established with CPNRD funding)
Trails
Wildlife: Bird Housing, Fish Stocking, Pollinator Habitat
Lake/Pond Development
Pond Aerator System
Litter Receptacles

$20,000  Medium Priorities
Bathroom Facility
Benches-Seating/Picnic Shelter
Storm Shelter
Lighting
Drinking Water Fountain
WI-FI: communication/safety
Fishing Pier/Fish Cleaning Station
Natural Environment Signage
Natural Playground: tree logs/stumps, boulders, drainage paths, educational art/music/sound stations
Non-Native Grass Seeding

$10,000  Low Priorities
Bicycle Racks/Exercise-Sports Equipment
Playground Equipment
Splash Park
Dog Park/Fencing/Pet Waste Station                                                    *Not limited to above list.

Your CPNRD Contact: Jesse Mintken, Assistant Manager   mintken@cpnrd.org   (308) 385-6282