Central Platte Natural Resources District

What Central Platte Natural Resources District does

Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) is a political subdivision of the State of Nebraska, established by the Nebraska Legislature in 1972 as one of 23 Natural Resources Districts with exclusive statutory authority over groundwater quality and quantity within its boundaries. The district covers approximately 2,136,304 acres across 11 counties (Dawson, Custer, Buffalo, Hall, Howard, Nance, Merrick, Hamilton, Platte, Polk, and Frontier), with 1,018,829 certified irrigated acres, 427.9 miles of river system including 205 miles of the Platte River, and a municipal population of 144,855 per the 2020 Census. CPNRD is governed by a 21-member Board of Directors representing 10 sub-districts plus one at-large seat, and operates with 27 staff across a Grand Island headquarters, a Cozad field office, Dawson County irrigation canal offices, and five NRCS field offices.

CPNRD's core technology is a GIS-based Static Water Level Monitoring Network comprising 451 wells (386 irrigation wells plus 65 dedicated monitoring wells) measured each spring and fall against a 1982 baseline, with a real-time groundwater monitoring well at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds Outdoor Learning Area. The district's program portfolio spans four pillars: (1) Groundwater Quality Management (Nitrogen Management Program, chemigation permits, crop reporting), (2) Groundwater Quantity Management (well permitting, irrigated acre transfers, recharge canals, 26 Groundwater Management Areas), (3) Flood Reduction (30+ flood control structures, Elm/Turkey Creeks and Spring Creek Watershed projects), and (4) Conservation Cost-Share programs administered through NSWCP and partnerships with NRCS for EQIP, CSP, and RCPP. Education and outreach comprise the Nebraska Children's Groundwater Festival (33,000+ students since 1988, replicated in 42 states), ACE Camp, Envirothon/Land Judging contests, Outdoor Classroom grants up to $2,500, and the Conservation Tree Program (3,974,837 trees sold since 1972).

The district's revenue model is government-funded: the FY2024/2025 operating budget is $34.71 million, funded primarily through a $5.35 million property tax levy on $22.39 billion assessed valuation, supplemented by NSWCP cost-share administration, Nebraska Game & Parks RTP grants ($509,500 for crane viewing sites), Nebraska Environmental Trust grants ($125,000 for streambank repairs), an NFWF grant of $300,000 (2022), and minor fee revenue from well permits ($70–$110), tree sales ($31.25 per 25-tree bundle), and chemigation/reverse osmosis cost-share programs. Lyndon Vogt serves as General Manager. As a government entity, CPNRD does not operate as a commercial enterprise; its "growth" is measured in regulatory program expansion (Phase II designations, enforcement actions) rather than revenue capture.

Name

Central Platte Natural Resources District

Legal name

Central Platte Natural Resources District

Website

https://cpnrd.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Central Platte Natural Resources District is a Nebraska political subdivision (est. 1972) that exclusively regulates groundwater quality and quantity, flood reduction, and soil/wildlife conservation across 11 counties and 2.1 million acres, serving agricultural producers, municipalities, students, and residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Natural Resources Management and Conservation Services

NAICS

Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (924110), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (11)

akta.pro primary industry

State/Provincial Environmental Protection & Natural Resources Administration (BPAIABAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Land Trusts & Protected Areas (BPAGAGAC), Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Harvesting (Resins, Mushrooms, Botanicals) (IMAMAAAK), Land, Water & Mineral Rights for Renewables (Water Rights, Geothermal Resource Rights) (EUAMAAAI)

Keywords

• Natural resources management
• Groundwater monitoring services
• Soil conservation programs
• Flood reduction projects
• Wildlife habitat protection

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand Island

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Property Tax Revenue: Primary funding source through property tax levy. For 2024/2025 fiscal year, property tax request of $5.35 million from total operating budget of $34.71 million.
2. Cost-Share Program Administration: Administration of Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP) and CPNRD cost-share programs. Programs include EQIP, CSP, RCPP through NRCS partnership.
3. Urban Conservation Programs: Recreation Area Development Program (50% cost-share up to $40,000) and Trails Assistance Program for cities, villages, and counties.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) is a state-created political subdivision that protects and manages water, soil, range, wildlife, and forest resources across an 11-county area of central Nebraska. It delivers well permitting, groundwater quality/quantity monitoring (451 wells on a 1982 baseline), flood control projects (30+ structures), cost-share conservation payments, tree and wildlife habitat programs, urban conservation grants, and natural resources education (Groundwater Festival, ACE Camp, Outdoor Classroom grants, scholarships). Revenue derives primarily from a property tax levy supplemented by permit fees, conservation tree sales, and partner grants.

Product overview

Central Platte Natural Resources District is a local government conservation agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs to manage and protect natural resources across central Nebraska. The district's offerings include groundwater quality and quantity management programs (Groundwater Quality Management, Groundwater Quantity Management), flood reduction and watershed projects, conservation cost-share programs (through NSWCP), and environmental education initiatives. The district operates specialized visitor facilities including two crane viewing sites at Alda and Gibbon for wildlife tourism. Its education division delivers the Nebraska Children's Groundwater Festival, ACE Camp for middle schoolers, Outdoor Classroom grants, and High School Contests (Envirothon and Land Judging). Additional programs include a Conservation Tree Program (selling trees, shrubs, and weed barrier), Urban Conservation programs for municipalities, and an Outdoor Learning Area at the State Fairgrounds. The district also provides well permitting, water transfers, and form management through its offices. Together these programs serve agricultural producers, municipalities, students, and the general public across the district's 2.1 million acres.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Well and Water Permitting Permits and registrations for new and modified wells within the district, including irrigation, livestock, municipal, replacement, dewatering, and industrial wells. Pricing is $70 for wells pumping ≤50 gpm and $110 for wells pumping >50 gpm. Provides transfer request forms for irrigated acres certification. For landowners, well drillers, and developers.
• Conservation Tree Program Annual tree, shrub, and weed barrier sales program (deciduous and coniferous species) for windbreaks, wildlife habitats, and conservation plantings. Trees sold in bundles of 25 at $31.25 per bundle, with fabric weed barrier, optional district planting service at $0.75/tree ($300 minimum), and 50% cost-share available on minimum 200-tree orders. Has sold 3,974,837 trees since 1972 and 636.63 miles of weed barrier since 1991. For landowners, producers, and conservation buyers.
• Conservation Cost-Share Programs (CPNRD & NSWCP) Financial assistance programs covering buffer strips, chemigation incentives, center pivot incentives, cover crops, flow meters, sensor-based nutrient management, streambank stabilization, prescribed burns, well decommissioning, and reverse osmosis systems. Delivered through CPNRD cost-share and Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP) and NRCS federal programs (EQIP, CSP, RCPP). For agricultural producers and landowners.
• Chemigation Incentive Program Cost-share program offering 50% of actual cost up to $3,500 per field, with a $7,000 lifetime maximum. Limited to two fields or 320 acres per landowner. For agricultural producers operating chemigation equipment.
• Reverse Osmosis System Program Cost-share program offering 50% of actual cost up to $750 maximum for residential reverse osmosis systems. One system per home per lifetime. For district residents concerned about drinking water quality.
• Urban Conservation Programs Recreation Area Development Program (50% cost-share up to $40,000) and Trails Assistance Program offering financial assistance for public recreational areas, trails, parks, and conservation projects. Applications accepted year-round from cities, villages, and counties within the district. For municipal and county governments.
• Outdoor Classroom Program Education grant program providing up to $2,500 per school for outdoor classroom projects (rain gardens, pollinator gardens, native grasses, wetland habitat, bird feeders), plus $2,000 Community Grants and $35 Mini Classroom Grants. Requires matching funds. For K-12 schools and community organizations within the district.
• ACE Camp (Adventure Camp about the Environment) Four-day, three-night summer camp at Kamp Kaleo in Burwell, NE providing hands-on natural resources education in wildlife, water, soil, range, and forestry for middle school students. Scholarships available for district residents. For 6th–7th-grade students.
• Scholarship Programs Ron Bishop Memorial College Scholarship ($1,000 awards for natural resources majors) and Jami Harper Scholarship ($250 for students pursuing water resources careers). For college students in natural resource-related majors with district residency ties.
• High School Contests (Envirothon & Land Judging) Envirothon (aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife competitions) and Land Judging contests for high school students; state winners advance to national and international competitions. For high school teams and FFA/ag programs.
• Nebraska Children's Groundwater Festival Annual free educational event hosting up to 800 fifth-grade students from across Nebraska for hands-on learning about groundwater and natural resources. Established in 1988 as the first statewide groundwater festival in the US; recognized by the Izaak Walton League of America (2019) and Project WET/Project Learning Tree (2023 Educator of the Year). For fifth-grade classes across Nebraska.
• Crane Viewing Sites (Alda and Gibbon) Two public crane viewing decks at Alda and Gibbon with parking, viewing platforms, and accessible trails for observing Sandhill crane and Whooping crane migrations along the Platte River. Free public access. Supported by Nebraska Flyway tourism partnership. For tourists, residents, and birding visitors.
• Outdoor Learning Area (Nebraska State Fairgrounds) Educational outdoor space at Nebraska State Fairgrounds featuring rain garden, bioswale, bee hotel, prairie restoration, gazebo, and a 55-foot monitoring well with real-time groundwater level data. Recognized with 2012 Rain Bird Intelligent Use of Water Award (first place, $10,000 prize, 30,597 votes). For fairgoers, students, and the general public.

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1972Long-standing partnership for administering conservation programs including EQIP, CSP, RCPP, and Local Working Group meetings. NRCS provides technical expertise and federal cost-share funding through 5 field offices within CPNRD boundaries.
• Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide trade association for Nebraska's 23 NRDs. CPNRD pays $44,250.43 in annual dues. NARD coordinates statewide initiatives including Envirothon, ACE Camp, and serves as advocacy organization.
• Platte Basin CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition formed in 2012 by NRDs in Upper Platte River Basin and Nebraska DWEE to jointly implement water management projects and address drought challenges. Includes Central Platte NRD, North Platte NRD, South Platte NRD, Tri-Basin NRD, Twin Platte NRD, and DWEE.
• Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-state program focused on creating and maintaining endangered species habitats (whooping crane, piping plover, least tern, pallid sturgeon) on the Platte River. Partners include states of Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, and U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Central Community College and College ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual host venue for Nebraska Children's Groundwater Festival providing facilities at no cost. Partnership reflects strong community commitment to advancing groundwater education for 800+ students annually.
• Audubon Center at Rowe SanctuaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated in Gibbon, NE - focuses on conserving and restoring the Platte River ecosystem for cranes, wildlife, and their habitats. Offers crane viewing experiences and online Crane Cam.
• The Crane TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwns and protects 7 miles of land along north side of Platte River near Grand Island to protect prairie and ecosystem. Operates Nature & Visitors Center at Wood River, NE and Wild Rose Ranch.
• Prairie Plains Resource Institute (PPRI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit educational land trust offering events on 8 Nebraska prairie preserves, consultation for landowners & agencies regarding prairie restoration, and award-winning nature day camp for elementary students.
• Nebraska Game & Parks CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdministers Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants. Awarded $259,500 for Richard Plautz Crane Viewing Site and $250,000 for Alda Crane Viewing Site improvements. CPNRD provides 20% matching share.
• Grand Island Groundwater Guardian TeamminorStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) local volunteer group providing groundwater education. Won Rain Bird award and implemented Outdoor Learning Area at State Fairgrounds. EIN#: 47-6032570.
• Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (DWEE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency for water resources. Partners on Platte Basin Coalition, drought planning, well registration, and Water Sustainability Fund administration.
• Conservation Toolbox PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of conservation organizations: Nebraska's NRDs, NRCS, FSA, Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Cattlemen, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Sandhills Task Force, The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• South Platte Natural Resources District: Another Platte basin NRD with identical statutory authorities and programs. Co-founding member of the Platte Basin Coalition with CPNRD, addressing shared water management and drought planning challenges.
• Lower Platte South Natural Resources District: Platte basin NRD operating under the same Nebraska NRD statutory framework. Comparable scale, programs, and governance; provides a useful benchmark for program delivery and budget comparison.
• Tri-Basin Natural Resources District: Neighboring Nebraska NRD with the same regulatory mandate over groundwater quality and quantity. Platte Basin Coalition member with parallel monitoring, cost-share, and education program structures.
• North Platte Natural Resources District: Adjacent Nebraska NRD covering the upper Platte basin. Direct peer as one of 23 NRDs with the same statutory mandate, governance structure, and programs, and a coalition partner with CPNRD in the Platte Basin Coalition.
• Twin Platte Natural Resources District: Adjacent NRD sharing the Platte River basin. Platte Basin Coalition partner with CPNRD on joint water management projects and drought response.
• Lower Platte North Natural Resources District: Neighboring NRD along the lower Platte, sharing the same statutory mandate and member of the NARD statewide association. Comparable in scope of programs and regulatory authorities to CPNRD.

Emerging players

• Platte River Recovery Implementation Program: Multi-state endangered species recovery program for the Platte River (whooping crane, piping plover, least tern, pallid sturgeon). CPNRD is a core partner; PRRIP operates in an adjacent mandate space and shares federal-state funding dynamics.

Broad incumbents

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Federal conservation agency co-located in CPNRD offices via 5 field offices. Operates much larger conservation cost-share programs (EQIP, CSP, RCPP) and provides technical expertise that complements CPNRD's regulatory role.
• Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD): Statewide trade association coordinating among all 23 Nebraska NRDs. CPNRD pays $44,250 in annual dues; NARD provides statewide advocacy, Envirothon coordination, and shared services across all NRD peers.

Regional players

• Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District: Nebraska NRD operating under the same statutory framework but in a different geographic basin. Useful comparable for understanding how NRD programs scale in non-Platte geographies with different water challenges.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mleecpnrd
• Facebookfacebook.com/CentralPlatteNRD
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/central-platte-natural-resources-district

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Central Platte Natural Resources District