Project Proposal

If you feel you have a project that could benefit from the assistance of Panhandle RC&D, please contact us, or fill out a Project Proposal Form.

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 Current Projects

Bridges to Buttes     The Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway Committee is working toward the enhancement of the travel industry along Highway 20 from Valentine, Nebraska to Harrison, Nebraska.  There is collaboration with the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce in creating a map of the sights of the two-state region of Pine Ridge, South Dakota and the northern Panhandle.  Brochures were printed to further identify attractions along Highway 20.  The group has also developed a CD for tourism advertising.  As part of the ongoing support and collaboration of this project, local efforts enabled the start of a new workshop, "Service Sells," which provided businesses in the area with valuable tools to use in the tourism setting.  Two workshops were provded with a nominal fee in both Chadron and Valentine.  Download the Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway Brochure. 

ArcView/Hands on the Land     The purpose of this program is for people of all ages to utilize technology - specifically computers and GPS software - to learn about community forestry and the benefits of trees in the community.  The program has been utilized to educate high school students in Morrill, Gering, Gordon, Rushville, and Scottsbluff.  Panhandle RC&D still has the software available and can provide training and support to any interested parties who wish to experience this program.     www.handsontheland.org

Buckboard Therapeutic Riding Academy     For more information on this worthy Panhandle RC&D project, please click here.

Nine Mile Creek Restoration     This is a joint effort between the North Platte NRD, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, the Nebraska Environmental Trust, and Panhandle RC&D to implement a buffer strip along Nine Mile Creek located in Morrill County. A grant received from the Environmental Trust Fund has resulted in a successful three year effort to place buffer strips along sixteen miles of the creek. The ETF has provided $150,000 over the last four years. The EPA and DEQ are also providing financial assistance. The total result has been a $350,000 project with multiple partners. The Panhandle RC&D has assisted in the development of a grant writing committee, as well as a Stream Management Workshop held at the Gering Civic Center.  Follow-up control along Nine Mile is also currently being undertaken through the High Plains Weed Management Association with assistance from the RC&D. 

Northwest Nebraska High Country     This organization consists of ranchers, farmers, and land owners that offer lodging, hunting, and recreation on their local properties to visitors in the Pine Ridge area of northwest Nebraska. Panhandle RC&D is assisting the group in identifying funding sources to help with the group's marketing effort.

www.nebrasksahighcountry.com

 Deuel County Health Services Foundation     The purpose of the Deuel County Health Services Foundation is to help supplement and provide needed funding for health services throughout Deuel County in northwest Nebraska. This is a new project that will need assistance from the Panhandle RC&D in the areas of organization, application for a non-profit status, and the development of a fundraising team.  In 2008, the Foundation received its 501(c)(3) status and is now able to act as the nonprofit arm for Deuel County Health Services.

Valley Visions (Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce)     Valley Visions is a community taskforce that enables the Chamber of Commerce for Scottsbluff/Gering to receive input from the business sector in the implementation of new projects. Currently, the group is focusing on community beautification. A study conducted by the Nebraska arboretum has been completed and grants are currently being pursued.  Recently, in conjunction with other Arbor Day awareness efforts, the group provided tree planting with assistance through the Nebraska Public Power District.  The group is currently seeking more ideas on how to beautify the area.

Friends of the Intertribal Gathering     To learn more about this worthy Panhandle RC&D project, please click here.

Henry Betterment Group     This local betterment group has the simple goal of making the community of Henry a better place to live.  Currently, the Betterment Group is focusing on three areas of interest: school/community building improvements, community clean-up and beautification, and accessing funds to purchase park playground equipment.  They hope to imbed the idea that bringing the village back to life is both worth investing in and very much possible.  Panhandle RC&D is assisting the Henry Betterment Group with organization, planning and implementation, as well as locating and applying for grants.  RC&D has already obtained $6,000 in grant funds to assist the Village in purchasing updated playground equipment.  Citizens hope to have this project completed by the end of the year.

Friends of the Gering Library    This nonprofit branch of the Gering Library is an organization with the purpose of providing opportunities for the public to donate their time and money.  Panhandle RC&D assisted the organization with their 501(c)(3) application in 2002, as well as continuous organizational projects.  To learn more about how you can support the Gering Library with the assistance of the Friends Group, please visit http://www.geringlibrary.org and click on "Friends Group."

Knight Museum      Through a $4 million donation by the Eldred Foundation, the Knight Museum of High Plains Heritage located in Alliance, NE has completely renovated and increased the capacity of the facility into a world-class program.  The museum is currently in the process of obtaining brand new exhibits on grasses, birds, and animals in the areas, as well as an unrivaled Native American collection.  Panhandle RC&D has been asked to assist the organization in their efforts to obtain funding to complete the new displays.

University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Projects       The Dawes County UNL Cooperative Extension office has requested RC&D assistance on a number of collaborative projects for the upcoming year.  Those projects include: 2008 Pine Ridge Teacher's Institute, Running Water Ranching Coalition Conservation Symposium, Multi-species Grazing Demos & Tours, Ranch Mentor Training, Drought Recovery Herd Management, Women in Ranching, Rural Community Disaster Response Training, and LANDHELP.  RC&D involvement in these projects will range from location funding and application support, to collaborative and organizational efforts.  Please click here to learn more about these great projects.  Recently, the 2008 Pine Ridge Teacher's Institute was brought to the area with assistance from the RC&D.  Learn more about this great success story by clicking here.

Big Springs Memorial Flag & Pond Project       The citizens and Village Board in Big Springs would like to boost the local economy with increased tourism dollars while providing a beautiful recreation spot for its citizens.  Through their Memorial Flag & Pond project, the community hopes to clean up and establish a park area around a local pond including the addition of a veteran's memorial with flags and dedication bricks.  This project would provide a much safer environment for local children to fish and play, while honoring all those who have served in the armed forces over th eyears.  RC&D has been asked to provide support in grant applications, project start-up, community collaboration, and organizational support.

Blue Creek Blues Festival       According to a group of local committed citizens, Lewellen, NE - like so many small communities - is in need of outisde revenue.  17 Winery, in cooperation with other local businesses and citizens is in the process of creating an unique tourist attraction in the area in the form of a Blues Festival.  The group has received a grant from the Nebraska Department of Travel and Tourism for their marketing efforts for the event, and they are in the process of securing bands for the event.  The Blues Festival will be held on August 30th, and look for exciting updates as the event approaches!  Be sure to download the event flyer.  RC&D will provide assistance in organizational and collaborative efforts, as well as in the location and application of funding sources.

North Platte River Invasive Species Control Project       The High Plains Weed Management Association, with the collaborative efforts of RC&D have undertaken the responsibility of addressing the water loss caused by the exansive growth of invasive species in the Nebraska Panhandle.  Through grant funds, work is currently underway to address three main invasive species: Russian Olive, saltcedar, and phragmites.  The current focus of the project includes engaging counties and landowners in cooperative efforts to address the issues in order to benefit everyone invovled.  Education efforts are also a high priority of the group, and to that end, the organization sponsored the Invasive Species Control Summit May 6-8, 2008 at the Gering Civic Center.  To visit the organization's website to see how this group is committed to addressing invasive species, as well as to learn more about this important project, please click here.

Chappell Lake Restoration        The City of Chappell is trying to develop a comprehensive plan for the lake and recreation opportunities to local residents and visitors.  Chappell Lake is an existing 30-acre city-owned lake.  The water levels have declined substantially with the current lake depth only at approximately three feet deep.  A Lake Advisory Committee has already been put in place to help gather local support for the project.  This committee is planning on painting and cleaning up the lake area either in May or June of 2008 so that the area will begin to see improvement.  RC&D has been asked to provide funding location and application, project start-up and organization support.

Continuous No-Till Cropping System Education and Promotion        The Panhandle No-Till Partnership has requested to become a committee under the RC&D in order to find funding location and application assistance, as well as media/outreach efforts through the RC&D.  The purpose of the partnership is the education and promotion of continuous no-till cropping systems to improve soil quality, air quality, water management, economic gain and quality of life.  The adoption of continuous no-till cropping systems in the Nebraska Panhandle will lead to reduction of soil erosion and airborne soil particles, decrease of irrigation water use, reduction of input costs for producers, and an increase in soil health.  Please contact Kathy Buttle at the Scottsbluff Service Center or click here for information on the 2008 No-Till Winter Conference!

Hemingford Youth Center          Information coming soon!

Sustainability Conference          Panhandle RC&D has been asked to assist in the "2009 Sustainable Decisions: Effects on Home, Business & Community Workshop" scheduled for March 26, 2008.  This invaluable workshop will enable attendees to learn more about sustainability where they work, live, and play.  Sustainability is an increasingly important topic that needs persistent education and dissemination of information for local leaders, business owners, and citizens.  This conference will bring speakers and experts to the Nebraska Panhandle to do just that.  RC&D is assisting in the preparation and organization of the workshop, including handling funding location and grant application, as well as general development and staff support.

Tri-City Sustainability Development Team          Information coming soon!

Garden County Historical Society Museum         Information coming soon!

Do you feel that one or more of these projects are worthy of your support?  If so, please fill out our donation form here.

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