NWC trekked across the state to host its annual Nebraska Water Conference in 2021. Titled “The Shape of Water in Western Nebraska,” the conference was held August 16 at UNL's Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
The daylong event attracted 90 participants and featured western Nebraska water leaders discussing water infrastructure in the panhandle; western Nebraska’s unique hydrogeology; and cutting-edge research in water and agricultural management. Attendees also enjoyed live jazz at an evening banquet at the Legacy of the Plains Museum with the Scotts Bluff National Monument as a charismatic backdrop.
August 17 and 18, NWC also participated in a post-conference water tour sponsored by the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce. Approximately 50 participants traversed the North Platte River basin, making educational stops at fisheries, dams, ranches, potato processors and Lake McConaughy.
Due to the pandemic, NWC hosted its 2021 Spring Seminar Series virtually. The series, “Tributaries: Race, Justice and the Environment,” knit social justice and water issues together through speakers representing engineering, water chemistry, environmental studies, legal, public policy and tribal backgrounds.
Established in 1968, the series provides a forum to increase awareness and allow for meaningful conversation regarding water issues.