The Nebraska Water Center held their annual Water and Natural Resources Tour again this summer. From Monday, June 19, to Thursday, June 22, attendees explored Northeast Nebraska and gain first-hand experience with the water management practices and water quality challenges of that region of the state. Tour stops included the Norfolk Riverfront development, the Bazile Groundwater Management Area, Gavins Point Dam, Ashfall Fossil Beds and much more.
The 2023 Water Tour was hosted by the Nebraska Water Center and the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District.
The Water Tour was first held in 1975. The tours are designed to enhance understanding and appreciation for water management in Nebraska and beyond, providing an educational experience for anyone interested in natural resource management.
2023 Water and Natural Resources Tour Agenda Overview
On Monday, June 19, we met in Norfolk at the Norfolk Lodge & Suites (Divots Conference Center). Got checked in for the tour and enjoy a welcome reception with the other tour participants. The reception included a tour of Divots Brewery, a tasting flight, and a light meal. We stayed at the Norfolk Lodge & Suites on Monday night.
On Tuesday, June 20, we toured the Norfolk Riverfront Development, Nucor Steel, and Ashfall Fossil Beds. We also visit the Bazile Groundwater Management Area and experience the first reverse osmosis plant in Nebraska and the Bazile Demonstration Farm. We then returned to the Norfolk Lodge & Suites on Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, June 21, visited Neligh Mills, Handlebend Copper, and Niobrara State Park. The tour then made its way north and stayed in Yankton, South Dakota on Wednesday night.
On Thursday, June 22, we spent the morning at Gavins Point Dam and got out on the water at Lewis and Clark Lake. We also visiedt Bow Creek before returning to Norfolk around 4 pm. The tour officially ended when we returned to Norfolk on Thursday afternoon.
