![](media/image1.jpeg)

![](media/image2.png){width="6.491666666666666in" height="4.2375in"}

**Trailblazer Resource Conservation and Development**

**Area Plan**

**2004-2008**

**TRAILBLAZER RC&D AREA PLAN**

**2004-2008**

Prepared by the Trailblazer RC&D Council on behalf of the following
sponsors:

**Clay County Board of Supervisors**

**Fillmore County Board of Supervisors**

**Franklin County Board of Supervisors**

**Harlan County Supervisors**

**Nuckolls County Supervisors**

**Thayer County Commissioners**

**Webster County Commissioners**

**Little Blue Natural Resources District**

**Lower Republican Natural Resources District**

**Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District**

       

> *The name Trailblazer is derived from a hardy, warm season native
> prairie grass that thrives on the uplands in south central Nebraska.*

![](media/image3.wmf)

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="6.497222222222222in"
height="9.308333333333334in"}

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

Sponsors
...............................................................................................
2

Letter from the Governor
...........................................................................
3

Letter from the Council President
................................................................. 4

Table of Contents
....................................................................................
5

Acknowledgment
.....................................................................................
6

Vision and Mission Statements
..................................................................... 7

Executive Summary
.................................................................................
8

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
............................................................ 9

Location and Setting of the RC&D Area
.......................................................... 10

Population Trends
....................................................................................
12

History and Past Activities
.........................................................................
15

Public Participation Plan
...........................................................................
16

Needs and Opportunities
...........................................................................
17

Goals, Objectives, and Strategies
.................................................................. 22

Evaluation Plan
.......................................................................................
27

Signatures
.............................................................................................
28

**ACKNOWLEDGMENT**

This plan of work was developed through the collective efforts of many
dedicated individuals. Acknowledgment and gratitude is extended to each
one. Special thanks is due Becky Vogt, Survey Research Manager,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Applied Rural Research and
Innovation; Linda Fettig, Development Consultant, Nebraska Department of
Economic Development; Richard Mullaney, Coordinator, Southwest RC&D; and
the thirty-two statewide economic development specialists and resource
providers who assisted with the process.

The Trailblazer RC&D council is committed to the provision of
innovative, collaborative leadership to advance the potential of the
region as directed by this challenging footprint.

*\"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it\'s the only thing that ever has.\"*

*Margaret Mead*

**Vision Statement**

**The vision of Trailblazer RC&D is expanded economic viability,
improved human capital, and uniquely preserved and developed natural
resources.**

**Mission Statement**

**The mission of Trailblazer RC&D is to utilize innovative,
collaborative leadership to advance the potential of the region.**

       

*Council Awards*

*Nebraska Rural Development Commission Top 10 Rural Development
Initiative - 2001*

*Nebraska Rural Development Commission Outstanding 100 Rural Development
Initiative - 2001*

*Nebraska Development Network Connecting Nebraskans Award - 1998*

*Nebraska Rural Development Commission Outstanding 100 Rural Development
Initiative-1997*

**EXECUTIVE SUMMARY**

![](media/image5.png){width="3.6875in" height="2.38125in"}

**Trailblazer RC&D**

**437 North Elm Street**

**Red Cloud, NE 68970**

**Ph. \# (402) 746-3560**

**Fax \# (402) 746-3562**

**Web Site: trailrcd.org**

**Vision**

**The vision of Trailblazer RC&D is expanded economic viability,
improved human capital, and uniquely preserved and developed natural
resources.**

**Mission**

**The mission of Trailblazer RC&D is to utilize innovative,
collaborative leadership to advance the potential of the region.**

*\"Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a
nightmare.\"*

*Japanese Proverb*

**Goals for the Trailblazer RC&D include:**

**Goal A:** **Revitalize the region through comprehensive, collaborative
strategies to reverse the declining population.**

**Goal B: Safeguard the environment and promote best uses of land and
water assets.**

**Goal C: Strengthen the area through advances in socioeconomic
viability with an emphasis on teleconomics and e-commerce education.**

**Goal D: Develop action-oriented global communities with forward
thinking leaders.**

Some of the past projects undertaken by the Trailblazer RC&D council
include:

![](media/image6.jpeg){width="2.904861111111111in" height="2.0125in"}
![](media/image7.jpeg){width="3.001388888888889in"
height="2.002083333333333in"}

Land Conservation and Enhancement Environmental Stewardship

![](media/image8.jpeg){width="2.8944444444444444in"
height="2.032638888888889in"} ![](media/image9.wmf)

Tourism and Water Resources Economic Opportunities

**USDA Nondiscrimination Statement**

**The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s TARGET Center at
202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).**

**To file a complaint or discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14^th^ and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.**

**LOCATION AND SETTING OF THE RC&D AREA**

**[Location]{.underline}**

The Trailblazer Resource Conservation and Development Area consists of
seven counties in south central Nebraska. The counties are Clay,
Fillmore, Franklin, Harlan, Nuckolls, Thayer, and Webster. The surface
area encompasses 2,580,480 acres, or about 4,032 square miles. This
includes 21,343 acres of water.

The largest city in the area is Geneva, population 2,313. Geneva is
located in the southern portion of Fillmore County. Three major cities
border the Trailblazer RC&D area: Grand Island, Hastings and Kearney.
The area has many highway arteries running both north-south and
east-west. U.S. Highways 136 and 6, along with State Highways 4 and 74,
are important east-west routes. The north-south routes include U.S.
Highways 183, 281 and 81 along with State Highways 10 and 14. Interstate
80 lies directly north of the Trailblazer RC&D area.

**[Major Rivers]{.underline}**

Major river basins include the Little Blue River and the Republican
River. There are a number of smaller perennially flowing creeks that
empty into the two rivers. Harlan County Reservoir is located on the
Republican River and contains 13,000 surface acres of water. The
reservoir, which is operated by the Corps of Engineers, provides flood
protection, water for irrigation and recreation.

**[Climate]{.underline}**

Climate in the Trailblazer RC&D area is predominantly Northern Plains in
character. The area experiences relatively cold winters and warm
summers. The average annual temperature is about 63 degrees Fahrenheit,
with monthly averages in the mid 20\'s in January and the upper 80\'s in
July. The growing season averages 155 days. Precipitation averages 26
inches, with 60 percent occurring in the May to October growing season.
Snowfall averages 20 inches per year, ranging from record extremes of 10
to 90 inches.

**[Land Use and Vegetation]{.underline}**

There are 2,092 farms in the Trailblazer RC&D area. The Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil surveys classify 1,592,816
acres prime farmland in the seven county area. Agriculture is the
dominant land use, making up about 93 percent of the area. Cropland
accounts for about 63 percent of the agricultural land. Wooded areas are
generally limited to the steeper slopes and bottomlands along the rivers
and streams. The upland wooded areas consist of oak, ash and maple, as
well as, various less desirable varieties. Cottonwood, willow, ash,
boxelder and walnut are found on the bottomlands. The remainder of the
non-agricultural area is made up of urban, wildlife and recreation
areas, water and roads. Since the major land use is cropland, vegetation
primarily consists of corn, soybeans, grain sorghum and wheat. Pasture
and hay are mainly of alfalfa and/or warm and cool season grasses.

**[Soils and Topography]{.underline}**

The soils in this area are Central Loess Plains, part of the Great
Plains. The soils are formed mainly in silty material of the loess
uplands and in loamy, silty and sandy alluvium of the stream valleys.
The uplands consist of broad divides separated by many intermittent
drainageways, which find their way to the Republican and Little Blue
Rivers. The northern portion of the Trailblazer RC&D area falls in the
Rainwater Basin area where undrained water is impounded for long periods
of time, providing habitat for migrating waterfowl. Elevations in the
area range from 1,600 M.S.L. in the east to 2,000 M.S.L. in the west.

**[Economy and Industry]{.underline}**

The economy of the area is predominantly agriculturally based, although
some industry and tourism contributes to the local economy. The largest
industrial employer has approximately 400 employees, while twelve other
manufacturing companies have ten or more employees. Tourism in Nebraska
is a growing industry and has tremendous potential for growth in south
central Nebraska. With three large population centers adjacent to the
area, more communities are realizing the potential for creating revenue
by hosting festivals and celebrations. Several area parks are available
for public use. Harlan County Reservoir alone has a visitation of
250,000 annually. The entire area has a tremendous amount of preserved
history. Old churches, homes, barns and pony express stations are
reminiscent of the Oregon Trail that passed through the area and of
early settlers who originally homesteaded the region.

**[Population Trends]{.underline}**

Table 1 below presents population trend data for the Trailblazer RC&D
area. As Table 1 indicates, the RC&D region population has been on a
steady decline since 1960, which is contrary to the state as a whole.
The population loss is attributed to several reasons: natural population
decrease of the elderly and out-migration of youth following high school
graduation. Farm population comprises 20 percent of the total
population. Two Thousand Census statistics show a 29 percent decline in
farm population since 1980, with an expectation that urban populations
will increase and farm populations will continue to decrease.

+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **Loc   | **1   | **1   | **1   | **1   | **2   | **%   | **%   |
| ation** | 960** | 970** | 980** | 990** | 000** | Cha   | cha   |
|         |       |       |       |       |       | nge** | nge** |
|         |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |
|         |       |       |       |       |       | **1   | **1   |
|         |       |       |       |       |       | 960-2 | 990-2 |
|         |       |       |       |       |       | 000** | 000** |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| N       | 1,41  | 1,48  | 1,56  | 1,57  | 1,71  | 21.3  | 8.4   |
| ebraska | 1,330 | 5,333 | 9,825 | 8,417 | 1,263 |       |       |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Trai    | 5     | 4     | 4     | 3     | 3     | (3    | (6.4) |
| lblazer | 2,231 | 5,905 | 3,861 | 8,674 | 6,206 | 0.70) |       |
| RC&D    |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Clay    | 8,717 | 8,266 | 8,106 | 7,123 | 7,039 | (     | (1.2) |
|         |       |       |       |       |       | 19.2) |       |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| F       | 9,425 | 8,137 | 7,920 | 7,103 | 6,634 | (     | (6.6) |
| illmore |       |       |       |       |       | 29.6) |       |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| F       | 5,449 | 4,566 | 4,377 | 3,938 | 3,574 | (     | (9.2) |
| ranklin |       |       |       |       |       | 34.4) |       |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Harlan  | 5,081 | 4,357 | 4,292 | 3,810 | 3,786 | (     | (0.7) |
|         |       |       |       |       |       | 25.5) |       |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| N       | 8,217 | 7,404 | 6,726 | 5,786 | 5,057 | (     | (     |
| uckolls |       |       |       |       |       | 38.5) | 12.3) |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Thayer  | 9,118 | 7,779 | 7,582 | 6,635 | 6,055 | (     | (8.7) |
|         |       |       |       |       |       | 33.6) |       |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Webster | 6,224 | 5,396 | 4,858 | 4,279 | 4,061 | (     | (5.1) |
|         |       |       |       |       |       | 34.8) |       |
+---------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+

Table 1. Population 1960-2000

Data in this document was attained from the Nebraska Quick Facts United
States Census Bureau.

**[Age]{.underline}**

Table 2 below illustrates the natural population decline of the area.
While the state median age is 35.3 years old in the Trailblazer RC&D
area, four of the seven counties have a median age almost nine years
older than the state average.

  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
  **LOCATION**                        **MEDIAN AGE**

  Nebraska                            35.3

  Clay                                39.9

  Fillmore                            41.4

  Franklin                            42.8

  Harlan                              44.5

  Nuckolls                            44.1

  Thayer                              44.1

  Webster                             44.2
  ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

Table 2. Median Age - 2000

Table 3 below contains information for the age distribution of the
population of the Trailblazer RC&D area and for Nebraska as a whole. The
data reveals that the population of retired elderly is proportionately
higher than young \"working age adults\" in the region.

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **AGE GROUP**           **NEBRASKA (%)**        **TRAILBLAZER RC&D
                                                  (%)**

  Under 5                 6.8                     5.5

  5 to 19                 22.6                    21.7

  20 to 34                20.0                    12.0

  35 to 54                28.6                    27.9

  55 to 64                8.2                     10.6

  65 to 84                11.6                    18.6

  Over 85                 2.0                     3.7
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

Table 3. Age Distribution - 2000

**[Income]{.underline}**

Table 4 below indicates the per capita and median household income for
the Trailblazer RC&D area. In both categories, all counties in the
region fall below the average incomes for the entire state.

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **LOCATION**            **PER CAPITA**          **MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD**

  Nebraska                \$19,613                \$39,250

  Clay                    16,870                  34,259

  Fillmore                17,465                  35,162

  Franklin                15,390                  29,304

  Harlan                  15,618                  30,679

  Nuckolls                15,608                  28,958

  Thayer                  17,043                  30,740

  Webster                 16,802                  30,026

  Trailblazer RC&D        16,455                  31,759
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

Table 4. Income (1999 dollars)

**[Poverty]{.underline}**

Table 5 below outlines the percentage of residents in each county in the
Trailblazer RC&D area that are below the federal poverty level. Fillmore
County has a poverty rate lower than the state level, with all other
counties higher.

  --------------------------------- -------------------------------------
  **LOCATION**                      **% of people below Poverty**

  Nebraska                          9.7

  Clay                              10.4

  Fillmore                          7.8

  Franklin                          13.2

  Harlan                            10.1

  Nuckolls                          11.2

  Thayer                            10.7

  Webster                           11.2
  --------------------------------- -------------------------------------

Table 5. Poverty Rates - 1999

**HISTORY AND PAST ACTIVITIES**

-   August 12, 1993 - The first informational meeting about the RC&D
    program was held for area residents in Red Cloud.

-   October 4, 1993 - A steering committee developed Bylaws and Articles
    of Incorporation and applied to the Secretary of Agriculture for
    authorization.

-   February 3, 1994 - Following numerous steering committee meetings,
    several Application and Bylaws committee meetings, and seven public
    participation meetings, the Trailblazer RC&D council was formed.

-   March 29, 1994 - Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation were adopted.

-   April 7, 1994 - The Trailblazer RC&D council became incorporated in
    the State of Nebraska.

-   May 3, 1994 - A logo contest was held in which the mountain man
    looking over the State of Nebraska was selected.

-   May 5, 1994 - The council selected Red Cloud as the site for the
    Trailblazer RC&D office.

-   September 22, 1994 - An application for authorization from the
    Trailblazer RC&D council was submitted to then U.S. Secretary of
    Agriculture, Mike Espy.

-   October 5, 1994 - The Internal Revenue Service determined the
    Trailblazer RC&D council incorporated to be exempt from federal
    income tax under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an
    organization described in Section 501(c)(3).

-   March 17, 1995 - The first annual meeting and banquet was held at
    the Elks Club in Superior.

-   August 30, 1996 - The council presented a second proposal for
    authorization to Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman.

-   September 24, 1997 - The council presented a third proposal for
    authorization to Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman.

-   August 30, 2000 - The Trailblazer RC&D council, despite being passed
    over for funding numerous times, submitted another application for
    funding.

-   January 4, 2001 - Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman authorized
    the Trailblazer RC&D.

-   November 3, 2001 - The Trailblazer RC&D council hosted an open house
    and ribbon cutting in the newly constructed RC&D office.

-   October 29, 2002 - The Trailblazer RC&D council hosted the second
    annual meeting at the American Legion Club in Sutton.

During the seven years prior to authorization from Congress, the
Trailblazer RC&D council implemented and worked on the following goals:

-   **Protect the quality and quantity of all natural resources in the
    area.**

-   **Stabilize and enhance the economy with economic development
    activities.**

-   **Ensure quality health care and human services for all residents in
    the area.**

-   **Ensure adequate, affordable, attractive, quality residential and
    business properties in the area.**

-   **Develop recreational facilities and a tourism industry that
    encourages residents and non-residents to vacation in the area.**

As of July 1, 2003, the Trailblazer RC&D has approved seventy projects
since accepting requests for assistance nearly ten years ago.

**PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN**

The Trailblazer RC&D Area Plan has been prepared with assistance from
thirty-two economic development specialists or resource providers, Becky
Vogt, Survey Research Manager, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for
Applied Rural Research and Innovation, and facilitators, Linda Fettig,
Development Consultant, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and
Richard Mullaney, Coordinator, Southwest RC&D.

A triform method was utilized to obtain public input and to identify and
prioritize needs and opportunities in the region for the Area Plan.

-   Seventeen current Community Needs Assessment Surveys were obtained
    with at least two being from each of the seven counties. Results
    were analyzed and tabulated.

-   A comprehensive survey instrument was developed specifically to
    solicit grass roots input for the Area Plan with the assistance of
    University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Applied Research and
    Innovation. The surveys were hand delivered to randomly selected
    neighborhoods, civic and community organizations, high school
    classes, school boards, county supervisors, rental units, Natural
    Resources District (NRD) boards and public meeting participants to
    obtain broad representation. Anonymous, completed surveys were
    mailed directly to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for
    Applied Research and Innovation for tabulation and summation. Nine
    hundred-sixty surveys were distributed, approximately 135 in each
    county, and 512 were returned with a response rate of 53 percent.
    Cross-tabulations identified and scored responses in land
    conservation, water management, community development and other
    elements categories to facilitate needs analysis.

-   The Trailblazer RC&D council hosted a resource providers input
    forum. The April forum was attended by 32 economic development
    specialists and state agency representatives who identified the
    needs, gaps and strengths of the area. Facilitated by Linda Fettig,
    State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the forum
    produced concurrent priorities, which closely reinforced the survey
    data.

*\"Progress occurs when leaders seize the opportunity to change things
for the better.\"*

*Harry S. Truman*

**NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES**

A.  **Land Conservation**

The land sustains the predominately agricultural Trailblazer RC&D area.
Proper husbandry of the land is therefore keenly important to its
residents. Over one-half of the survey respondents viewed land
conservation as extremely important in creating and/or improving
profitable agriculture. Sixty-one percent rated soil conservation of
farmland (i.e. management, structural practices, etc.) as a high
priority concern. Fifty-six percent rated the replacement of trees and
shelterbelts as vital in controlling soil loss and protecting the
ecosystem for future generations. The need for better pasture management
and protecting grassland acres was cited by forty-seven percent of the
respondents.

Age cross-tabulated public input data revealed that land conservation is
equally important to all age groups and interestingly varied by only
three percentage points.

Basic conservation needs, i.e. terraces, waterways, dams, as well as
cropland and pastureland management, are complex opportunities. There is
limited federal and state cost share assistance for area landowners. It
has become increasingly difficult for operators to finance their share
of funding to apply structural measures due to the recent depressed
economy. Also, there is an increasing need to educate young farmers and
youth on the necessity for proper soil stewardship.

Most of the agricultural producers in the Trailblazer RC&D area are
diversified in their operations with both livestock and cropland
production. Many producers have torn out pastureland and converted the
acres to pivot irrigated program crops. The conversion has created a
shortage of needed grassland for summer pasture. The forage shortage has
also been compounded by the decrease in the number of acres of feed
planted for the Set Aside Program. Much of the grassland being converted
is considered as Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and does require structural
practices, as well as, a high degree of management to curtail erosion.
There are significant numbers of HEL acres, particularly center pivot
irrigated cropland, that is eligible for habitat set aside programs.
However, soil rental rates are not high enough on irrigated land to
justify conversion to grassland set aside.

Many programs are in place which address the above concerns and
Trailblazer RC&D collaborates with many agencies and partners which
provide assistance and administer funding programs to address these
concerns. Some of the programs include the Conservation Reserve Program
(CRP), the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program (NSWCP), NRD
programs and funding, and the Environmental Quality Incentive Program
(EQIP).

These programs are available to landowners who wish to install such
practices as riparian buffer strips, grassed filter strips, terraces,
grassed waterways, grade stabilization structures and windbreak
plantings. Technical assistance in developing and applying these
programs is available through NRCS, NRD, Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission, and Cooperative Extension.

NRCS and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) oversee Highly Erodible Land
Conservation Provisions as outlined in the Farm Bill. Compliance with
these provisions provides eligibility to local land users to qualify for
USDA farm programs benefits.

B.  **Water Management**

Two major water management issues in the Trailblazer RC&D area are
foremost in public opinion and are reflected in the concerns.

An April 2003, settlement agreement in the 1998 Kansas vs. Nebraska
lawsuit over Nebraska\'s consumptive use of water from the Republican
River Basin impacts Trailblazer counties Harlan, Franklin, and parts of
Webster and Nuckolls counties. The four counties are located in the
river basin and fall in the Lower Republican Natural Resources District.
A moratorium on all new irrigation well development has been instigated
and well meters have been implemented in the Lower Republican NRD as
stipulated in the settlement agreement. Affected wells in the
Trailblazer RC&D area number 2,976, supplying 262,830 acres of irrigated
cropland.

The primary source for surface irrigation in the counties is the
Bostwick Irrigation Canal, irrigating 22,790 acres from Harlan County
Reservoir. The three Republican River Basin NRDs, including the Lower
Republican, are developing integrated surface and ground water
management joint action plans for the basin by December 2003.

Full responsibility for compliance with the compact rests with the State
of Nebraska and the NRDs. However, all other agencies which partner with
the NRDs share the burden of public awareness, education, and the
development of more efficient use strategies.

The second prevailing water management issue in the Trailblazer area
addresses the dire need for adequate, contaminant free water in a
38-mile corridor along the Republican River in Franklin, Webster and
Nuckolls counties. Since the year 2000 the Trailblazer RC&D council, in
conjunction with the Lower Republican NRD and USDA-Rural Development,
has worked to create a rural water district which will supply 120 rural
households and 290 community patrons with a reliable water source. The
3.4 million-dollar carry-over project is targeted for completion in
January 2005.

The adequacy and safety of drinking water; ensuring rural water
supplies; water conservation to create and/or improve profitable
agriculture; culturing neighborly regard for water consumption; and the
need for the repair and construction of farm ponds and flood reservoirs
were rated as high water management priorities by the public.

NRCS, in partnership with NRDs and many other agencies, is the primary
source for technical expertise and assistance required to address the
above resource needs and priorities identified by locally led
conservation efforts. Some of the same programs listed under Land
Conservation are also effective in improving surface and ground water
quality. For example, the Environmental Quality Initiative Program
(EQIP) has been instrumental in cost sharing on irrigation water
management practices to address irrigation water use efficiency and
reduce runoff. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a filter
strip practice along streams and rivers to prevent pollutants from
entering water sources.

Additionally, the Little Blue NRD has three different sub-area water
quality projects implemented to address nitrate problems. The Elm Creek
Hydrologic Unit Area project in Webster County provided \$750,000 in
cost share assistance to address non-point source water pollution in the
watershed. The Elm Creek HUA project also provided many hours of
technical assistance which involved management practices from NRCS,
Lower Republican NRD, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Cooperative
Extension and DEQ.

The Well Abandonment Incentive Program is a cost share program offered
by the three NRDs in the Trailblazer RC&D area which helps share the
cost of properly sealing and abandoning old and unusable wells with
local landowners.

For the past four years, Trailblazer RC&D has been utilizing an
AmeriCorps member to assist with implementation of the Wellhead
Protection Program for communities and to work with communities to
prepare Contaminate Source Inventories.

C.  **Community Development**

Seventeen Trailblazer community assessments surveys together with the
Trailblazer RC&D Area Plan survey and the resource partners input forum
identified numerous needs and opportunities in the community development
category.

The following were the top priorities in the seventeen community
surveys:

-   Infrastructure improvement

-   Revitalize mainstreets, assist existing businesses and attract new
    businesses

-   Advances and education in technology

-   Recreation for all ages

-   Leadership development.

Needs and opportunities from the Trailblazer RC&D Area Plan survey data
compiled by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Applied Rural
Research and Innovation closely paralleled the community surveys.
Scoring higher than all other issues was maintaining quality school
systems. Eighty-four percent viewed a quality school system as the
number one priority for community development needs.

Weighted average scoring revealed the highest priority concerns as
follows:

-   Developing strategies to reverse the declining population

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Encouraging young people to pursue careers available in rural areas

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Improving community appearance

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Educating community leaders on the availability of outside resources

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Recruiting and training emergency volunteers

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Youth programs which foster appreciation for rural life

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Adequate health care facilities

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Promoting and developing local attractions in the region

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Local law enforcement

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Hazardous waste pickup.

Other high priority community needs/concerns are: up grading
community/county infrastructure; cooperating with neighboring
communities to provide essential services; community organizations which
involve citizens in community improvement efforts; leadership training
for all ages; adequate quality housing; technology education; on-going
education for elected officials; comprehensive planning; and developing
and supporting charitable foundations/endowments.

Other important needs which survey respondents identified to help
bolster rural economies are: facilitating the transfer of businesses
from retiring owners to aspiring new owners; health insurance pools;
active economic development organizations; identifying potential
economic development sites; training on how to market products or
services; electronic commerce education and assistance in acquiring
loans.

Opportunities to create and/or improve profitable agriculture include:
developing creative methods for retiring farmers to transfer their
businesses to young farmers; develop regional marketing strategies;
financial, computer and/or marketing assistance; telecommunications
training; assistance with alternative crops or livestock; and promoting
agri-based tourism.

The potential to increase tourism was cited in the following list of
opportunities: identifying potential recreation sites; providing
training for merchants to welcome and assist visitors; increasing access
to outdoor recreation on private property and offering more cultural
opportunities.

A significant carry-over project measure of the Trailblazer RC&D council
in partnership with the State of Nebraska Department of Economic
Development, Nebraska Development Network Central Region and the South
Platte United Chamber of Commerce will establish a federally designated
economic development district in south central Nebraska by the year
2005. Trailblazer communities will be eligible for technical assistance,
grants and economic development programs which previously have not been
available to them. The South Central Economic Development District
office will fulfill a longtime void in community and economic
development service in south central Nebraska.

The three newly established district public health departments which
encompass the Trailblazer area, South Heartland, Two Rivers and Health
Solutions, will be new stakeholders and resource partners to ensure the
provision of comprehensive public health functions for the health and
safety priorities of area residents.

D.  **Other Elements**

The public, especially those who reside in Fillmore and Clay counties,
expressed a high concern to preserve and restore Nebraska\'s crucial
wetland resources, the shallow natural lakes and marshes and adjacent
uplands, in the Rainwater Basin in Trailblazer\'s northern region. The
wetlands are crucial habitat for abundant Central Flyway migratory
waterfowl and other upland game.

Various other issues identified are: protecting fish and wildlife
habitat; addressing energy conservation; developing new sources of
energy; recycling; public health education and bioterrorism readiness.

Several established programs that address these concerns are the Wetland
Reserve Program (WRP), the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) and
Pheasants Forever program and cost share. These programs are available
to landowners who wish to make habitat plantings and for food plot
establishment.

The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture project consists of a multi-agency
group whose primary purpose is to enhance and restore the rainwater
basin in Clay and Fillmore Counties. The Trailblazer RC&D is working
with Congressman Osborne\'s staff and the NRDs to address the habitat
issues along the riparian area of the Republican River in an attempt to
increase the pheasant population.

Concurrence of identified and prioritized survey needs and opportunities
was obtained from thirty-two resource partners who participated in the
Trailblazer RC&D council hosted Resource Partners Input Forum in April
2003.

Forty-one needs were enumerated and discussed with importance determined
using the colored dot method. The major needs identified are:

-   Technology access and promotion of its use

-   Develop avenues to identify resources and deliver service through
    partnerships

-   Tourism development

-   Plan development to save/transfer small businesses and farms

-   Create and assist business start-ups.

The above identified issues closely correlated with those obtained and
tabulated from the survey instruments.

*\"As the critical need for conservation becomes more evident to
everyone, perhaps that turning point can be recognized before it creates
hardships on man and beast.\"*

*Portrait of the Plains*

**GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STRATEGIES**

The Trailblazer RC&D council has been presented enormous challenges.
Through the Area Plan development process a \"re-vision\" has evolved.
Goals and objectives have been conceptualized to meet the changing,
long- and short-term needs of the region and to address several
priorities concurrently to maximize resources and collaborative
opportunities. The goals and objectives, together with the strategies,
also respond to the need for expanded regionalism and cooperation in the
ensuing five years in order to better utilize local and outside
resources.

The plan is wholly new, is responsive to the needs identified and
prioritized by Trailblazer residents and integrates creativity,
leadership, flexibility, innovation and volunteerism.

**Goals for the Trailblazer RC&D include:**

**GOAL A: REVITALIZE THE REGION THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE, COLLABORATIVE
STRATEGIES TO REVERSE THE DECLINING POPULATION.**

> **Objective 1: Encourage 350 youth in years 2004-2008 to pursue
> careers available in Trailblazer counties.**
>
> **Strategy a: Improve Expo for Technology with a motivational keynote
> speaker.**
>
> **Strategy b: Send follow up target letters to 1750 youth attendees in
> five years.**
>
> **Objective 2: Foster an appreciation for rural life among young
> people.**
>
> **Strategy a: Implement a summer camp for 100 12-13 year-olds (Camp
> CPR-Cultivating People for Rural Nebraska) in years 2005-2008.**
>
> **Strategy b: Design a computerized database to use for area promotion
> and**
>
> **communication.**
>
> **Objective 3: Establish a permanent endowment by 2004 to benefit
> programs with long-term regional impact (Trailblazer Legacy Fund).**
>
> **Strategy a: Establish seven incentive scholarships to award each
> year to seniors who agree to return to live and work in Trailblazer
> counties.**
>
> **Strategy b: Develop and distribute support materials to 100
> potential donors in years 2004-2008.**
>
> **Objective 4: Market the assets of the region to lone eagles and
> retirees.**
>
> **Strategy a: Develop and implement website utilization material.**
>
> **Strategy b: Coordinate workshop topics on marketing strategies at
> five regional community meetings in years 2004-2008.**

**Strategy c: Develop an alumni area database with partners.**

**GOAL B: SAFEGUARD THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTE BEST USES OF LAND AND
WATER ASSETS.**

> **Objective 1: Sponsor a hazardous waste collection in all seven
> counties in years**
>
> **2004-2008.**
>
> **Strategy a: Remove thirty tons of hazardous waste from the
> environment in five years.**
>
> **Strategy b: Obtain grant funding assistance each year.**
>
> **Objective 2: Work with partners to create a rural water district to
> supply 120 rural households and 290 community patrons with adequate,
> safe water by 2005.**
>
> **Strategy a: Continue to assist the Lower Republican NRD with signing
> patrons onto the project as future water users.**
>
> **Strategy b: Assist partners with obtaining waterline easements from
> landowners to cross personal property.**
>
> **Objective 3: Partner with Southwest RC&D to inventory the riparian
> area of the**
>
> **Republican River and participate in two development outcomes.**
>
> **Strategy a: Appoint a representative to become part of the Advisory
> Committee by December 2003.**
>
> **Strategy b: Assist in identifying the public interest in the
> restoration efforts.**
>
> **Strategy c: Identify and select two project measures in the riparian
> area by 2008.**
>
> **Objective 4: Partner with Extension Service to host five pasture
> establishment and**
>
> **renovation seminars to target and educate 100 area farmers in years
> 2004-2008.**
>
> **Strategy a: Assist with education efforts making land users aware of
> pasture establishment and management in conversion of irrigated
> cropland to subirrigated pastures.**
>
> **Strategy b: Hold an annual cow/calf seminar addressing needs
> consistent with weather conditions, feed and forage availability, and
> requests of livestock producers.**
>
> **Strategy c: Assist with educational efforts in reducing cedar
> infestation in pastures by ten percent.**
>
> **Objective 5: Inventory trees and shelterbelts with the assistance of
> the NRDs in all seven counties by 2006 and initiate a Community Tree
> Challenge Project.**
>
> **Strategy a: Contact all communities within the Trailblazer RC&D area
> requesting their assistance in compiling a tree inventory and
> encourage new plantings by 2005.**
>
> **Strategy b: Work with the three NRD offices to inspect and critique
> windbreak plantings completed the past ten years.**
>
> **Strategy c: Develop an \"Adopt a Community Tree\" plan by 2005.**
>
> **Objective 6: Coordinate pheasant restoration measures in all seven
> counties in the next five years.**
>
> **Strategy a: Work with Congressman Osborne\'s office and Nebraska
> Game and Parks Commission to identify grant funding sources to enhance
> wildlife habitat.**
>
> **Strategy b: Appoint a representative to serve on the Republican
> River Habitat Initiative Committee.**
>
> **Strategy c: Identify and initiate measures that will return
> irrigated cropland acres to wildlife habitat.**
>
> **Objective 7: Obtain grant funding from the Nebraska Department of
> Environmental Quality and lead efforts for county roadside clean-up in
> one county each year for five years.**
>
> **Strategy a: Coordinate efforts with county officials to identify and
> prioritize areas of illegal dumping activities.**
>
> **Strategy b: Head up a task force to utilize grant funding which will
> include labor, equipment usage and disposal fees for roadside
> cleanup.**
>
> **Strategy c: Develop informational materials in regard to illegal
> dumping prevention.**
>
> **Objective 8: Foster knowledge of wetland values, their function and
> the proper**
>
> **management of the Rainwater Basin area over the next five years.**
>
> **Strategy a: Assist partners to educate and inform youth on
> protecting, restoring, and enhancing wetland resources.**
>
> **Strategy b: Assist partners with the dissemination of information to
> owners of wetlands on proper management; i.e. mowing, grazing,
> vegetation management, and removal of woody species.**
>
> **Strategy c: Assist NRCS and other partners with protecting and
> returning storage capacity of wetlands back to adequate water
> levels.**

**GOAL C: STRENGTHEN THE AREA THROUGH ADVANCES IN**

> **SOCIOECONOMIC VIABILITY WITH AN EMPHASIS ON TELECONOMICS AND
> E-COMMERCE EDUCATION.**
>
> **Objective 1: Assist in the creation of a federally designated
> economic development district in south central Nebraska by 2005 to
> qualify 34 communities for EDA program assistance.**
>
> **Strategy a: Work with DED to prepare the Comprehensive Economic
> Development Strategy (CEDS).**
>
> **Strategy b: Assist in obtaining resolution of support from the
> counties in the district and preparing interlocal agreements.**
>
> **Objective 2: Coordinate efforts to obtain community access to
> wireless technology.**
>
> **Strategy a: Sponsor an application for wireless mesh networking for
> seven sites to pilot in Red Cloud by year 2006.**
>
> **Strategy b: Host e-commerce workshops in five sites to promote
> utilization to 250 residents in years 2004-2008.**
>
> **Objective 3: Coordinate efforts among Scenic Byways (Highways 6, 14,
> and 136) groups to market tourist attractions in seven counties to
> local residents and visitors.**
>
> **Strategy a: Assist in developing a webpage for each highway by year
> 2006.**
>
> **Strategy b: Identify tourist attractions for Highway 6 promotional
> materials by year 2005.**
>
> **Strategy c: Work with statewide press to promote and publish
> attractions along Highway 14.**
>
> **Objective 4: Encourage 750 women to experience outdoor tourism
> opportunities in the region in years 2004-2008.**
>
> **Strategy a: Increase the publicity campaign for multi-state coverage
> of Women\'s Wilderness Weekend to ensure maximum attendance each
> year.**
>
> **Strategy b: Monitor the participation of each session and add new
> learning opportunities.**
>
> **Objective 5: Assist in the development of seven new cultural or
> recreational experiences in the Trailblazer RC&D area by 2008.**
>
> **Strategy a: Obtain grant funding from DEQ for construction of Indian
> Creek Pond and Recreation Area by 2004.**
>
> **Strategy b: Assist in the promotion and coordination of one new
> cultural or recreational facility in each of the seven counties.**
>
> **Strategy c: Catalog all cultural and recreational facilities in the
> seven county area by 2008.**
>
> **Objective 6: Coordinate efforts to revitalize one mainstreet
> business in one selected**
>
> **community within each of the seven counties by the year 2008.**
>
> **Strategy a: Continue to assist DED with the Business Visitation
> Program to identify business needs and marketing challenges.**
>
> **Strategy b: Identify potential businesses through community capacity
> building processes.**
>
> **Strategy c: Host \"Passport to the Future\" workshops with emphasis
> on mainstreet business survival.**
>
> **Objective 7: Identify and assist ten entrepreneurs or alternative ag
> income producers in years 2004-2008.**
>
> **Strategy a: Host \"Passport to the Future\" with emphasis on
> entrepreneurial skills and alternative ag income.**
>
> **Strategy b: Assist identified persons with resource assistance.**
>
> **Objective 8: Inventory, develop and market business/farm transfer
> methods by 2007 and assist with seven transfers.**
>
> **Strategy a: Work with the proprietors and the potential transferees
> to discuss finances and funding sources; include financial
> institutions and University of Nebraska representatives.**
>
> **Strategy b: Design a website marketing campaign.**

**GOAL D: DEVELOP ACTION-ORIENTED GLOBAL COMMUNITIES WITH**

> **FORWARD THINKING LEADERS.**
>
> **Objective 1: Host annual resource providers workshops with an added
> leadership**
>
> **development component to assist 25 communities in years 2004-2008.**
>
> **Strategy a: Host \"Passport to the Future\" in one county each
> year.**
>
> **Strategy b: Implement quality leadership development workshops.**
>
> **Objective 2: Sponsor three regional community workshops to foster
> community**
>
> **cooperation and innovation among 28 Trailblazer RC&D communities in
> years 2004, 2006, and 2008.**
>
> **Strategy a: Develop and host a workshop for communities in two
> counties every other year.**
>
> **Strategy b: Develop a program agenda to assist communities with
> regionalization and innovative cooperation.**
>
> **Objective 3: Identify and assist seven community/economic
> development groups with grass roots capacity building efforts in the
> next five years.**
>
> **Strategy a: Provide leadership and resource assistance to two groups
> each year in the next five years.**
>
> **Strategy b: Work with newly created South Central Economic
> Development District to assist groups.**
>
> **Objective 4: Recognize five outstanding community leaders with The
> Trailblazer Award in years 2004-2008.**
>
> **Strategy a: Develop ranking criteria to determine the awardee.**
>
> **Strategy b: Appoint a standing committee to select award recipient
> each year.**
>
> **Objective 5: Implement a Trailblazer Community Designation Program
> by year 2005 and enroll seven pilot communities.**
>
> **Strategy a: Develop integrated standards for progressive, global
> communities.**
>
> **Strategy b: Identify one community from each county to work towards
> requirements by 2005.**
>
> **Strategy c: Develop method of evaluation.**

**EVALUATION PLAN**

The success of the Area Plan goals and objectives established by the
Trailblazer RC&D council

will be determined throughout the years 2004-2008 and beyond by area
residents, those most

affected by service outcomes.

Methodology to be utilized to measure impact and outcomes is as follows:

-   Maintain and review a current file of all public agencies and
    resource partners involved in project measures to ensure diverse
    coordination efforts.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Review project measures upon implementation and completion by means
    of specifically targeted questionnaires.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   During the Annual Plan of Work development process re-examine public
    needs assessment data to ascertain correlation of project measures
    with outlined needs.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Review vision and mission statements periodically to ensure project
    measures meet the specifically defined role and mission.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Executive committee and coordinator tabulate and review project
    measures, goals, and objectives for three-year Area Plan review.

*\"All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity
for development accorded the individual.\"*

*Albert Einstein*

The Trailblazer RC&D Council agrees that the RC&D Program will be
conducted in compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions as
contained in Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as
amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-259)
and other nondiscrimination statutes; namely, Section 504, of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and in accordance with the
regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture (7CFR-15, Subparts A and B)
that provide that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of
race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, marital status, or
handicap/disability be excluded from participation in, or be denied the
benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any
program or activity receiving Federal financial (or technical)
assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any agency
thereof.

The Trailblazer RC&D Council agrees that the signing of this document
constitutes agreement to comply with Federal laws concerning
restrictions on lobbying, a drug-free workplace, and responsibilities
for procurement, suspension, and debarment, and State review.

The Trailblazer RC&D Council hereby adopts this RC&D Area Plan and
agrees to effectively use the assistance provided by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture to realize the goals and objectives outlined herein.

**Trailblazer RC&D Council**

By: \_\_\_\_[/s/]{.underline}\_\_[Jim
Farmer]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Date: [October
28, 2003]{.underline}

Council President

Attest: \_\_[/s/]{.underline}\_\_[Garold
Ohmstede]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Council Secretary

This action authorized at an official meeting of the Trailblazer RC&D
Council on October 28, 2003.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

**U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation
Service**

The Nebraska NRCS State Conservationist hereby acknowledges the attached
Area Plan of the Trailblazer RC&D meets requirements of Public Law 97-98
in order to receive assistance from USDA.

Acknowledged:

\_\_[/s/ Steve
Chick]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Date: \_\_\_[November 7, 2003]{.underline}\_\_

Nebraska NRCS State Conservationist