Loess Hills Receives Award

The National Association of RC&D Councils (NARC&DC) is very pleased to announce that Nebraska Loess Hills Resource Conservation and Development Council of Oakland, Nebraska has been reauthorized as a Premier member of the NARC&DC Circle of Diamonds program, one of the few RC&D Councils out of 375 to qualify for this elite status.

The Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D Council is a volunteer based grassroots organization comprised of community members and local government representatives. The RC&D Council serves Burt, Cuming, Dakota, Dodge, Thurston and Washington Counties. Board members include Larry Bockelman, Wisner; Mark Lorensen, Pender; Richard Leitschuck, South Sioux City; Jim Peterson, Blair; Gary Loftis, Craig; Lance Hedquist, South Sioux City; Kathy Rhea, Fremont; John Ross, Bancroft; Elden Wesely, Oakland; Richard McNear, Hubbard; John Kruse, Walthill; and Perry Rogers, Oakland.  In 2013 the Council completed 9 projects including a regional scrap tire collection, a scrap computer/electronics collection, household hazardous waste collections, and plastic pesticide container recycling. Nearly eighty volunteers donated more than 1,500 hours to these and other RC&D projects. Financially, the total value of the projects completed in 2013 exceeded $108,000.00.

The NARC&DC Circle of Diamonds program provides a proactive means for RC&D Councils to demonstrate that they are complying with legal requirements and best non-profit management practices. The program has three tiers or levels: Basic, Enhanced, and Premier. By earning Premier level membership, Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D Council, has clearly demonstrated its ability to adhere to the highest standards of governance and administration and its effectiveness in public outreach and partnership management. The RC&D Council’s policies and practices, as well as its inspiring vision for the future of its community, make it a model for all of us who strive to faithfully serve our communities and be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

The National Association of RC&D Councils heartily congratulates Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D, on this well-deserved honor. For more information about the Nebraska Loess Hills RC&D Council, 2014 projects, membership or to find out how to get involved contact any board member, or the Council at (402)685-4020 or visit www.nlhrcd.org.