Vegetation Task Force
LB 701 creates a vegetation management task force. The task force will set policy on how vegetation is managed in the Republican and Platte river basins. They will determine which plants are removed, how they are removed, and how much is paid to remove them. If you want to be one of the decision makers, you should apply for a seat on the task force.
Governor Heineman Press Release
Gov. Heineman Seeks Applicants for Vegetation Management Task Force
(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman is seeking qualified applicants to serve on the Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force, which was created by LB 701, the comprehensive water legislation that was recently signed into law.
The bill directs the task force to develop and prioritize vegetation management goals for the state and analyze the costs of vegetation removal or treatment options.
“This task force will play an important role in the overall management of our water resources,” Gov. Heineman said. “The group will set objectives that help water users deal with invasive plants in an effort to improve river flow in our fully and over appropriated basins.”
The bill calls for three of the seats on the task force to be filled by a riparian landowner from each of Nebraska’s three congressional districts. It also will include a representative of surface water projects along each of the state’s fully or over appropriated river basins, which includes the Platte, Republican and Upper Niobrara River Basins.
These six individuals will join representatives of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Weed Control Association, and the University of Nebraska, along with representatives from several state agencies and the Legislature.
Individuals interested in the serving on the Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force should send a cover letter, resume and completed application form to Peggy King in the Governor’s Office, at P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509. The application form is available on the Governor’s Web site at http://www.gov.state.ne.us or can be requested by calling the Governor’s Office.
Applications will be accepted through the end of the day on Thursday, May 24. Gov. Heineman may also choose to seek out additional qualified candidates. The names of those submitting formal applications will be made public. Anyone with questions about the task force may call the Governor’s Office at (402) 471-2244.