| Formal Name: | Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force |
| Contact Person: | Tammy Zimmerman, 301 Centennial Mall South, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 94947, Lincoln, NE 68509-4947, (402) 471-2341 |
| Purpose: | The Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force, in consultation with appropriate federal agencies, shall develop and prioritize vegetation management goals and objectives, analyze the cost effectiveness of available vegetation treatment, and develop plans and policies to achieve such goals and objectives. |
| How Many Affectable: | NA |
| How Many Served: | NA |
| Year Created: | 2016 Note: Another Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force was created in 2007 but was terminated in 2015. |
| Year Active: | 2016 reinstated |
| Sunset Date: | Not specified |
| Authorization Citation: | Nebraska Revised Statute 2-969 |
| Parent Agency: | None. The Task Force is housed within the Nebraska Department of Agriculture for administrative and budgetary purposes only. |
| Number Of Members: | 28 |
| Who Appoints: | Governor |
| Legislative Approval: | No |
| Qualifications Of Members: | The members shall include one surface water project representative from each river basin that has ever been determined to be fully appropriated pursuant to section 46-714 or 46-720 or is designated as over appropriated pursuant to section 46-713 by the Department of Natural Resources; one surface water project representative from a river basin that has not been determined to be fully appropriated pursuant to section 46-714 or 46-720 or is not designated as over appropriated pursuant to section 46-713 by theDepartment of Natural Resources; one representative from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Natural Resources, the office of the State Forester, the Game and Parks Commission, and the University of Nebraska; three representatives selected from a list of at least ten individuals nominated by the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts; two representatives selectedfrom a list of at least five individuals nominated by the Nebraska Weed Control Association; one riparian landowner from each of the state's congressional districts; and one representative from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. |
| Per Diem: | No |
| Expense Reimbursement: | No |
| Term Length: | Not specified |
| Terms Rotate or Expire At Once: |
| Required FY 17-18: | NA |
| Held FY 17-18: | 4 |
| Required FY 18-19: | NA |
| Held FY 18-19: | 4 |
| Required FY 19-20: | NA |
| Held FY 19-20: | 2 |
| Support Staff: | .75 FTE |
| Shared or Separate: | Shared |
| FY 17-18 Budget: | 0 |
| FY 18-19 Budget: | $25,000 |
| FY 19-20 Budget: | 0 |
| Other Funding Sources: | No |
| Spending Authority: | Yes |
| Since July 1, 2016: | Since July 1, 2016: The Task Force has met regularly every quarter in different areas of the state to tour riparian sites of concern and successes. They have utilized the resources of the group to compile data which supports the benefits of riparian management. It has been compiled into a pamphlet for outreach and education purposes. They have invited members of the Legislature to attend their meetings and distributed letters to the governing body, to enhance knowledge and improve legislative relations to the cause. This Task Force has also developed a module for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization to incorporate into educational activities. Members of the Task Force also do presentations and have a presence at different forums where there is a keen opportunity to educate listeners to the importance of maintaining water conveyance. |