2024 Boards and Commissions

Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force

General Information

Formal Name:Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force
Contact Person:Tammy Zimmerman (Tammy.Zimmerman@nebraska.gov)
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. Any plan shall utilize the principles of integrated vegetation management and sound science.
How Many Affectable:All Nebraska waterway users.
How Many Served:12 Weed Management Areas and all landowners along Nebraska waterways.
Year Created:2007
Year Active:2007
Sunset Date:blank

Authorization

Authorization Citation:Nebraska Revised Statute, 2-969
Parent Agency:Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Memberships and Meetings

Number Of Members:21
Who Appoints:Governor
Legislative Approval:No
Qualifications Of Members:Members must cover the following entities of interest throughout the state: 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 overappropriated pursuant to section 46-713 by the Department of Natural Resources; one representative from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environment and Energy, 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 selected from 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:None
Expense Reimbursement:Milage if over 60 miles and overnight accommodations if necessary.
Term Length:3 years
Terms Rotate or Expire At Once:Terms Rotate

Meetings Required In:

Required FY 21-22:blank
Held FY 21-22:4
Required FY 22-23:blank
Held FY 22-23:4
Required FY 23-24:blank
Held FY 23-24:4

Operations

Support Staff:Yes. Trevor Johnson (Trevor.Johnson@nebraska.gov)
Shared or Separate:Shared
FY 21-22 Budget:$25,000
FY 22-23 Budget:$25,000
FY 23-24 Budget:$25,000
Other Funding Sources:None
Spending Authority:blank

Accomplishments

Since July 1, 2020:-Initial Plan of action developed first year;-Outreach materials (pamphlets, video, PowerPoint, website etc.) developed;-Numerous meetings with weed management areas for review and consultation.-Development of work groups within the Task Force for specific focus: 1) goals and objectives; 2) vegetative management and treatment,3) survey and monitoring, 4) education and awareness, 5) funding and incentives, and 6) vegetation water use. - Meetings with legislators to maintain importance of water conveyance work and solidify legislative support.- On site visits to assess areas of concern, survey success projects, gain education on science research.