The Northeast Nebraska Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council hosted state the annual RC&D State Association Conference during National RC&D Week September 24 – 28. Thirty-five people from across Nebraska participated in the 3-day event held in Wayne. The conference theme was “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” which provided a perfect opportunity to share local successes of the Northeast Council. It also gave new meaning to the sites visited on the motor coach tour.
Gill Landfill, the first stop, was an eye-opener for many. It was started in 1981 with 270 acres, but has expanded to include 1200 acres making its’ capacity large enough to last 40 years. 600-900 tons of garbage is brought in each day from a radius of 90 miles. In recent years they’ve added methane capture to their ventures and serve the ethanol plant near Jackson with 10% of their energy needs.
Ponca State Park Superintendent Jeff Fields provided a hayrack ride tour of the park. Four different kinds of geothermal systems are in use in their facilities. Straw bale cabins are very “green” in their construction and offer a look at an alternative type of building. And all park guests and staff are encouraged to recycle everything possible.
The Laurel Recycling Center has been in operation since 2004, but continues to expand to meet consumer needs. This facility is open 24-hours a day with an easy-to-use drop off system for all wishing to recycle. They take everything except glass and TVs. Security Shredding is also located there, but operates as a private enterprise. This mobile business grew out of a need to protect consumer identity.
Awards for the year had the Northeast Nebraska RC&D Council bringing home the Outstanding Council honor. Plainview FFA received Outstanding Youth Involvement, Outstanding Executive Director went to Bobbi Meints of the Five Rivers RC&D, and Darol Ellwanger of the PrairieLand RC&D took home the Outstanding Volunteer award. The Panhandle RC&D received the Program Support Assistant award for Joyce Mick and the Top Project Award for the Intertribal Gathering.
New officers elected for the Association were President Dan Hruza from Ord with Loup Basin RC&D, and Vice-President Twila Phillips, Mullen, of the Sandhills RC&D. Continuing to serve as Secretary is Jessica Jones from the Five Rivers RC&D at Tecumseh and Treasurer Norm Hanson of the Great Plains RC&D. All twelve RC&D Councils in Nebraska are continuing their efforts to meet local needs across the state.
Northeast Nebraska Resource Conservation & Development Council
702 E. Park Ave. (east Hwy 20)
Plainview, NE 68769
402-582-4866, FAX 402-582-3966
[email protected]
Release Date: October 4, 2012 Download News Release RC&D Celebrated at Association Conference
For More Information: Jan Jorgensen, Volunteer or Dennis Wacker, Council President