Three individuals honored for conservation work

LINCOLN, Nebraska – During Husker Harvest Days Wednesday, Sept. 11, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.

“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts involve many dedicated individuals working to protect our natural resources,” said Martin Graff, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”

Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.

2024 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:

• NRD Director – Larry Moore, Ulysses, Nebraska
• NRD Employee – Stanley Staab (posthumously), Kearney, Nebraska
• NRD Supporter – Sen. Dan Hughes, Venango, Nebraska

Larry Moore – NRD Director

Larry Moore served nearly five decades on the Upper Big Blue NRD board, from 1975 to 2022. As a past board member, Moore continues to be involved by attending NRD board meetings and speaking out on topics of concern, lending his insight as a farmer as well as his vast institutional knowledge regarding NRD matters.

Dedicated to conservation, Moore has led by example in soil and water management, transitioning his family farm to no-till and incorporating cover crops. He has continuously invested in water conservation since the 1970s, moving from gravity irrigation to center pivots, and more recently installing soil moisture sensors and irrigation scheduling technology to improve efficiency and reduce the likelihood of nitrogen leaching.

His leadership extended beyond his farm, actively participating in public meetings and representing the area in the Big Blue River Compact. Moore’s enduring commitment to conservation and public service has significantly impacted the community and the environment.

Stanley Staab – NRD Employee (posthumously)

Stanley Staab served as the Lower Elkhorn NRD general manager for 29 years. He began his career with Nebraska’s NRDs in 1979 as the information & education coordinator at the Upper Big Blue NRD. He became the general manager of the Lower Elkhorn NRD in 1986 and retired in 2015.

During his nearly 36-year career, Staab was instrumental in numerous flood control projects, the construction of recreation areas, and the development of rural water systems. He also championed the establishment of new trails, including the Cowboy Trail Connector in Norfolk.

Staab passed away on March 5, 2024, at age 77. His leadership and commitment to protecting natural resources leave a lasting legacy.

Sen. Dan Hughes – NRD Supporter

As a third-generation farmer and Nebraska’s 44th District senator from 2015 to 2022, Dan Hughes championed natural resources, particularly water rights during his time in the Nebraska Unicameral.

Serving on and chairing the Natural Resources Committee, he was instrumental in passing legislation to protect groundwater and land rights for irrigators and balancing the interests of agriculture and the environment. His knowledge of business and farming gave him the ability to see both sides of the issue and create a resolution that pleased both parties while also protecting the natural resources being disputed. Now, as District 5 commissioner for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Hughes continues to advocate for Nebraska’s natural resources.

He also continues to be a good steward of the land and water on his farm that he shares with his two children in Venango, passing his knowledge and passion of natural resources onto the next generation.

Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 23.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at www.nrdnet.org.