Nebraska's natural resources are the greatest sources of the states wealth and its assurance for future prosperity. 

Nebraska Legislature enacted laws in 1972 to combine 154 special purpose entities into 23 NRD's  These Districts are unique to Nebraska and to the rest of the country.  NRD's are local government units with broad responsibilities to protect our natural resources.  Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries enabling District's to respond best to local needs. 

An elected Board of Directors governs each District.  Much of their funding comes from local property taxes.  In most cases, your local Natural Resource District typically uses 1-2 percent of all property taxes collected in each District.

NRD's help Nebraskans respond to natural resource challenges with local control, solutions and field offices.  Partnerships have been built with various agencies and organizations, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, other state and federal agencies, municipalities, counties and private organizations.  Many NRD projects leave permanent results: dams, terraces, draining ditches, windbreaks, reservoirs, and recreational trails. 

The Nebraska Association of Resource Districts, a state-wide association created by the NRDS', provide administrative services, legislative representation, state-wide communication and coordination for the 23 independent districts.

Since being created in 1972 the NRD's have experienced tremendous growth in the responsibilities given to them by the state statute, especially in protecting groundwater.