The Upper Elkhorn NRD will be taking applications for the expansion of new groundwater irrigated acres during the month of October for the 2027 growing season.  There will be up to 150 new groundwater irrigated acres allotted.  The focus of the 2026 sign up will be to complete pivots with 15 acres or less but not excluding other potential forms of expansion using the same criteria as last year.   The sign up is not on a first come first served basis; but, based on a ranking criteria sheet that focuses on current water quality and quantity concerns within the district.  Applications will be accepted from the landowner or their power of attorney from October 1 through October 30, 2026 by appointment only.  There will be a $50 application fee for anyone wishing to sign up to expand new acres; and, if the application is approved there will be an acre fee of $5 per acre or a minimum of $125 to proceed with the application.  The criteria ranking sheet has been updated to further meet the Board’s focus for this year’s expansion which also affirms that meeting the minimum score does not guarantee that the acres will be approved.  Due to drought conditions, water quality issues and water quantity issues the Upper Elkhorn NRD reserves the right to deny any expansion if it might be in conflict with the Upper Elkhorn NRD Groundwater Management Plan Rules and Regulations.  Application information is posted on the NRD website at www.uenrd.org.