Nebraskan named to national conservation Hall of Distinction
Orval Gigstad says NRDs make Nebraska proud
SYRACUSE – A 30-year member of the Nemaha Natural Resources District Board is the first Nebraskan selected for the National Association of Conservation Districts Hall of Distinction.
Dr. Orval Gigstad is described as a steadfast champion for natural resource stewardship.
Gigstad: “I just never had any idea that I would get on that hall. It was a humbling experience. It’s a big honor to be named up there.”
Nemaha NRD Manager Kyle Hauschild said there has always been a Gigstad on the NRD board as Orval followed his dad, A.O. Gigstad, as a director.
Hauschild: “Orval has always been a great ambassadors for the NRDs and for conservation around the state and obviously it’s been around the country. To be nominated and achieve this award, obviously he’s doing good things for Nebraska, but also at the national level.”
The Nemaha NRD has completed its watershed structure priorities over the past three decades and is turning its attention toward maintenance of 400 dams and weirs, as well as groundwater quality. Gigstad said he is proud to represent Nebraska.
Gigstad: “Maybe the biggest thing I’m proud of is I’m a lucky guy because I get to go these national meetings and represent Nebraska. With our NRD system we’re just light years ahead of a lot of the states in what we do with natural resource conservation. Because we have an NRD system that enables us to do a lot of this work locally, without having to go to the state or county and beg for money.”
Gigstad also has 25 years on the state association is currently on the national association’s forestry subcommittee.
Gigstad: “That would be my legacy. I hope I represented Nebraska well because they have something to be really proud of with the NRDs.”
He said it’s important for NRDS to work with the state authorities on conservation goals, including water quantity and quality.