The Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District will be taking applications for the expansion of new groundwater irrigated acres during October for the 2023 growing season.

There will be up to 300 new acres allotted to increase irrigation efficiency. The focus of the 2022 sign-up will be to finish off pivots, with 15 acres or less that have to reverse, due to an obstacle not allowing the pivot to complete the circle.

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 landowners or their powers of attorney from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31.

The criteria ranking sheet is in the process of being updated to 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 and 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 will be posted on the NRD website at http://www.uenrd.org when available.