Vote for someone who lives and works in the district — AND WILL WORK FOR YOU!
Vote Roger Gustafson for Lower Elkhorn NRD Subdistrict 7
Roger Gustafson isn't a career politician. He's a neighbor — a farmer, a steward of the land and a member of the community who cares about northeast Nebraska. He is also forward thinking, fiscally conservative with your tax dollars, and focused on the needs of rural communities, families, farms and businesses. Most importantly, he lives and works in his district, and has no ties or arrangements with outside organizations. This means he works only for you—the residents of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District.
Running For
Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Board (Subdistrict 7)
in Northeast Nebraska
From the Ground Up
Roger Gustafson was born and raised in Northeast Nebraska, the son of a farming family that understood the land as both livelihood and legacy. He grew up working on the land and learning firsthand the important of healthy soil, clean water, the importance of erosion and flood control and the need for responsible stewardship and practices that maintained healthy natural resources for all.
After college, Roger returned to the area he grew up in, building a farming operation and raising his family on the same ground his parents worked. He has strived to bring innovation to land and water management, keeping current on developments and trends that help retain water and soil nutrients, stop erosion and filter out pollutants, maintaining habitats and incorporating conservation practices that are good for the land, good for surface and groundwater, and good for us all. Roger's history with natural resources, managing current challenges and planning for the future — shape everything he brings to working with the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD). He has served on the board of the as the Subdistrict 7 representative for nearly thirteen years, and brings a wealth of leadership and a can-do attitude toward working on all issues facing the district. Most importantly, he lives and works in the district every day; not just on weekends. And, he doesn't represent any outside interest, as a paid lobbyist or consultant. Roger has been incorporating buffer strips, using no-till and crop rotation strategies, planting cover crops and implementing efficient irrigation practices since before they were trendy. He understands the value of healthy shelterbelts, and also the wisdom of using trees and native grasses that resist drought and provide habitat for wildlife. And he has been putting all of these ideas into practice, for healthier water, better soil, reduced flooding and more opportunities for all of Nebraska's residents.
Understanding the NRD
The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District is focused on sustainable stewardship of land and water resources. From groundwater monitoring, flood control and pollution and drainage issues to soil conservation, developing recreational facilities and rural water systems. Roger has worked alongside the NRD for years, participating in programs, offering feedback, attending meetings and understanding how board decisions affect real people.
He's seen what good management looks like, keeps current on innovations and changes in water and soil management, and understands the need to continually improve to keep the landscape healthy, both now and for future generations. As a taxpayer, Roger also realizes the importance of fiscal responsibility, and spending wisely to meet the needs of rural areas and small communities and keep local economies healthy. That's why he's running for re-election — not to disrupt what works, but to continue to bring a steady, principled voice to the decisions that matter most.
A Commitment to Community
Roger's involvement in the community goes beyond his own operation. He has served on local boards, participated in watershed planning efforts, and worked with neighbors to address shared challenges — from drainage issues and water quality concerns to erosion control, recreational opportunities and a wide variety of issues facing small towns and local landowners.
He believes that the best decisions come from listening — to farmers, to landowners, to rural families and communities. And to understanding and keeping current with the science and innovative practices that help our land and water to stay healthy for generations to come.
Core Values
What Roger Stands For
Honest Stewardship
Natural resources are a trust, not a commodity. Roger is committed to managing these with the long view in mind — for the farmers working the land today and the families and communities who will depend on these resources tomorrow. His focus in on those who live and work within the district's boundaries; not outside groups with competing interests and agendas.
Community First
The Lower Elkhorn NRD exists to serve the people who live within it's boundaries. Roger will keep that mission front and center — listening before deciding, and always putting the district's interests ahead of politics. He is not swayed by outside organizations, political movements or national agendas.
Fiscal Discipline
Taxpayer dollars deserve careful management. Roger will bring the same discipline to the NRD budget that he applies to his own operation — spending where it matters, fiscal restraint when needed. And keeping the economic impact of decisions in mind, so that opportunities are not missed, but taxpayer dollars are not wasted. He does not accept outside funds from any organization whose goals may not allign with those of the Lower Elkhorn NRD.
Science and Common Sense
Good resource management requires data, experience and practical common sense. Roger understands and respects the science of soil and water conservation, has experience in adopting proven techniques, innovative practices and adopting new technology. He brings a willingness to look at new opportunities and advancements, paired with decades of on-the-ground wisdom, to every decision.
Vote Roger Gustafson if you are in Subdistrict 7
The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District is divided into subdistricts, each represented by an elected board member. Roger Gustafson has lived, farmed and worked in Subdistrict 7 on a wide range of water, soil, erosion and conservation issues for nearly 40 years. He has 13 years of experience representing Subdistrict 7 and working on behalf of LENRD.