NRD expects spring opening on full length of recreational trail

TECUMSEH – Vigorous repairs to segments of the Steamboat Trace Trail that were most severely damaged by the Missouri River flooding of 2019 have been stalled waiting for restoration of the Peru flood levee, but the Nemaha Natural Resources District has waited long enough.

Kyle Hauschild, general manager of the Nemaha NRD, said 11 miles, about two-thirds of the 23-mile trail, were opened this summer. The stretch from Peru to Brownville is expected to open next spring.

Hauschild described the damage from the record flooding and first breach ever of the Peru levee.

Hauschild: “A lot of it was pooling water that was just backed up coming off the river, but there are also areas that had some velocity that actually carried some of the ballast and fines and everything off the trail. That’s been a big part of the issue. We’re trying to get those spots filled in that did erode or wash away and the other part is just removing sediment that was deposited there from the standing water.”

Repairs so far included debris clearing, new drainage pipes and some fresh rock, as well as dirt work on the Peru bottoms.

Hauschild: “When we did get it open, we did get a lot of positive feedback that they’re happy we got it open – as much as we could. Now they are looking forward to the next section getting open as soon as we can.”

 

The NRD delayed trail work waiting for word on repairs for the Peru flood levee. Although a path for federal funding has been laid, it is unclear when levee protection will be restored.

Hauschild said the trail is open under a minimum maintenance schedule and the north section will open when the deer season ends this week. More crushed rock for a smoother surface is ahead.

Hauschild: “Our biggest goal is to get it back open for the users as good as we could and then we’re going to go back and put the fine touches on it this winter and into next spring. That way it’s back to the ways it used to be and the way most people expect it to be.”

Hauschild said the NRD has received $180,000 from FEMA and will provide $60,000 in matching contribution for the trail. He said additional repair costs are anticipated in the future.