The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) hosts at least one free training per month (usually on the 3rd Thursday based upon staff availability) focusing on one of a great variety of floodplain management topics. These training opportunities are virtual, allowing you to join in from your home/office, without the hassle and expense of travel. Some of the most popular may be offered twice a year.
NeDNR will still provide two in-person workshops each year, the locations will vary by year.
Please sign up to receive training, workshop, updates, and other floodplain management notifications from NeDNR Floodplain Division using the link at the bottom of this page.
If you have specific training needs, please contact Chuck Chase or Elijah Kaufman. For any questions regarding registration, continuing education credit or scheduled classes please contact Michele York.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Virtual Office Hours: Floodplain Q&A
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 10:00 AM CST
Has placing a call to NeDNR regarding a question or issue been on your to-do list? Join floodplain staff to obtain answers to your floodplain related questions. This time is for an open discussion, to ask questions and receive resources regarding floodplain topics of your choice! We will welcome all questions from the very basic to the most advanced! Or, feel free to join us to just listen in on topics of interest from others! Possible topics to consider:
- Floodplain permitting and enforcement
- Why participating in the NFIP is important
- Flood Insurance
- Grants and funding sources
- Floodplain mapping
- How to prepare before a flood occurs
Virtual Office Hours is something we are experimenting with and if the concept is well received, we can offer it on a regular basis and/or expand the focus in ways to best meet everyone's needs. No pre-registration is required. Mark your calendar! Join Meeting
Climate and Your Community
Thursday, February 23, 2023
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CST
NeDNR is excited to host Doug Kluck, Central Region Climate Services Director with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Center for Environmental Information, for an exciting 1-hour virtual class. Suitable for floodplain administrators, emergency managers, and other local officials, the class will cover the following:
• Nebraska‘s historical climate variations
• Current climate outlook
• Climate considerations at the community level
• Helpful tools for local officials
• Tips for talking about climate
This class is approved for 1 continuing education credit toward the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credential or for Nebraska county/municipality Treasurers of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating communities. Participation is limited and priority will be given to floodplain administrators. Registration Link
Nebraska Floodplain Management Workshop
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Dawson County Opportunity Center
1501 Plum Creek Parkway
Lexington, NE 68850
The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources will offer an in-person workshop covering the fundamentals of floodplain management. The topics include:
- Floodplain Development Permits
- The Permitting Process
- Map Reading
- Letters of Map Amendment (LOMAs)
- Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-Fs)
- Substantial Damage and Improvement
- And so much more!
The free workshop is suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, as well as any community members responsible for local floodplain administration. The workshop is approved for Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for both Certified Floodplain Managers (CFMs) and for any Nebraska County/Municipality Treasurer of a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating community.
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. "Substantial Damage and Improvement" (3 CECs)
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Enjoy lunch on your own at a local venue!
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "Basic Floodplain Management" (3.5 CECs)
Please register early as participation is limited. Registration link
Floodplain Day
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Dawson County Opportunity Center
1501 Plum Creek Parkway
Lexington, NE 68850
NeDNR is offering an in-person workshop covering a broad range of topics related to floodplain management. Guest speakers from USACE, Nebraska Department of Energy and Environment, Nebraska
Game and Parks Commission, local NRDs, and more will share their expertise during this exciting new event. More information coming soon!
Before and After Disaster Strikes: Substantial Damage 101
Thursday, March 16, 2023
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
The aftermath of a disaster is not a good time to learn about permitting, the floodplain program, or Substantial Damage Assessments.
Join NeDNR staff for an informative 2-hour virtual class on what to do before and after a disaster strikes in your Special Flood Hazard Area. The class will cover the following topics, and more:
• Pre-disaster preparation actions and planning
• Informing the public
• What to do when a building is damaged
This FREE class is suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, as well as any community members or officials responsible for floodplain administration. This class is approved for 2 continuing education credits toward the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credential and for any Nebraska county/municipality Treasurer of a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) participating community. Participation is limited and priority will be given to floodplain administrators. Please register in advance for this free class. Registration link
Future Proposed Training Topics
April 2023:
Virtual training: No-Rise Certification for Floodways (1 hour)
May 2023 (Virtual):
Virtual training: To be determined
June 2023 (Virtual):
Virtual training: Basic Floodplain Administration (4 hour)
Recently Recorded Classes
These and other floodplain management videos can be found on NeDNR’s YouTube page. You may also click on each of the following class titles to find a description of the class and a link to the video recording.
*Certificates of Completion or Continuing Education Credits (CECs) toward the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) credential are available only for those individuals participating in the live virtual training session.
Other Resources
- The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) offers many in-person and online trainings including the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification program.
- FEMA and ASFPM launched a free online NFIP 101: Introduction to Floodplain Management course.
- The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) offers training designed for emergency management and disaster services team members.
- The Kansas Department of Agriculture Floodplain Division offers many floodplain management training opportunities.
- FEMA offers multiple training programs including:
- Information regarding other trainings/workshops can be found here.
Introducing the Community Assistance Contact and Community Assistance Visit
Introducing the CAC and CAV
You never know how well something is working until you inspect it.
On November 17, 2022, Elijah Kaufman, CFM, with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources presented a 1-hour virtual class introducing the concepts of Community Assistance Contacts (CACs) and Community Assistance Visits (CAVs). Communities that participate in the NFIP will soon receive a CAC or CAV to help them identify, prevent and resolve floodplain management issues BEFORE they develop into larger problems. Participants gained an understand of:
- The goals of the NFIP including federal, state, and local roles
- The difference between a CAC and a CAV
- Why CACs and CAVs are important
- What happens during a CAC or CAV
- How you can prepare
- Important definitions, tools, and resources
- What CACs and CAVs may look like in the future
Introduction to CACs and CAVs Presentation Slides
A Beginner's Guide to Floodplains
A Beginner's Guide to Floodplains
On September 15, 2022, Elijah Kaufman, CFM, with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources presented an informative 1-hour virtual class on the very basics of floodplains. The class was suitable for floodplain officials, insurance partners, concerned citizens, and anyone who needed a basic understanding of Nebraska floodplains and understanding flood risk. Elijah provided answers to the following questions:
- What is a floodplain?
- How do I determine if a property is in a floodplain?
- What constitutes development in a floodplain?
- What authority does a Floodplain Administrator hold?
A Beginner's Guide to Floodplains Presentation Slides
The Elevation Certificate: What Every Floodplain Administrator Needs to Know
The Elevation Certificate: What Every Floodplain Administrator Needs to Know
On July 14, 2022 Chuck Chase, CFM, with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources presented a one hour virtual class regarding what Floodplain Administrators need to know about the elevation certificate. He detailed how it is the the Floodplain Administrator, not the Surveyor, who is responsible for ensuring an Elevation Certificate is correct, the most common errors, and the best way for the Floodplain Administrator to properly edit the Elevation Certificate. The class was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, as well as any community members that review floodplain development.
Elevation Certificate Presentation Slides
Why the State Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan belongs in your Floodplain Toolbox
Why the State Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan belongs in your Floodplain Toolbox
On May 12, 2022, Adele Phillips, CFM, with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources presented a one hour virtual class regarding the new draft of the 2022 State of Nebraska Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan and how it can benefit communities.The class was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, emergency managers, and any community members responsible for hazard mitigation and planning.Her presentation included the following topics:
- The planning process
- Flood risk across Nebraska
- Flood mitigation actions
- Mitigation and recovery funding resources
- Risk data for your jurisdictions
- An overview of the online tool "National Risk Index for Natural Hazards
The Letter of Map Change (LOMC): What the Floodplain Administrator Needs to Know
The Letter of Map Change (LOMC): What the Floodplain Administrator Needs to Know
On April 21, 2022, Chuck Chase with Nebraska Department of Natural Resources (NeDNR) presented a 1 hour virtual class detailing the basics of LOMAs, LOMRs and LOMR-Fs. This included how and when to request a revision or amendment to a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to create changes to flood insurance risk zones, floodplains and/or floodways. This class was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, clerks, and any community members responsible for local floodplain administration. The following topics were covered:
- An introduction to LOMC: the LOMA, LOMR, and LOMR-F
- LOMA versus LOMR-F
- Requirements for submitting a LOMC
- Uunderstanding the LOMC review process
- Understanding the LOMC review process
- Fees and processing timeframes; and more.
Agricultural and Accessory Structures
Agricultural and Accessory Structures
On Thursday, February 17, 2022 NeDNR's Elijah Kaufman, CFM, presented a virtual class on how to correctly implement FEMA's agricultural and accessory structures policy issued in 2020. This free class was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, as well as any community members responsible for local floodplain administration. The class covered the following topics: an introduction to the concept and definition of FEMA’s Agricultural Structures, permitting agricultural and accessory structures, wet floodproofing requirements, considering and granting variances, and more.
Agricultural Structures Presentation Slides
Before and After Disaster Strikes: Substantial Damage 101
Before and After Disaster Strikes: Substantial Damage 101
On Thursday, January 20, 2022 NeDNR's Elijah Kaufman, CFM, and Adele Phillips, CFM, presented an informative 2 hour virtual class on what to do before and after a disaster strikes in your Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). This class was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, as well as any community members responsible for local floodplain administration. The class covered the following topics: Pre-disaster preparation actions and planning, informing the public, what to do when a building is damaged, permitting requirements and substantial damage, and more.
Wetlands and Wildlife: Avoiding Environmental Impacts in the Floodplain
Wetlands and Wildlife: Avoiding Environmental Impacts in the Floodplain
On Thursday, December 16, 2021 NeDNR hosted a virtual class for all floodplain administrators and those with interest in natural resource protection. Presenters and topics included:
- Corey King, Wetlands Coordinator with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), presented on NRCS jurisdiction, the typical process for NRCS projects, and Wetlands Protection Policy.
- Jessica Tapp, Environmental Specialist with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC), discussed state-recognized threatened and endangered species, when to use NGPC’s Conservation and Environmental Review Tool, and what types of projects NGPC typically reviews.
- NeDNR’s Adele Phillips, Flood Mitigation Planner, provided an overview of the floodplain development permitting process and other agencies or jurisdictions about which to be aware.
Wetlands And Wildlife Presentation Slides
Getting Started with CRS
On October 28, 2021 Todd Tucker with FEMA Region VII, Adele Phillips, CFM, with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and Melissa Mitchell, CFM, with the Insurance Services Office (ISO) provided a 1-hour virtual class on the fundamentals of the CRS program for floodplain administration. Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance premiums are discounted in CRS communities to reflect that reduced flood risk. This free course was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators.
Mitigation Concepts and Funding
Mitigation Concepts and Funding
On July 15, 2021 NeDNR’s Adele Phillips, CFM, and NEMA’s Lexy Hindt presented an informative 1-hour virtual class on mitigation measures and funding opportunities available. The class was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, as well as mitigation project stakeholders. The class covered the following topics: mitigation principles, types of mitigation activities, partnership opportunities, mitigation planning, and FEMA funds available: HMGP, BRIC, and FMA.
Easy as 1-2-3: How and Why to Update Your Floodplain Ordinance
Easy as 1-2-3: How and Why to Update Your Floodplain Ordinance
On June 17, 2021 Chuck Chase, CFM, with NeDNR and Christy Abraham with the League of Nebraska Municipalities presented an informative 1.5-hour virtual class detailing the benefits of adopting an updated floodplain ordinance. This class was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, as well as any local community members responsible for local floodplain administration. The class covered the following topics: why the antique floodplain ordinance needs to be updated, making the floodplain ordinance more practical, what needs to be in the floodplain ordinance, and the ordinance adoption process, and more!
Enforcing Your Floodplain Ordinance
Enforcing Your Floodplain Ordinance
On January 21, 2021 NeDNR staff presented an informative 1-hour virtual class on the fundamentals of enforcing floodplain management regulations. This class was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators. The class addressed the following topics: collecting evidence of violations, strategies for achieving compliance without legal action, legal tools for enforcing the floodplain ordinance, and enforcement process recommendations.
EnforcingYourOrdinancePresentationSlides
Floodplain Development Permitting with Confidence
Floodplain Development Permitting with Confidence
On December 17, 2020 NeDNR staff presented an informative 1-hour virtual class on the fundamentals of permitting for floodplain management. This class was suitable for both novice and seasoned floodplain administrators, as well as any community members that review floodplain development permit applications. The class addressed the following topics: NeDNR’s Model Floodplain Development Permit Application, NeDNR’s Floodplain Interactive Map, and when Elevation Certificates are required.
PermittingWithConfidencePresentationSlides
