Paxton Native Among NRD Hall of Fame Inductees Announced at Husker Harvest Days

Three individuals honored for conservation work

LINCOLN, Nebraska – During Husker Harvest Days Sept. 10, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.

“Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts involve many dedicated individuals working to protect our natural resources,” said Martin Graff, president of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD). “We’re proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for the significant improvements they’ve made to our natural resources, and the NRD Hall of Fame is one small way to thank them.”

Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter. The NRD Supporter includes an individual outside the NRD system who has shown tremendous care and leadership in Nebraska’s ongoing conservation efforts.

2025 NRD Hall of Fame inductees:

1. NRD Director – James Meismer, Paxton, Nebraska
2. NRD Employee – John Miyoshi, Wahoo, Nebraska
3. NRD Supporter – Martha “Marty” Link, Lincoln, Nebraska

James Meismer – NRD Director

James Meismer served 34 years on the Twin Platte NRD Board. His impact extends statewide through his 28 years on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Board, where he chaired the Legislative Committee.

A strong advocate for sound water policy, Meismer served on the Water Policy Task Force, whose work helped establish integrated management of groundwater and surface water in Nebraska. He also contributed to conservation at the federal level as an advisor to the Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust now the Crane Trust.

A respected farmer, rancher, and veterinarian, Meismer is known for his commitment to protecting Nebraska’s natural resources.

John Miyoshi – NRD Employee

With 33 years of service, John Miyoshi is recognized for his leadership and dedication to conservation. As the Lower Platte North NRD general manager, Miyoshi oversaw multi-million-dollar budgets and led major projects in soil conservation, water quality and quantity, and flood control. He was instrumental in securing federal funding for the Upper Wahoo Creek Watershed flood reduction dams, that began construction this year.

Miyoshi championed innovation, especially in GIS and data management, helping NRD and NRCS staff work more efficiently. He played a key role in projects like the Sand Creek Environmental Restoration Project (Lake Wanahoo), the Western Sarpy/Clear Creek Levee Project, and rural water systems for Bruno and Colon, Nebraska.

Known for building strong partnerships across all levels of government, Miyoshi brought people together around shared goals—even on controversial efforts. His legacy includes the establishment of the Lower Platte North NRD’s Ground Water Quality and Quantity Management Area, reflecting his commitment to protecting Nebraska’s resources.

Martha “Marty” Link – NRD Supporter

With a 32-year career at the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, Marty Link is known for leadership, technical expertise, and enduring partnership with Nebraska’s NRDs. A professional geologist and Buffalo County native, Link played a pivotal role in groundwater protection, beginning with the Groundwater Management Area Program and later supervising the groundwater, wellhead protection, and nonpoint source programs.

Link championed collaboration with NRDs, mentored staff, and helped shape local groundwater management plans. Known for her approachability and ability to translate complex science into plain language, Link built trust across all 23 NRDs. She was a regular presence at NRD board and manager meetings, the Water Programs Conference, and NARD events.

Her legacy reflects a deep passion for natural resources and a unique ability to connect with everyone—from farmers to EPA officials.

Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraska's 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraska’s natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraska’s natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraska’s NRDs at www.nrdnet.org.