Winning photographs have been chosen in the Lower Loup NRD’s 2023 Photo Contest. In the competition that ran from November 2022 through May 15, 2023, twenty-seven photographers from the Lower Loup NRD, from across Nebraska, and even from out of state, submitted a total of 175 images. Subjects photographed included wildlife, landscapes, events, sports, weather phenomena, wildflowers, recreation, architecture, and agriculture. The following photographers are recognized:
• Robyn Koelling, Ord. FIRST PLACE, for a scenic image of a soybean field south of Ord at sunset.
• Ryan Flynn, Ord. SECOND PLACE, for an image of a spread of geese decoys at sunset on the North Loup River near Ord.
• AJ Dahm, Schaller, Iowa. THIRD PLACE, for an image of cattle grazing on a foggy morning near the Calamus River in Loup County.
Koelling’s first-place image will be printed, framed, and displayed at the LLNRD Headquarters in Ord. Her print will replace the 2022 winning print by Gary Micek of Elyria. After one year, when the winning 2024 LLNRD Photo Contest image replaces it, Koelling will be presented with her winning print. She will also receive a tree bundle, and all three places will receive a prize package of Lower Loup NRD logo items.
“The Lower Loup NRD is the largest Natural Resources District in Nebraska,” said LLNRD Information and Education Coordinator Alan Bartels. “From the Sandhills in the western part of the District, to farms in the east and 514 miles of rivers in between, the photo opportunities in this area are endless. We hope people will continue exploring the Lower Loup NRD, and when they do, that they have their camera along for the adventure. We’d love to see their stunning images submitted when the 2024 LLNRD Photo Contest opens later this year.”
Above, first place winner by Robyn Koelling (soybean field south of Ord at sunset)
Below, second place winner by Ryan Flynn (geese decoy spread on North Loup River near Ord)
Below, third place winner by AJ Dahm (Calamus River in Loup County)
