Environmental Program

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Protecting the Health of Our
Land, Water & Air

The mission of the Environmental Protection Department of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is to promote, maintain, and protect the health of the water, land, and air within the Service Areas of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to ensure the continued health and welfare of its Tribal members and culturally relevant plants and animals.
The core of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s Environmental Protection Department has been the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program or GAP grant. However, in 2022 to 2023 the department moved into a Performance Partnership Grant or PPG. This program recognizes Tribes as the primary parties for making environmental policy decisions and carrying out program re­sponsibilities affecting Indian reservations, their environ­ments, and the health and wel­fare of the reservation popu­lace. The change in program from GAP to PPG allowed all the EPA funding to be pooled into one grant offering less administrative work and more flexibility.
In the last 10 years the Tribe has expanded its land base in Knox County as well as add new properties throughout the service area. This has al­lowed for more program reach throughout the service area and with constant education with Federal Entities we are es­tablishing the Tribe’s Rights to all of their land whether held in trust or fee land. We contin­ue to grow and look for new opportunities to understand what we have on the land that we now oversee.
Bison roaming the grassy fields of the Ponca homelands

Service Area

To download a map of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Environmental Protection Department Tribal Response Program Technician Service Delivery Area Counties, click here

My Native Plate poster

Current Programs

General Assistance Program

The General Assistance Program (GAP) supports the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s capacity to protect human health and the environment. GAP supports the Environmental Manager, who oversees the Environmental Department and its programs, as well as department-wide planning, training, outreach, and coordination.

Program Contact Person : Kayla Vondracek,Environmental Manager

Air Quality Program

The Air Quality Program works to protect and improve air quality on PTN lands through education, outreach, monitoring, and coordination with local, state, and federal partners. The program provides information and resources related to indoor and outdoor air quality and supports community members in understanding and addressing potential air quality concerns. 

Radon Program

The Radon Program helps Tribal members and employees learn about radon, a naturally occurring gas that can accumulate in homes and buildings. Through education, outreach, and resources, the program promotes radon awareness and encourages testing and actions to reduce potential exposure.
Free radon gas testing is available to:

  • Any Ponca Tribal Member or PTN employee (Tribal affiliation is not required for employees);
  • Who owns their residence; and
  • Who resides within a PTN Service Delivery Area (SDA).

If you are eligible, please complete the Radon Test Request Form

Program Contact: Cody Barta, Environmental Specialist

Water Quality Program

The Water Quality Program works to protect and assess the quality of surface and groundwater resources on PTN lands. The program conducts routine water quality monitoring, evaluates conditions and potential impacts to Tribal water resources, supports water quality planning and protection, and provides information and education to Tribal members about water quality and watershed health.

Program Contact: Kayla Vondracek, Environmental Manager

Tribal Response Program

The Tribal Response Program works to identify and address environmental concerns associated with potentially contaminated properties on PTN lands. The program conducts environmental site assessments, maintains information about sites of environmental concern, and works to support informed decisions and appropriate cleanup or response actions.

  • Please download the Spill Report Form to report hazardous spills at PTN office sites or on PTN Tribal land.

Program Contact: Environmental Hazards Specialist, Olivia Pospisil

Brownfields Program

The Brownfields Program helps identify and evaluate properties on PTN land where actual or potential environmental contamination may affect current or future land use. The program supports informed decision-making and the safe, productive reuse of these properties.

  • Property Site Assessment for Brownfield Eligibility : Request Form

Program Contact: Environmental Hazards Specialist, Olivia Pospisil

Tribal Wildlife Program

The Tribal Wildlife Program works to conserve, protect, and manage wildlife, plants, and their habitats on PTN lands. The program supports natural resource management, monitoring, conservation, education, and community engagement while recognizing the importance of culturally significant species and healthy ecosystems.

Program Contact: Kayla Vondracek, Environmental Manager

Tribal Wetland Program

The Tribal Wetland Program works to protect and better understand wetlands on PTN lands. The program supports the identification, assessment, and conservation of wetlands and their important roles in providing wildlife habitat, supporting water resources, and maintaining healthy ecosystems for future generations.

Program Contact: Kayla Vondracek, Environmental Manager

Education & Outreach/Environmental Resources:

TRP

TRP 128(a)Tribal Response and Brownfields Windshield Survey: Request Form

Brownfield Record

Public Brownfield Record for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska (Updated 2025)

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Contact Information