LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A retired farmer and cattle feeder is resigning from the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission.

Dick Mercer has represented statewide groundwater interests on the commission since 2008. He was elected to the commission in 1992 to represent Nebraska’s Middle Platte Basin.

Mercer served on the Central Platte Natural Resources District for 40 years, the Nebraska Environmental Trust for 10 years and the Groundwater Foundation for 10 years. He also was a member of several water task forces.

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman says Mercer has been “an outstanding and respected leader” on water issues.

Mercer will officially leave office the commission on Aug. 15.