Bear - Pierce - Cedar 3-A is a local government-owned dam located in Gage County, Nebraska, specifically in the city of Beatrice. This dam, designed by the USDA NRCS, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Pierce Creek. Completed in 1967, the earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet with a structural height of 35 feet and a length of 892 feet, providing storage capacity of 487 acre-feet.

Despite its critical role in flood risk reduction, Bear - Pierce - Cedar 3-A is currently assessed to be in poor condition with a low hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in May 2020 highlighted its deteriorating state, prompting concerns about its ability to effectively manage floodwaters in the future. With a drainage area of 1.2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 686 cubic feet per second, the dam's structural integrity is vital for protecting downstream communities from potential flooding events.

As climate change intensifies and extreme weather events become more frequent, the maintenance and rehabilitation of infrastructure like Bear - Pierce - Cedar 3-A are essential for ensuring the safety and resilience of local communities. With the dam falling under the regulatory oversight of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, efforts to address its poor condition and enhance its capacity to withstand future challenges are crucial for safeguarding water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region.