The Platte River: One of Nebraska's Natural Gems

Statement

THE PLATTE RIVER: ONE OF NEBRASKA'S NATURAL GEMS

Growing up as a young boy in McCook, I learned the importance of conservation and grew to appreciate the rich natural resources that Nebraska possesses. As with many states in the West, however, the use and preservation of water causes great discord among environmentalists and landowners. Water is the lifeblood of farmers and endangered species alike. The Platte River in particular is vital to Nebraska as well as our neighbors to the west and we must learn to share what it has to offer. I have always fought for conservation of resources, but also advocated for cooperation with landowners who rely on the resource and can use it responsibly.

As I mentioned back in May, after more than 10 years of negotiations, we finally have a law that balances the needs of farmers and other water users, as well as the need to protect native species of birds, fish, and other animals that rely on the Platte River as their habitat.

The Natural Resources Act, which passed Congress in May and which the President signed, contains a provision called the Platte River Recovery Implementation Plan. The plan balances the interests of landowners and environmentalists, allowing irrigation for crops while still protecting endangered species.

Ten Years in the Making
When we began negotiations on this plan back when I was Governor, I never imagined it would take this long to be completed, but as with any good piece of legislation, all interested parties must have their say. The plan was negotiated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the states of Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. In late 2006 the Governors of Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming and the Department of Interior signed the final program agreement after working together since 1997 to develop a recovery plan that benefits certain species yet allows continued water use and development along the Platte.

The plan, sponsored by myself and Senator Chuck Hagel, and Senators Ken Salazar and Wayne Allard of Colorado, allows upstream water users to keep their share of water when water levels are sufficient to protect four endangered species downstream, Whooping Cranes, Interior Least Terns, Piping Plovers, and the Pallid Sturgeon.

But, when water levels downstream are not sufficient to protect endangered species, the act gives the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the authority to require Colorado and Wyoming to send more water into lower reaches of the river in Nebraska.

Cooperation is Key
The law authorizes the Secretary of Interior to proceed with the program and includes $157 million to carry it out. The cost will be shared 50/50 by the states and federal government. Through the program the states will provide benefits for the endangered and threatened species as well as land, water, and scientific monitoring and research to evaluate benefits of the program.

This is an example of the kind of cooperation among states and the federal government that is so vital to addressing future water challenges facing Nebraska. It is also an example of the kind of cooperation that we could use in addressing other problems that face our country. It proves that working together for the common interest we can accomplish great things.

I am proud that my efforts as Governor to conserve Nebraska's rich natural resources have been translated into a federal law with the cooperation of all concerned states. I will continue to fight for the preservation of our natural lands while supporting laws that allow responsible use. I remember my days as a young boy enjoying the outdoors and dream of the day that those same great outdoors are still around and our landowners and rural developers have been able to provide the needed services to build our communities into some of the best places to live in America.

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