Platte River Newsletter Summer 1998

	Summer 1998

	New Program Coordinator
	Introduction by Gary Lingle, Platte Watershed Program Coordinator
	Allow me to introduce myself as the new Platte Watershed Program (PWP) Coordinator, replacing Rachael Herpel who joined the staff of The Groundwater Foundation. As you may know, the mission of the Platte Watershed Program is to identify and address the information, education and research needs of stakeholders while developing cooperative partnerships to assess the management needs of the watershed. The PWP was created in 1994 through a partnership between the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, the University of Nebraska's Water Center/Environmental Programs, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII.
	The past year has witnessed several milestones with regard to Platte River issues.
	The Cooperative Agreement signed by the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and the Department of Interior will eventually fund a host of worthy projects and, perhaps more importantly, provide resolution to concerns over water rights and endangered species. At long last, parties have agreed to conditions on NPPD's & CNPPID's relicensing efforts for the Kingsley Dam and associated projects making the issuance of an operating license from FERC imminent. Cooperative studies of wet meadows are underway through an Environmental Trust Grant jointly awarded to Central Platte NRD, NPPD, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, and CNPPID, marking a new era of cooperation and joint ventures between varied interest groups. Efforts by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission to secure instream flow rights for the Platte River advanced past the hearing process and awaits a decision from the Nebraska Dept of Water Resources. U.S. Geological Survey launched its Platte River Ecosystem Project which will add to the Platte River information base.
	Collectively, these and other milestones portend a bright future where we may enter the new millennium with a fresh, proactive outlook.
	Many of you are aware that I am no stranger to issues dealing with the Platte River, having worked as an avian ecologist and habitat manager in the area since 1978. That experience enables me to bring a unique perspective to the task at hand. I look forward to working with you and am excited about the challenges that lie ahead. In the near term, I will spending 4-6 days a month in Lincoln, telephone (402) 472-0891; however my "home" address is: University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, Buffalo County, 1400 E. 34th St., Kearney, NE 68847-3998. My telephone number there is: (308)236-1235; FAX: (308)234-6319; E-mail glingle@unlvm.unl.edu.
	I extend a personal invitation to you to visit me at my new offices. Please feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to discuss ways in which PWP may be of assistance to you.
	Olson Nature Preserve An Educational Land Trust Model
	by Bill Whitney, Prairie Plains Resource Institute, 1307 L Street, Aurora, NE 68818-2126
	The Olson Nature Preserve is located between Albion and Petersburg, Nebraska. It is a tract of land that is becoming increasingly important in the lives of Boone County communities; as such it could justifiably be called a community preserve. [rest of story]
	Big Bend Think Tank Formed
	by Hal Nagel, Biology Dept., UN-K, Kearney NE 68848
	The Platte River Think Tank (Big Bend region) began last November. The loosely organized group formed from a desire to coordinate efforts and synthesize opinions regarding use and development of the Platte. A multi-dimensional group was envisioned and it currently consists of about 25 members. [rest of story]
	Cooperative Platte River Wet Meadow Alternatives Study Underway
	by Mark M. Czaplewski, Central Platte Natural Resources District, 215 N. Kaufmann, Grand Island, NE 68803
	The Platte River system is one of the most highly developed river basins in the world. At the same time, the central Platte River and it's associated wet meadows are an important habitat resource for regional biodiversity, numerous migratory birds and other species, including species federally listed as endangered and threatened. Wet meadows once occurred extensively along the Platte River; however, substantial reductions have occurred during the past century. [rest of story]
	Platte Ecosystem Symposium a Success
	Over 130 people attended the Ninth Platte River Basin Ecosystem Symposium held in Kearney last February 24-25. The weather cooperated as participants traveled from throughout Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Arizona, and Texas. Highlights of the Symposium included a field trip to a nearby Nature Conservancy (TNC) preserve to observe a unique red cedar clearing operation, an unveiling of the latest findings of two major socio-economic studies, the announcement of the discovery of a new species of caddisfly, and a preview of the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Platte River Ecosystem Project.[rest of story]
	Stakeholder Spotlight- Nebraska Water Users
	by Barb Batie, Information Director, NWU, 43590 Rd 761, Lexington NE 68850
	"Proud stewards of water" exclaims the letterhead of the Nebraska Water Users (NWU), a non-profit volunteer organization serving rural Nebraska. Founded in 1990, this organization focuses on Nebraska water issues, with a current emphasis on the Platte River basin. [rest of story]
	Meetings and the Migration
	March was the month for the crane migration and meetings in mid-Nebraska. The 27th Annual Nebraska Water Conference convened March 9-11 in Kearney. [rest of story]
	Cooperative Agreement Now a Year Old
	The Cooperative Agreement for Platte River Research and Other Efforts Relating to Endangered Species Habitats Along the Central Platte River, Nebraska was a year old on July 1. [rest of story]
	Hot Off the Press- A New Glossary
	The Glossary of Ecosystem Terms is now available. This Extension Circular (EC 98-787) is a glossary of ecosystem terms that describes Nebraska's ecosystems in general and describes portions of the Platte River Ecosystem in particular. It includes terms related to water management within the Platte River system. This project was completed with the help of many outside reviewers who provided their input in order to make this publication relevant. The Glossary is a useful resource for teachers, administrators, and the general public. To order your copy contact your local Cooperative Extension office or Tom Franti at 402-472-9872; E-mail: tfranti@unl.edu. Refer to EC 98-787.
	Platte Flows Protected
	24 June 1998, Lincoln- Department of Water Resources Director J. Michael Jess ruled today in favor of portions of the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission's Platte River instream flow application for fish and wildlife. [rest of story]