Platte River Ecosystem Resources and Management, with Emphasis on the
Big Bend Reach in Nebraska
Perspective
Strom (1995) believed that "it is unlikely that the cranes will continue to
exist on the Platte in large numbers unless there are changes in demands placed
on the river environment by the human community. This will require improved
policies on agriculture and economic development, and outreach programs to the
Platte valley community, particularly the agricultural community." Development
along the Platte River continues, jeopardy biological opinions are issued; litigation
over the Platte's water reaches the U.S. Supreme Court; Nebraska grants an instream
flow use for endangered species; and concerned governmental and non-governmental
parties meet to decide on how much water and land should be set aside for the
ecosystem. The outcome is not predictable but the best scientific information
available indicates that Platte River ecosystem resources are on the decline
in the long term.
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