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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