WSP08424

• File Number: 8449.924
• Description: Upper Platte River Study
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 1/1/1980
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Work Plan
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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could be used, if needed, to maintain the necessary habitat. In December of

that year, discussions continued among USDI and State officials regarding

possible technical studies of the system needed to provide such information,

including hydrologic modeling efforts and ecological and water management

investiga tions.

Throughout 1977, additional discussions on these matters were conducted by

the principals with several points remaining unsettled, including the

geographic scope of study; how and when funding would be made available; the

role of the States and the MRBC; and the administrative structure for

coordination.

MRBC Proposal

Responding to its earlier recommendation regarding the need for further

investigation of the relationship between flows and habitat in this reach of

the platte River in August 1977, the MRBC prepared and submitted, to USDI

Assistant Secretaries Martin and Herbst, a Proposal to Study entitled "The

Upper Platte River Basin Water Management program." The objective of that

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proposal was "

.to adequately address and analyze the present and potential

"

water and related land resource problems, issues, and conflicts in the Upper

platte River Basin and. . .to determine the specific impacts associated with

providing and maintaining a wildlife habitat area along the platte River in

Nebraska." To accomplish this, three coordinated study activities were to be

conducted:

1. technical and scientific ecologic and hydrologic research

studies by the FWS and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS);

2. a habitat preservation study by the FWS; and

3. an Upper Platte River Basin special study by the MRBC.

This study proposal failed to receive favorable USDI support.

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