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

~~

conjunction with the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and the

Assistant Secretary for Energy and Minerals.

APPROACH TO PROBLEM

Demands for water in the Upper Platte River Basin will exceed supplies in

some years within the foreseeable future; indeed some indications exist that

this may have happened already.
Decisionmakers need to be shown how much water is available, how

dependable it is, an array of options possible for the use of that water with

due recognition of applicable State water rights, decrees, and compacts, and

respect for State water resource policies and programs as well as

congressionally authorized projects, and the consequences of choosing one

option or strategy over others. However, such an array of options should be

developed with a broad citizen and public official awareness.

The Secretary of the Interior has directed the FWS, USGS, and WPRS, in

full concert with the States of Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming, to proceed

toward development of this array of options. The initial efforts in this
regard will consist of:

1. an analysis of the hydrologic system, both ground and surface

water;

H.

;"

an analysis of present and future water use, management, and

availability; and
3. an evaluation of fish and wildlife habitat and associated

2.

....'

environmental needs.

Results of these three activities will greatly facilitate the analysis of

the present and potential water and related land resource problems, needs,

issues, and conflicts in the Upper Platte Basin. They will also permit

alternative uses for water and related land resources and the economic and

-6-