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was released out of minor reservoirs into the river because of obligations under <br />the compact. <br />± <br />The decree is one of the basin?s greatest protections. There are not a lot of <br />limitations on this basin?s resident?s lifestyle. If there is more consumption and <br />development, then there may be repercussions. <br />Better stream management and in-stream flows are needed: <br />± <br />The state requires in-stream flows for environmental purposes. We have negative <br />feelings toward in-stream flows. However, they are popular with environmental <br />groups. <br />± <br />You can buy or donate senior water rights, but the rights must stay in the stream. <br />This has a domino effect on irrigation and other water users. <br />The Endangered Species Act limits the availability of water: <br />± <br />We?re concerned about the endangered species requirements in central <br />Nebraska. There needs to be some way to deliver more water to endangered <br />species without using the North Platte Basin water to ensure their survival. <br />± <br />The pulse flow agreement under the Endangered Species Act impacts diversions <br />and how storage is used. <br />Water quality regulations could affect agriculture and commercial activity: <br />± <br />There?s a concern that increased coal-methane drilling will negatively impact water <br />quality. <br />± <br />There?s a concern that EPA?s reclassification of streams for recreation use will <br />require higher water quality, which limits agriculture use. <br />± <br />The North Platte basin is an irrigated basin so it doesn?t make sense to have <br />higher classification of streams based on recreational use here. <br />Better forest management is needed to increase flows into streams: <br />± <br />The state should take over forest management for better water yield. Currently, <br />forest management is very poor. <br />± <br />The water yield from forest management is a statewide issue. The management <br />on these lands determines water yield. <br />± <br />There were meetings a couple of years ago like this, and the forester came up <br />with information about managing the forest that could increase the water supply <br />substantially with better forest management. But forest management would have <br />caused a political upheaval among politicians. How do we get around the <br />environmental position on forest management? <br />More storage may be needed to accommodate new activity in the basin: <br />± <br />The population of the county has been stagnant since 1970. Large landowners <br />are buying the land, not to develop but to have hobby ranches. This may create <br />more water demands. <br />± <br />Water demands won?t change much from what they are now. <br />