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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS <br />This study is an attempt to capture the essential shape of multiple sets of negotiations that <br />have been on-going for more than a dozen years in the Platte.River basin. It has been an <br />ambitious set of talks between local water users and environmentalists, between rival water users <br />within and among states, between water users and state authorities, states and the federal <br />Department of Tnterior. The research intent has been to be attentive to positions and processes, <br />the exertions of leaders and their organizations as they have collectively approached the creation <br />of something new under the sun-a set of agreements that will re-regulate Platte River basin water <br />flows, and provide improved river and tenestrial habitat for threatened and endangered species. <br />This project has been made possible by the assistance and good will of many people who <br />have lived and breathed Platte basin water and environmental issues. These citizens have helped <br />me understand issues, problems, and perspectives in public forums, small groups, private homes, <br />committee meetings, lunches, dinners, offices, on the banks of ditches and rivers, in farm yards, <br />and parking lots. They have toured me, fed me, and patiently educated me. They have <br />represented federal and state policy and management positions, irrigation districts, mutual <br />companies, natural resource districts, conservancy districts, power districts, municipalities, <br />environmental organizations, and private agricultural enterprises. Some have shared their <br />reactions to an earlier draft; their assistance has much improved the presentation and I am deeply <br />appreciative of their efforts. <br />The tale of the Platte River Basin Recovery Program may well yet unfold over the course <br />of lifetimes yet to be lived. However, the more limited story of getting the recovery program <br />established has yet to fully play out. As this is written, negotiators are wrestling with issues that, <br />as is so often the case in human affairs, have been postponed for the very reason that they have <br />posed special challenges. Therefore, at this sensitive moment in the process, I refrain from <br />listing my substantial number of benefactors. Lists for any particular state or federal agency, user <br />group, or environmental community might give rise to speculations that, however accurate or <br />wrongheaded, could serve no constructive purpose. When negotiations have birthed a program <br />(or not) these people will be more properly acknowledged. My appreciation of their assistance is <br />no less than if I spelled out their names here. <br />? I can only hope that if, and when, they see this work in print they will find it to be of <br />i interest, to be balanced and fair to the contending perspectives. I da hope that, with their help, I <br />- hayP aot thP ctnrv ctr?ight and that they w?ll fi_nd their effotts on my hehalf to have heen at 1eaa.st <br />somewhat rewarded. I make my best formulations and hold ready for justifiable amendment. <br />? Any errors of fact or interpretation are solely my own. <br />? David M. Freeman <br />? September, 2003