Organizing for Endangered and Threatened Species Habitat Draft

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This study is an attempt to capture the essential shape of multiple sets of negotiations that have been on-going for more than a dozen years in the Platte River basin. It has been an ambitious set of talks between loca.l water users and environmentalists, between rival water users within and among states, between ivater users and state authorities, states and the federal Department of Interior. The research intent has been to be attentive to positions and processes, the exertions of leaders and their organizations as they have collectively approached the creation of something new under the sun-a set of agreements that will re-regulate Platte River basin water flows, and provide improved river and terrestrial habitat for threatened and endangered species. This project has been made possible by the assistance and good will of many people who have lived and breathed Platte basin water and environmental issues. These citizens have helped me understand issues, problems, arid perspectives in public forums, small groups, private homes, committee meetings, lunches, dinners, offices, on the banks of ditches and rivers, in farm yards, and parking lots. They have toured me, fed me, and patiently educated me. They have represented federal and state policy and management positions, irrigation districts, mutual companies, natural resource districts, conservancy districts, power districts, environmental organizations, and private agricultural enterprises. The tale of the Platte River Basin Recovery Program may well yet.unfold over the course of lifetimes yet to be lived. Howe`rer, the more limited story of getting the recovery program established has yet to fully play out. As this is written, negotiators are wrestling with issues that, as is so often the case in human afi:airs, have been postponed for the very reason that they have posed special challenges. Therefore, at this sensitive moment in the process, I refrain from listing my substantial number of bE;nefactors. Lists for any particular state or federal agency might give rise to speculations that:, however accurate or wrongheaded, could serve no constructive purpose. When negotiations have birthed a program (or not) these people will be more properly acknowledged. My appreciation of their assistance is no less than if I spelled out their names here. I can only hope that if, and when, they see this work in print they will find it to be of interest, to be balanced, but not especially the source of any stunning news or interpretation. However, I do hope that they will i?ind their efforts on my behalf to have been at least somewhat rewarded. I make my best formula[tions and hold ready for justifiable amendment. Any errors of fact or interpretation are solely my own. David M. Freeman Professor of Sociology January 6, 2003