Laserfiche WebLink
> <br />f <br />Land and water use practices in the Platte River Basin since the early 19th century have <br />produced ongoing changes in the hydrological, morphological, and ecological characteristics of <br />the Platte River and its tributaries. Principal types of changes that have occuned to fish and <br />wildlife habitats in the Platte River Valley in central Nebraska between Lexington and Chapman, <br />include establishment and growth of riparian vegetation and varying degrees of alteration of <br />native grasslands, river channels, and other aquatic habitats. <br />Threatened and endangered species using habitats in the central Platte River area occur there <br />throughout the year. Each species has habitat needs that are met by the land and water resource <br />in and along the river. The land and water resources that have been used and developed over <br />the years have changed and are continuing to change the habitat available for the fish and <br />wildlife species. The habitat management process will be to compare the habitat needs of a <br />species to the land and water resources available and develop plans of action to satisfy habitat <br />needs by looking at ways to make additional land and water resources available and to manage <br />those resources for the benefit of the species. Development of an integrated Program for the <br />Platte River will minimize conflicts among species' needs and allow for the assessment of <br />species' needs throughout the year and wiTl provide the most appropriate action to ensure the <br />structure and function of habitats on which the species depend. (See Appendix 6.3 for listed and <br />candiate species in Big Bend area)." <br />1.4 IMPLEMENTATION <br />(to be added) <br />2.0 PROGR.AM ELEMENTS <br />The Platte River Habitat Conservation Program includes six elements: <br />1. Land Management <br />2. Water Management <br />3. Research and Monitoring <br />4. Information and Education <br />5