Threats to Wildlife and the Platte River

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p. 4 INTRODUCTION river, its associated wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and the wealth of wildlife they support, all need to be better recognized, understood, and appreciated to protect the future of this riverine ecosystem. As a recreational resource, the Platte system provides a unique combination of meadows, woodlands, islands, sandbars, and flowing water which runs 1352 miles through three states (Hoffman 1987). The river environment today provides increasing numbers of citizens with opportunities for world -class trout fishing, waterfowling and other hunting, canoeing and kayaking, wildlife watching and sightseeing, picnicking and camping. Groundwater Recharge Potential and Flood Control Capacity The value of the Platte River system lies not only in its surface waters but also in its capacity to recharge the underlying aquifer during high flows (Strahler 1971). Many farmers rely on these hidden reserves of groundwater to irrigate hundreds of thousands of acres of cropland (BuRec 1982, Burns 1981). The productivity of bottomland hay meadows is tied to this water table as well. Groundwater also provides water for numerous populated communities along the river, such as Kearney, Grand Island, Fremont, and many others. In those stretches where the river channel has not been constricted by man-made structures (such as bridges and bank riprapping) or encroached with vegetation, the Platte has an enormous capacity to carry away floodwaters within its own banks. If properly exploited; the Platte's natural ability to control flood flows would prevent or minimize economic damage that can be caused by heavy rains and high flows, diminishing the need for costly flood - control projects. Alteration of the Platte River and Threats to the Platte Ecosystem Despite that, or perhaps because, the Platte is such a valuable resource in many respects, the wildlife, recreational, natural flood control, and historic values associated with the Platte are in grave danger (see chapter II). The use of water for irrigation, municipal supplies, and power generation has significantly altered the nature of the river from its original form. Recognizing the importance of the river and the increasing threats to the system, Durward Allen, noted conserva- tionist, called the plight of the Platte "a major wildlife emergency." American Rivers, Inc., a river conservation organization, has listed the mainstem Platte as one of the most endangered waterways and the South Platte as the most endangered waterway in the United States (Udevitz 1988).