Resources Chairman James V. Hansen's Remarks for 02-16-02 Grand Island, NE Hearing

Home Browse Search

.A Piping Plover Critical Habitat - Economic Analysis A draft economic analysis for the piping plover designation was developed by Bioeconomics, Incorporated, a Montana -based economic consulting firm. The draft analysis was completed to comply with court decisions requiring an expanded economic impact analysis and was submitted for public review and comment in January 2002. The draft analysis for the Great Plains population of the piping plover finds that over the next 10 years, the estimated future costs of Section 7 consultations to private applicants and other Federal agencies would be approximately $552,500 per year. Of that sum, no more than $58,000 is attributable to the designation of critical habitat. In Nebraska, the analysis foresees 5 formal consultations per year and 38 informal consultations per year for the plover on the Platte, Loup and Niobrara Rivers. The primary activities in Nebraska likely to result in consultation are expected to be associated with direct modifications of the river or its shorelines, such as bank stabilization, water depletion, sand and gravel mining operations, levee construction and water well fields. Because of previous consultations conducted on behalf of species associated with these three rivers, the presence of other listed species in the area, and the already- designated critical habitat for the endangered whooping crane, the report concludes that there would be little additional costs in Nebraska. In closing, Mr. Chairman, the consensus -based Platte River process has been a learning experience. But let me stress that it is moving forward and I believe it will result in a plan to both protect the myriad of species and provide the crucial level of certainty for land owners, farmers, and other water users in the three -state Platte River Basin. That concludes my testimony, I am pleased to answer any questions. 10