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lower Platte River, but the timing of the water will be modified to reach target flows for certain <br />times of the year. PRRIP acknowledges that the methods used to reach target flows have <br />potential for adverse impacts on flows in the lower Platte River. To address this concern, it was <br />agreed that during the first Program increment, impacts to the pallid sturgeon that are caused by <br />PRRIP activities or by new water related activities will be assessed through a stage change study <br />If PRRIP is determined to have negative impacts, the Governance Committee will develop and <br />implement appropriate conservation measures that either negate or offset the occurrence of <br />adverse impacts. <br />The Commission acknowledges that while PRRIP activities have potential for negative impacts <br />to threshold flows in the lower Platte River, the knowledge gained due to this study will further <br />define actual impacts to the lower Platte River, and appropriate conservation measures will be <br />developed accordingly. Therefore, for water action projects or other projects specifically <br />designed to meet PRRIP compliance measures, the Commission will not request formal <br />consultation, additional water offsets or mitigation under Neb. Rev. Stat. Section 37 -807. <br />Consultation is still required for water projects according to the memorandum between DNR and <br />the Commission for potential impacts to other threatened or endangered species. The <br />Commission has several individuals that are members of various PRRIP committees. The <br />Commission will continue to collaborate with implementation of PRRIP during the phase of <br />evaluation. Should negative impacts to lower Platte River threshold flows as a result of PRRIP <br />activities be determined, the Commission will work with appropriate committees to develop <br />conservation measures that either negate or offset adverse impacts. <br />Until the stage change study is complete, or four years from the date of this letter, whichever <br />occurs first, projects to attain PRRIP goals should continue as planned with no additional offsets <br />for lower Platte River impacts. After this time period, future discussions with the appropriate <br />parties will need to revise this process. The Commission requests that as new water action <br />projects are being designed, that the threshold flows for the lower Platte River (see enclosed <br />document) be considered. Additionally, should the Commission receive new information <br />regarding PRRIP impacts prior to the four year time frame or completion of the stage change <br />study, the process outlined in this letter may need to be modified. <br />Sincerely, <br />,2 0 '�'- '� � <br />Kirk Nelson <br />Nebraska Game and Parks Commission <br />CC: Jennifer Schellpeper, DNR <br />Mike Thompson, DNR <br />Kirk Nelson, NGPC <br />Frank Albrecht, NGPC <br />Rick Schneider, NGPC <br />Michelle Koch, NGPC <br />Final Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. October 24, 2006. httpaiplatteriverproeram .ore / resomces.asur <br />