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SUTHERLAND PROJECT PUBLIC BENEFITS The North Platte/Keystone Diversion Dam Project (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No 1835) is owned and operated by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) . The Project supplies many beneficial public uses such as irrigation, hydro power generation, GGS cooling, recreation and wildlife habitat enhancements. Project 1835 begins at the Keystone Diversion on the North Platte River near Keystone, Nebraska and the Korty Diversion on the South Platte River near Paxton. Water is diverted through a series of canals supplying water to Sutherland Reservoir and Lake .Maloney and after passing through the North Platte Hydro is returned to the South Platte River near North Platte, Nebraska. The Sutherland Supply Canal below the Keystone Diversion offers one of the state's most productive cold water fisheries. Last summer (July- September) anglers spent 6, 100 hours fishing the canal above Paxton, catching approximately 750 fish, predominantly trout. Water for the North Platte fish hatchery owned by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) is supplied through NPPD's canals. The canal system and reservoirs from Sutherland to North Platte provide excellent fishing opportunities for white bass, walleye and catfish. Water seepage from the system has resulted in the creation and maintenance of wetlands along the river valleys which parallel the canals as well as providing return flows to the North. and South Platte Rivers. These wetlands as well as the canals and reservoirs are used by migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. Sutherland Reservoir is a popular overwintering location for the endangered bald eagles. Sutherland and Maloney reservoirs provide year-round recreation opportunities. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, and golf are some of the most popular activities associated with the lakes. NPPD allows public access to all of their lakes and canals and has enhanced public access by building access roads, boat ramps, day and overnight picnicking and camping areas. Operations of some of these lands are provided by the NGPC and private organizations through agreements with NPPD. NPPD is also involved in monitoring fish and wildlife species of Sutherland Reservoir and the central Platte River. NPPD is involved in conservation of endangered and threatened species aside from the actual project works themselves. NPPD has developed four nesting areas for the endangered least tern and threatening piping plover on or near the central Platte River. NPPD has also conducted studies of the threatened Western Prairie. Fringed Orchid and the American Burying Beetle. Most recently NPPD has acquired land between Overton and Elm Creek that will be developed for wildlife habitat enhancement in connection with the relicensing of NPPD's North Platte Hydro facilities.