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1 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Appropriate acknowledgment is long overdue for a rather important and far-sighted group---The Board of Directors of Western Kansas Groundwater District #1. They should be recognized and applauded for their determination and steadfastness in continuing to support the vision and ideals of the Water District's original Board of Directors with respect to weather modification. Prior to the initiation of the Western Kansas Weather Modification Program, the concepts of increasing rainfall and reducing crop hail damage in Western Kansas had not been properly tested in this area. True, there were some experiments by individuals in this region years earlier, but a more permanent large-scale undertaking had never been attempted until the Groundwater District became involved. The original Board of Directors had the guts to go for it and, with its able Executive Director, Keith Lebbin, they made it work and are continuing to make it work. Successive boards of directors have continued in the same tradition. Sufficient time has passed now to bear out the wisdom of the original decision to cultivate a weather modification program, Clearly, crop hail damage has been significantly reduced in and around the program area and rainfall has been increased. Although the total economic effect here has not been well studied, farming and ranching activities have been beneficially affected far beyond the Groundwater District boundaries, Currently, the weather modification program serves as a model for other High Plains groups increasingly more interested in stimulating rainfall and reducing hail. The Groundwater District #1 Board members are few in number and the District's areal size is small, but the impact of its decision to develop and support a weather modification program has been signifi- cant, A few good people have made a difference! ~ Speaking for all of us actively working in the field of weather modification, I wish to congratulate the Board for its exemplary vision, dedication and persistence, The future is right around the corner and we'll be there working with you. I \1 1 <;