WSPC07467

• File Number: 8460.500
• Description: Platte River Basin - Endangered Species Issues - South Platte Recovery Program
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 3/4/1997
• Title: Nebraska Resources - Winter 1997
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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NEBRASKA RESOURCES WINTER, 1997/p.3

Niobrara Scenic River Update
By Tom Pt'5t'k

In lale December 1996. Bill Schenk, the National Park Service Midwest Field Director in Omaha. signed a record of
decision regarding the management plan that has been developed for Ihe Niobrara Scenic River. Schenk's action gave
formal approval to (1) Management Alternative B - Local Council Management with Federal Funding and (2) Boundary
Alternative 2 - inclusion of 85 many significant resources as possible within the river corridor and a minimum 200 foot setback
above the ordinary high water mark. The record of decision also:
(1) clarifies that the National Park Service cannot delegate its own law enforcement authority on the river or on any land it
may own in lhe future;
(2) clearly stales that the
National Park Service cannot
specify the membership of
the Council that will be
developed by the counties;
(3) adds a 6-mile study
segment to the length of the
river which increases its length
from 70 miles to 76 miles, and
in doing so, adds 869 acres to
the boundary, making the total
acreage 21 ,074; and,
(4) clarifies that the boundary
is a demarcation of significant
resources and is nol intended
10 affect landowners along the
river unless there is a change
of land use that threalens
those resources.
Addition of the six-mile river segment referred to in item (3) resulted from a provision in
the enabling act to require this addition if the Springview Unit that was designed to irrigate
adjacent table lands was not funded. This irrigation project was not found feasible, thus after
the five-year waiting period required by law, the six-mile river segment was added.
Copies of the record 01 decision can be obtained by writing the National Park Service
office forthe NiobraralMissouri National Scenic Riverways at P.O. Box 591, O'Neill, Nebraska
68763.
The four counties involved with the scenic river reach - Brown, Cherry, Keya Paha, and
Rock - have already held meetings 10 determine how they will establish and select
representatives to the local management council. Rob Coupland, the Cherry County
Attorney, is coordinating these initial activities.
On December 14, 1996, the Natural Resources Committee held a hearing in Uncoln
regarding the Niobrara Scenic River. State Senators Beutler, Jones, and Avery and
approximately 40 interested citizens were present. The purpose of the hearing was to explore
possible state involvement and assistance with the scenic river. Those testifying included
Warren Hill of the National Park Service office in O'Neill; Jim Van Winkle, a Cherry County
Commissioner; Bob Hilske, Manager 01 the Middle Niobrara NRD; Jim Neneman, Manager of the Lower Niobrara NRD; Dave
Sands of the Nebraska Audubon Society; Jim Cole of the Nebraska Sierra Club: Duane Hovorka of the Nebraska Wildlife
Federation: and, Dave Kames 01 Kutak Rock in Omaha.
Warren Hill, the superintendent of the Niobrara/Missouri Niobrara Scenic Rivers office in O'Neill since its inception in
October 1991, has announced he will retire at the end of March. He will be replaced by Paul Hadren, a 24-yearveteran of the
National Park Service. Hadren was formerty superintendent of the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site at Williston,
North Dakota.
The Niobrara Scenic River Advisory Commission discussed aspects of the management plan and its implementation al
a meeting in Ainsworth on January 15th. The Advisory Commission will next meet on March 26th in Bassett.

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