The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District is proposing to move water in Nebraska from the Platte River Basin to the Republican River Basin to meet their legal streamflow obligations to Kansas. But the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism believes downstream environmental and economic consequences should be considered.

KWPT said the Platte and Republican Rivers are not naturally connected so connecting them would breate a pathway for harmful fish, plants and other species to move between the rivers. The Platte River contains species such as Asian Carp and White Perch that could swim into the Republican River system. which supplies Milford and Lovewell Reservoirs. Those species and others that may inhabit the Platte River in the future could severely impact Kansas lakes and rivers.

Asian Carp can weight more than 50 pounds and leap 10 feet in the air when boats or personal watercraft pass by, posing a risk of serious injury to boaters. White Perch and Asian Carp can also pose a risk to the Kansas recreational fishing industry by leading to declines of sport fish such as bass, crappie and walleye. Changes to the Republican River could impact critical habitat for the Shoal Chub and Plains Minnow which are threatened species in Kansas.

KWPT said you can submit written comments to: Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 94676, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4676. Your written comments must be received by August 16th. Besure to include the application number to which you commenting on ( A-19594 ), an indication that your comment is offered under Option 1 ( written comment ), your name, address and contact information and your written comments.