New Plans Could Effect River Riding

By Dan Nitzel, NOHVA Business Manager

          Several new plans are in the works in Nebraska to protect endangered species along the Platte River in Nebraska. 

          The first plan, known as the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP), was recently signed by Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman.  The PRRIP is an agreement involving three states, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and implement a plan to preserve habitat along the Platte River to preserve endangered species. 

          The basic concept behind the agreement is to increase water flow down the river from Colorado to Nebraska to Grand Island and Columbus to protect endangered species by working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

          How this will impact ATV riding and other motorized recreation in the river is not known, but from my understanding that once the program begins, there will be much more water flowing down the river.  This will mean that the river will not be nearly as dry as it has been in the past. 

Another concern involves the establishment of ten’s of thousands of acres of habitat along the Platte River.  This land will be purchased from private land owners.  Once this land is purchased, it is not known what kind of access will be allowed.  There is a chance that we as recreational users will benefit.  However, considering the past history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, they have not proven to be very motorized recreation friendly. 

Another plan in the works for the Platte River involves a new organization being formed to control invasive plants along the river banks.  Invasive plants are choking out the river, and soaking up lots of water.  A new group is being suggested to be formed by Governor Heineman named the Nebraska Riparian Restoration Task Force.  NOHVA has been asked to support the formation of this task force.  I recently wrote a letter to Governor Heineman and voiced our support for the formation of the task force.  The idea behind our letter is to try to allow us to have a voice in any new rules for recreational users on the river. 

Considering the recent issues with liability and the two new plans described in the article, at looks like we are going to have a very, very busy 2007.  If you would like to become involved in representing NOHVA and our state’s recreational ATV and dirtbike riders on the Platte River, please let me know.   We could use your help!  My home phone is 308-381-2143 or email us from our web site .

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This page was updated on Tuesday, February 27, 2007