Why is the lower Platte River so important?
Rodney Verhoeff: It truly is a unique and biologically rich landscape that supports so much biodiversity, including many species that have very little habitat left other than in the lower Platte River Basin. The area also is a source of important natural resources that we as humans rely upon for basic needs, such as drinking water for a majority of Nebraskans, a place to live, the source of many people’s livelihood, a major recreational and tourist hub, a source of important building materials, and an important natural region that is pivotal to a healthy ecological community. Frank Albrecht: The lower Platte River is a tremendous resource for the state of Nebraska. It provides *Abundant hunting and fishing opportunities; *A very important public water supply for more than 50 percent of the state’s population; *Recreational opportunities for airboating, canoeing, kayaking, bird-watching, hiking, biking, swimming, etc.; *Habitat for a significant amount of biodiversity, including both st
