Mark H. Sherfy
2014
<p>The Platte River is a unique midcontinent ecosystem that is world-renowned for its natural resources, particularly the spectacular spring concentrations of migratory birds, such as sandhill cranes (<i>Grus canadensis</i>), ducks, and geese. The Platte River basin also provides habitat for four federally listed endangered or threatened species—interior least tern (<i>Sternula antillarum athalassos</i>), piping plover (<i>Charadrius melodus</i>), whooping crane (<i>G. americana</i>), and pallid sturgeon (<i>Scaphirhynchus albus</i>)—that require specific hydrological conditions in order for habitat to be suitable. Flows on the Platte River are subject to regulation by a number of dams, and it is heavily relied upon for irrigation in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Accordingly, it also has become a political battleground for the simple reason that the demand for water exceeds supply. David Freeman’s book takes a detailed look at water-use issues on the Platte River, focusing on how implementation of the Endangered Species Act influences decision-making about water allocations. </p>
<p>Review info: <i>Implementing the Endangered Species Act on the Platte Basin Water Commons.</i> By David M. Freeman, 2010. ISBN: 978-1607320548, 483 pp.</p>
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Great Plains Natural Science Society
Book review: Implementing the Endangered Species Act on the Platte Basin water commons
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