Final Minutes
Land Committee Meeting

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Vernon Nelson at 7:05 p.m.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

There were no corrections or additions to the June 12, 2000 Land Committee (LC) meeting minutes. The minutes stand approved.

Executive Director Report

Neither the executive director nor staff was present at the meeting. Nelson explained the CA was officially extended for 2.5 years on December 15, 2000. The extension covers the time period of January 1, 2001, until June 30, 2003. There is also a six-month time period included if additional time is needed. The extension was needed to complete unfinished milestones included in the 1997 CA Document as well as the completion of tasks identified during the previous three years. These tasks were included as new milestones in the Extension Document.

Public Comments

Carroll Sheldon read a statement concerning problems with the Third Party Impact Final Report, specifically addressing the potential economic impacts on sand and gravel operations (attached). Several meetings and conversations have been held with industry representatives and there is an overwhelming feeling of concern that the report is not accurate and needs to be better assessed. Representatives from the industry were present and listed several reasons why the final report's section did not accurately reflect the sand and gravel industry. Sheldon moved that a sand and gravel subcommittee be formed under the LC. It should include industry representatives and be included in all CA conversations that affect them. All subcommittee activity must be reported and approved by the LC with final approval by the GC. Discussion. Approved by consensus.

Sheldon again requested (from the June 12, 2000 LC meeting) that a Peer Review Committee be formed to study and review the finalized elements of the proposed Program. The committee should be made up of attorneys, farmers, businessmen and others affected. Sheldon will request $500,000 from the GC at their upcoming July 17-18, 2001, meeting to form the group and to cover costs acquired.

Groundwater Flooding Analysis

Curt Brown and Glen Sanders, Bureau of Reclamation and EIS, gave a Powerpoint presentation on the "Relationship Between Platte River Flows and Adjacent Groundwater Levels." Extensive time was devoted to question, answers, and discussion. Nelson thanked the public for the excellent questions and discussion. The Ground Water and River Flow Analyses and Ground Water and River Flow Analyses Appendices were available at the meeting or can be obtained by calling the Platte River EIS office.

TNC Proposal

John Heaston and Brent Lathrop, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), gave a report detailing the group's background, vision and interest in the Platte River Corridor (see attachment). Although still in the planning stages, TNC may be a way to acquire land for the proposed Program (as stated on page 2 of handout). As an interim strategy to assist the environmental habitat goals of the Cooperative Agreement, The Nature Conservancy is willing to fund and acquire land or easements in the Central Platte Valley which meet the criteria set forth by the Land Committee, with the understanding that these acquisitions will later be purchased by the Cooperative Agreement and held by a land/easement holding entity or partner. A contract will be drafted and presented to the LC later this summer. If approved, the contract must be presented to the GC for final approval. Questions taken with extensive discussion held.

Other Business

Jim Jenniges, NPPD, reported the Habitat Protection Plan work is continuing. He reminded the group that a Habitat Component workshop is being held June 20-21, 2001 in Lakewood, Colorado, addressing land component issues. Both chairmen plan to attend.

Jerry Vandersnick, Platte River Public Information, announced several brochures and packets were available on the Cooperative Agreement. They can also be obtained by calling his office.

Upcoming Meetings

It was agreed by consensus that future LC meetings will be held in Kearney, Nebraska, rather than alternating between Lexington, Grand Island, and Kearney, NE.

Habitat Component Workshop June 20-21, 2001 Lakewood, CO

GC Meeting July 18, 2001 Lakewood, CO

LC Meeting TBA Kearney, NE

Adjournment

Nelson adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.