Journalism and Mass Communications, College of
Date of this Version
5-2006
Abstract
Contents
4 | Nebraska’s Liquid Labyrinth
UNL and the Lincoln Journal Star join in an in-depth report on drought and the Platte River.
CAROLYN JOHNSEN
6 | Searching for the Source
With below-normal snowpack in the Colorado Rockies, the Platte River suffers from a lack of source waters.
ALGIS J. LAUKAITIS
8 | Product of Connections
No matter where the water comes from, watersheds are the link between land and water. And watersheds collect more than just surface water.
MAX POST VAN DER BURG
10 | Wrestling for Resources
The West finds itself in a battle for water after years of heavy drought and unrestricted growth.
CAROLYN JOHNSEN
13 | Nature’s Underground Storage
Fresh water moves at a snail’s pace, out of sight, in valuable aquifers
ANDREW MOSEMAN
14 Cohyst Project
SARAH McCAMMON
14 | Groundwater Groundwork
A new hydrology study may affect Nebraska resource management.
KRISTINE NEMEC & JOYITA MALLIK
16 | A Retreating Reservoir
Low levels of Big Mac leave some worried about the lake’s future.
ALGIS J. LAUKAITIS
19 | Underground Treasure Trove
Irrigation canals create a “mound” of water that may provide some relief from drought.
KRISTINE NEMEC
20 | Nebraska’s Efficient Pivot
In the coming years, more irrigators could turn to center pivots to cope with drought.
JASON WIEST
22 | Agricultural Adaptation
Farmers ponder different methods of water use to compensate for drought.
KIMBERLY HANSEN
23 | Sustaining the World’s Water
As world water resources fall, Nebraska serves as a possible management model for the international community
TORU FUJIOKA
24 | Platte River Rights
Three states and the federal government seek agreement on how to manage the Platte and protect wildlife.
ALGIS J. LAUKAITIS
27 | Battle at Pumpkin Creek
Competing users of a Nebraska creek go to court in a case that could set a state precedent in water law.
RACHAEL SERAVALLI
30 | Holding Tight on the Tap
Nebraska’s LB962 grants state government more control of water resources.
ART HOVEY
32 | A Quest for Conservation
Water-use authority moves to state and local powers in efforts to improve resource management
ART HOVEY
34 | A Diminishing Habitat
A shrunken river reduces wildlife habitat.
MAX POST VAN DER BURG
37 | A Monumental Migration
Cranes’ spring journey to the Platte creates a spectacle in Nebraska.
TORU FUJIOKA
38 | First Time With the Flock
A newcomer sees the world’s largest crane congregation.
JOYITA MALLIK
39 | Cashing in on Crane Season
Visitors bring money to state.
YANGKYOUNG LEE
40 | River Farming on the Platte
A conservation trust turns to new strategies to stop habitat deterioration.
NATE JENKINS
42 | Awestruck Scholars
A passion for cranes is reflected in the experiences of a poet and a scientist.
KIMBERLY HANSEN
44 | A Natural View of Nebraska
An outdoor classroom offers a firsthand experience in biology.
RACHAELSERAVALLI
46 | Wrangling for Water
Drought leads to struggles over water-use claims on the Platte River.
OLGA PIERCE
50 | Cash Crop for Farms
Nebraska farmers continue to raise corn despite the ongoing drought.
ART HOVEY
53 | CORN NEEDS WATER
Crop scientists say that 17-22 gallons of water are needed to produce one good ear of corn.
DEREK DROST
Comments
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications in-depth report on the state of the Platte River. © Copyright 2006 by the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.