Spring18Generator

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Balancing wildlife, recreation, irrigation and electricity
Over the past several weeks, there have been several
media reports regarding the vast number of migratory
birds (as well as other wildlife) in the area, both around
Lake Babcock and Lake North, as well as along the Loup
Power Canal and near the Loup River, all the way from
Genoa to Columbus.
It is truly a wonderful sight to see the thousands of
birds gathering at these various locations, and the number
of people who have turned out to view these creatures.
Loup Power District is proud to have the facilities
that provide access for individuals wanting to view this
spectacle, as well as providing the habitat that attracts
these migrating birds and wildlife to the area. This is a
very delicate balancing act — one that involves many
different aspects.
In addition to the enhancement of wildlife around the
District’s hydroelectric facilities, the District also strives
to provide a myriad of recreational opportunities within
the area of the Loup Power Canal.
Factor in additional concerns with generating
electricity (which was the main purpose in the
construction of the canal and the powerhouses back in the
1930s), providing water for agricultural needs, and the
protection of threatened and endangered species (such
as the Interior Least Tern and the Piping Plover) and you
can see there are many factors that come together in the
operation of these facilities.
Many entities believe theirs is the only one who
should benefit from the facilities provided by the District.
There are those who believe protecting threatened and
endangered species is the most important aspect of these
facilities.
Others believe the generation of carbon-free,
renewable energy is the most important aspect of the
hydroelectric facilities. Still others believe providing
access to recreational facilities, such as the off-highway
vehicle area near the
Headworks should be
the primary concern
of the District.
Finally, those who rely on the
water to produce crops and a
livelihood for their families, as
well as food for a nation and the
world, believe this need is the
most critical.
In reality, all of these are
of equal importance, and the
District is working hard on
making sure each aspect is given
its fair due.
The District has worked
hard with various government
agencies in the development
of a new license to operate the
hydroelectric facilities into the
by NEAL SUESS
President/CEO
future in a way that benefits all users. Unfortunately, as
I have described in past articles, not all parties feel this
way.
The District has no ulterior motives in the operation of
the hydroelectric facilities.
We truly feel our operation provides a balance, and
many of the studies produced during the prelude to the
filing of our license indicate this balance was being met
with our proposal. Others felt differently, and that is why
the District is trying hard to understand these thoughts
and needs and protect the other aspects.
The past several weeks have been a joy with all the
wildlife in the area, as I can attest to on a daily basis.
When I walk out of my house in the morning, I can hear
the wildlife around Lake Babcock and Lake North and I am
proud of the District’s effort to maintain this habitat. This
is wonderful for our area and brings tourists from outside
of Columbus who want to see it.
The District’s Board and employees are excited about
the opportunity that happens every spring and fall and
hope to continue to bring this to all who want to enjoy it
on a regular basis.
SPRING 2018 3