Did You Know...

...that Kingsley Dam in western Nebraska provides habitat for more than 280 species of birds? The dam impounds a 1.74 million acre-foot reservoir, Lake McConaughy, that stores water for irrigation, recreation and wildlife. An associated 50,000 kW hydro plant generates 100,000 kWh annually. The dam owner and operator, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, delivers water for the irrigation of 112,500 acres and delivers supplemental water for the irrigation of an additional 130,000 acres. The surface water deliveries also contribute significant ground water recharge benefits to more than 300,000 acres irrigated by wells.

More than 700,000 annual visitors have been recorded at Lake McConaughy, resulting in an economic benefit to the area of approximately $14 million. The lake's sandy beaches have been compared to the beaches of Hawaii, and the lake is rated among the world's top places for windsurfing. Additionally, the abundant and diverse habitat makes the area one of the Great Plains' finest spots for birds. Huge flocks of waterfowl and cranes stage in the 6,200-acre wildlife management area during migration. Hundreds of bald eagles congregate during the winter to catch fish below the dam's hydro plant. From the District's viewing facility, 386 eagles were counted on a single day in 1994.

Thanks to Ron Corso, Mead & Hunt, Inc., for contributing this Benefits of Dams.

(reprinted from the USCOLD Newsletter, March 1997, page 3)