I wanted to touch on how we are doing on the implementation of Legislative Bill 701, which provided tools to address the water compliance issue with Kansas. This Wednesday will be the last of four meetings throughout the 44th District being held to enlist the cooperation of landowners along the Republican River west of Harlan with vegetation management put in motion by LB701.

Of the meetings I have attended, I have found great cooperation and willingness to get started on the large task of reducing the vegetation within the streambed of the river.

It was also good to hear the input of those who want to make sure we are going about the removal of invasive species in an environmentally sound way, as we seek to restore the streambed to a more normal density of native vegetation. As always, this balance can only be arrived at if there is strong local participation in the implementation of these programs.

As was reported earlier, a grant of approximately $1.3 million was awarded to the South West Weed Manage-ment Area by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to accomplish the vegetation management task set forth in LB701. This is one of several tools, or pieces of the puzzle, which will help our chances of future compliance with Kansas in the Republican River Compact.

I am excited to see what strides forward we can make in restoring some stream flow that was previously lost to the overgrowth of invasive species in the streambed.

As we work together on this water problem, let us not forget that although removal of invasive species such as saltcedar and Russian olive trees from within the streambed is very important, it is only one piece of the puzzle. Weed management alone will not solve our compliance problems. We need to continue to look at how we can use our water to the fullest by giving ourselves as many options as possible as "tools" in our "toolbox."

We should not close our minds to what I believe is still a cheaper solution, or "tool," for certain water problems, that being transfers.

I know that transfers are currently unpopular to many and I truly understand the uneasiness it causes, but they are currently being used in several other states and seem to be a positive option for them. I believe that we need to begin to entertain ideas that are more "macro" in nature and not just "micro," or local in nature. Some problems may be better looked at from a Nebraska perspective more than a local or even a basin point of view.

We should continue to strive and look for new and better ways to get the most out of our water before it leaves the state, so that we can maintain a healthy agriculturally based economy not only in the Republican River basin, but also in the state as a whole.

Wednesday's meeting of the SWWMA will be held in Arapahoe in the Ella Missing Center, starting at 7:30 p.m. I encourage as many of you to attend that can; get informed on the process and lend any input you may have. If you are unable to attend, contact Roger Stockton or Jennifer ten Bensel at: Telephone: 308-697-3477, Fax: 308-697-3478, or 888-585-1085, Address: Southwest RC&D, PO Box 86, 611 Paxton St., Cambridge, NE 69022, or swrcd@swrcd.org

As always, you can also contact me with any questions or concerns.