The Nebraska South-Central District Fisheries Meeting highlighted significant water management challenges facing the region as officials prepare for potential water shortages in 2025. Key discussions centered around the lack of precipitation in the upper watershed, which is expected to impact water inflows into Harlan and surrounding areas.

This year is designated as a water call year under the Kansas-Nebraska compact, necessitating the release of water from reservoirs to comply with interstate agreements. Officials indicated that water will likely be released from either Medicine Creek or augmentation wells to ensure compliance, although specific details regarding the volume and timing remain uncertain.

Due to the anticipated water scarcity, irrigation from Red Willow and Swanson reservoirs will be limited, with no irrigation planned from Andrews. Medicine Creek is expected to be the primary source for irrigation, underscoring the urgent need for rainfall to support agricultural activities.

The meeting also addressed access to boat ramps at Harlan. Currently, the best options for boaters are Patterson, Gremlin, and Methodist ramps, although the latter may close if water levels drop further. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is facing delays in acquiring a new dredge, which could exacerbate access issues if water levels continue to decline.

As the region braces for a challenging water year, stakeholders are urged to monitor conditions closely and advocate for necessary resources to mitigate the impact of potential shortages on both recreational and agricultural water use.