Grant Otten
Nebraska Public Power District
Columbus, Neb. – The July Fourth holiday weekend is quickly approaching, and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) wants lake goers to remember the importance of safety and preventing the spread of invasive species.
Lake Maloney, the Sutherland Reservoir, and a portion of Lake Ogallala are all part of the Sutherland Canal system, which provides cooling water for Gerald Gentleman Station and powers the North Platte Hydro. The canal system, which is owned and operated by NPPD, is fed from water out of Lake McConaughey and eventually flows to the South Platte River.
“Invasive species can be carried from one waterway to another if boats are not drained properly after being taken out of the water. If Invasive species get into a waterway, they spread rapidly and stick to every surface available, which could clog intake structures and facilities along the canal system,” noted NPPD Canaday, Water, and Renewable Energy Manager Kirk Evert. “We hope everyone who uses NPPD recreation facilities can have fun but do so while being safe and avoiding the spread of invasive species.”
The public should follow all regulations established and enforced by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to ensure safe use of NPPD recreational areas.
Fishing along the Sutherland Canal is a popular activity, but the steep banks and fast-moving waters can be extremely dangerous if anyone were to fall in the water. As a safety precaution when fishing along the canal, it is encouraged to bring another person along or let family or a friend know when and where you are going to be. It is also encouraged to have a life jacket when fishing along the canal near the water.