WHO SHOULD MANAGE THE HIGH-PLAINS AQUIFER - THE IRRIGATORS PERSPECTIVE

A state-local partnership exists in Colorado and Kansas with respect t o management of the High Plains aquifer. This paper examines 330 irrig ators' attitudes about the locus-of-control for different management a ctivities in the High Plains-Ogallala region. Local control was prefer red by most irrigators. The local district was most supported for 19 a ctive management activities, whereas the state was favored for eight s pecific activities, primarily research efforts and water rights admini stration. Eight activities that had the potential for restricting wate r use were rejected in that irrigators indicated that no agency should be involved. Kansas and Colorado exhibited statistically significant preference differences for only five management options. A significant ly higher percentage of those irrigators who preferred local control b elieved in sustainable management of the aquifer and aggressive ground water management, and that their district served their interests.