When are we going to do vital work for this country and stop allowing potential polluters? Our waterways are more important and should never be overlooked in any EIS.

The Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (click here) has nearly 70 members who represent a wide array of local, state, tribal, and federal interests throughout the Missouri River Basin.

The Committee has 28 stakeholder members who represent 16 non-governmental categories. Stakeholder representatives, and their alternates, are selected by the US Army Corps of Engineers with input from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Stakeholder members serve for three year terms.

The Missouri is America's longest river; (click here) its basin spans 10 states. But human engineering has compromised its magnificent habitats and the fish and wildlife that depend on them. To promote positive change, the League launched its Missouri River Initiative (MRI) in 2007.

The League is working with federal and state agencies and private stakeholders to assess the environmental challenges facing the river and find solutions that work for the region’s ecology and economy. These solutions include restoring areas of  river wherever possible including backwater and side channel habitats, and increasing opportunities for recreation. Paul Lepisto, the League’s Regional Coordinator for the Missouri River Initiative said: “Activities, policies, and practices involving navigation, agriculture and energy development have altered river flow regimes impacting the well-being of the Missouri River. We want to protect and enhance a productive river environment for everyone—individuals, families, and businesses—in the region.  This will provide improved habitats for fish and wildlife, additional recreational opportunities and economic growth throughout the basin.” 

The US Army Corp has a management plan to recover the Missouri River and it's species.

The Missouri River Recovery Management Plan (click here) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a 3-year effort that will evaluate the effectiveness of current habitat development and recommend any needed modifications to more effectively create habitat and avoid jeopardy to the species. The plan will...

...Reviewing Species Objectives and Conceptual Ecological Models

In addition to the above scoping comments, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has drafted Missouri River Recovery Management Plan Species Objectives and Conceptual Ecological Models for review by November 4, 2013 . Please click on the first link to read the open invitation and instructions. The draft objectives and models are grouped by species below...
 

This vital river has been a true friend to Americans, but, it has been abandoned.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 (Sec 120) (click here) included language that currently prohibits the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) from funding the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan (MRERP).

Let's get this right for the Missouri. The Midwest needs a clean and vibrant Missouri River. It can't do without it. It is time to get this done.