May 13, 2013
by Caroline Pufalt, Chapter Conservation Committee Chair
The Missouri Clean Water Commission approved a plan for shallow water fish habitat restoration at Jameson Island in the Missouri river. This has been a multiyear effort. Thanks to all the Sierrans who helped by voicing their support, including Greg Poleski and Ken Midkiff.
A controversial issue for Missouri river management ended its first phase as the Army Corps of Engineers accepted initial comments on its plan to sell Missouri river water to the oil fracking industry in the upper basin. A final decision on this is likely over a year away and we will continue to be engaged.
Missouri Sierran Tom Ball was appointed as citizen delegate to the Missouri River Restoration Implementation Committee (MRRIC). That is an important assignment as it is a group of citizens and government trying to work together toward a healthier river.
The 2011 flood and 2012 drought continue to highlight the importance of river management. But that has not ensured that Congress will allocate sufficient funds for management and ongoing authorized environmental projects. Expect river funding to be in the thick of ongressional budget battles. See Missouri Chapter website for more information on Missouri River.