By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – The U-S Fish and Wildlife Service is recommending reduced flows on the Missouri River in the summer to protect endangered birds and fish. A team of biologists proposes that the Army Corps of Engineers provide a low summer flow next July to provide good habitat conditions for the pallid sturgeon. The recommendation does not call for a higher spring flow next year. The Fish and Wildlife Service's Michael Thabault says instead, there should be a two-year study period to determine the right flow levels, "If in fact that flow management regime is not developed by 2006, the service does prescribe spring pulses and low summer habitat flows to ensure the survival of the species."
Commercial barge operators reject the opinion they say the low water levels in July won't be adequate for river traffic.