Missouri River News - February 22, 2005
http://www.helenair.com/articles/2005/02/17/montana/a09021705_01.txt
Eve Byron. “New MWA director hired.” Helena Independent Record, 17 February 2005.
MWA was created in 1958, with the goal of protecting the wild places that make Montana special. The group prides itself on being instrumental in the passage of the 1964 Wilderness Act and in the designation of every Wilderness Area in the state, as well as in gleaning Wild and Scenic designations for the Missouri and Flathead rivers.
http://www.jamestownsun.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=25263&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=102&S=1
“Editorial: NAWS project should be allowed to proceed.” Jamestown Sun, 17 February 2005.
The ruling, by Judge Rosemary Collyer, was made in conjunction with a lawsuit filed by Manitoba in 2002 challenging the NAWS project. In the lawsuit, Canadian officials say they are worried about the potential transfer of aquatic life from the Missouri River Basin to the Hudson Bay basin.
http://newstribune.com/articles/2005/02/17/opinion/0021705022.txt
U.S. Reps. JoAnn Emerson and Kenny Hulshoff. “Commentary: Waterways near crisis point.” Jefferson City News Tribune, 17 February 2005.
Of the 3.5 million miles of United States rivers, 12,000 miles carry freight to and from our cities and ports. Between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, our two congressional districts include an important portion of the river transportation network our farmers and manufacturers depend upon to bring inputs in and ship outputs out.
*also appeared in the Southeast Missourian, 17 February 2005.
http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2005/02/17/sphere/doc421366d2023ac246600179.txt
Algis Laukaitis. “Site helps bird-watchers fill life lists.” Lincoln Star Journal, 17 January 2005.
The Nebraska Birding Trails consist of nine intersecting highway routes passing through the state's 10 ecoregions. Five routes follow major river systems: the Missouri; the Platte; the Republican; the Elkhorn; and the Niobrara valleys — all providing migratory pathways for shorebirds and waterfowl and nesting habitats for eastern and western woodland birds.
http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/sports/outdoors/10932876.htm
Eric Burgess. “South Dakota experts headed for Aberdeen to talk fishing.” Aberdeen American News, 18 February 2005.
One of the foremost experts on the Missouri River will guide 2005 Fish 'N Fever Outdoor Living Show attendees through the past and future of Lake Oahe.
http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/news/10932848.htm
Scott Waltman. “Energy issues fuel group.” Aberdeen American News, 18 February 2005.
South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana have, in recent years, fought to keep the level of their reservoirs up. At the same time, downriver states have demanded increased flow for that region's power plants and barge industry.
“Missouri River water levels down.” Billings Gazette, 18 February 2005.
The ongoing drought will cause lower Missouri River reservoir levels and lower streamflows this year, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
*also appeared in the Jefferson City News Tribune, 17 February 2005.
*also appeared in the Kansas City Star, 17 February 2005.
*also appeared in the Lincoln Star Journal, 17 February 2005.
http://www.helenair.com/articles/2005/02/18/montana/a10021805_01.txt
“Rehberg named to subcommittees.” Helena Independent Record, 18 February 2005.
The Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development oversees spending for the Department of Energy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. "I'll be able to have a direct impact on federal programs associated with the Missouri River and Fort Peck Lake," Rehberg said in a press release, "as well as important Montana water projects, such the St. Mary diversion, Fort Peck and Dry Prairie Regional Water System, and Rocky Boys and North Central Regional Water System."
http://www.jamestownsun.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=25350&SectionID=31&SubSectionID=98&S=1
“Corps of Engineers warns of lower Missouri stream flows.” Jamestown Sun, 18 February 2005.
The Army Corps of Engineers says it continues trying to balance needs along the Missouri River while drought threatens to lower reservoir levels and stream flows.
http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2005/02/18/nebraska/doc42167a2d99d17528286177.txt
“Scientists: rising sea temps, low snowmelt mean no drought relief.” Lincoln Star Journal, 18 February 2005.
The latest forecasts for snowmelt runoff into the Platte and Missouri Rivers call for continued below-normal flows this spring and summer. "There is nothing to suggest that the drought is over," said Julio Betancourt, a scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey.
*also appeared in the Yankton Press & Dakotan, 19 February 2005.
“Editorial: River upgrades would mean jobs.” St. Louis Post Dispatch, 19 February 2005.
In response to the Feb. 14 commentary, "Our economy relies on improved waterways," by Reps. Jo Ann Emerson and Kenny Hulshof:
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2005/02/21/news/state/sta03.txt
Drought certain in Red River region, experts say.” Bismark Tribune, 21 February 2005.
Experts say it's only a matter of time before severe drought hits the Red River Valley again. Options include several alternatives for transferring Missouri River water.
*also appeared in the Jamestown Sun, 21 February 2005.
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2005/02/22/news/update/upd06.txt
“Wildlife area planned near Missouri-Yellowstone confluence.” Bismark Tribune, 22 February 2005.
The state is getting ready to manage about 1,500 acres of undeveloped land near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers for hunting, fishing and birdwatching.