| Fish and Wildlife Officials hear concerns about the Endangered Species | ||
On Saturday the 13th Officials from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Army Corps of Engineers held a meeting in the Dana College Auditorium to provide information about their discussions the plan of the fish and wildlife to lower summer flows every year and to raise the spring flows an average of once every three years for the purpose of protecting the endangered species in the Missouri. Many of those attending the meeting weren't there to talk about saving birds and fish. They spoke out against plans that are expected to raise river levels in the spring and lower them in the summer. Walt Michaelson of Omaha asked "How much are the pallid sturgeons paying in taxes?" Michaelson said he has boated along the Missouri for 30 years and asked why the river level should be lowered so far as to protect the animals since he wouldn't be able to enjoy his chosen form of recreation. The officials said that the Fish and Wildlife proposals would have a definite effect on marinas, farmers, boaters, barge operators nd the people who live near the river. A similar meeting had been held in Nebraska City on Thursday the 11th to a smaller crowd, but with similar reactions. The Fish and Wildlife proposal would create a "split navigation season" and between June 21 and September 1 the river would not be navigable by barges. Many in the audience contend that the split season would end barge business on the river altogether. (Note Paul Werner's comments found on this web site entitled "Economics of Missouri River Navigation." ) Columbia Tribune, May 15, 2000. |