The Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are undertaking a series of public meetings in ten cities — from Helena, Mont. to St. Charles, Mo. — to discuss the restoration of the Missouri River ecosystem. These meetings are part of a long-term study to, “determine the actions required to mitigate losses of aquatic and terrestrial habitat; recover federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act; and to restore the ecosystem to prevent further declines among other native species.” The study is called the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan (MRERP), and was authorized as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.
The process of coming up with the MRERP is a lengthy one, and these public meetings are part of the study phase of the plan. The process of studying affected environments, considering alternative approaches, and selecting the overall plan is scheduled to last through 2016.
