Missouri River Planning Recognizing and Incorporating Sediment Management (2011) / Chapter Skim
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7 Science, Policy, and Future Decision Making Along the Missouri River
7 Science, Policy, and Future Decision Making Along the Missouri River
Pages 124-128
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From page 124... ...
The preregulation river was a free-flowing system characterized by variable channel conditions and a flooding regime that transported vast amounts of sediment and provided rich and varied habitat for its native species. The engineering works built under the Pick-Sloan Plan and the Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project harnessed the river to meet social demands and preferences of the era.
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From page 125... ...
One impetus for the many new initiatives is to address continuing environmental and socioeconomic changes along the river, and to mediate and reconcile the often sharp differences of opinion over operations and other decisions affecting flows of water and the transport and deposition of sediment. As a consequence of studying the role of sediment in Missouri River management decisions, this committee made several observations regarding river resources and the role of science.
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From page 126... ...
Other examples of these trade-offs abound: a higher spring rise of the Missouri River to benefit native species poses the potential for increased flooding for communities along the river; drawdowns of Missouri River reservoirs to augment flows for navigation impacts reservoir-based recreation and reduces water supplies in upstream states; and removing revetments along the navigation channel in the name of ecosystem restoration may threaten farmland and infrastructure, as well as reduce depths of the navigation channel. Failure to acknowledge these realities and limits may contribute to lingering disputes and may confound effective decision making.
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From page 127... ...
In making decisions on reintroducing sediment to the Missouri River or managing sediment to support mitigation activities, the Corps of Engineers and others should consider • Knowledge and uncertainties about life cycles and life histories of endangered species; • Requirements for compliance with the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act; • Availability of private lands for habitat mitigation projects; and • Social and cultural attitudes about the relative importance of species recovery and protection of property from erosion. The scientific community has important roles in informing decisions regarding ecosystem restoration and species protection.
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From page 128... ...
Defining and adhering to boundaries between science and policy is a complicated and challenging process for decision makers, stakeholder groups, and scientists. Effective use of scientific information in Missouri River decision making will require these parties to acknowledge the different domains of science and policy, seek their respective boundaries, and appreciate the limits of knowledge about the river's natural systems.
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