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Randy Sellers, project manager from the US Army Corps of Engineers talks about devising plans and taking opinions from civilians. (Mike Bell/The Gateway)

Public meetings held to get opinions on Missouri River Restoration

By: Mike Bell

Posted: 9/8/09

UNO's Thompson Alumni Center hosted public meetings on Thursday to gather citizen input concerning the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan.

The plan, a restoration effort to repair damage to the Missouri River's ecosystems, is being developed by The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Twenty-nine Native American tribes and many state agencies are partaking in this effort, as well.

"The ultimate goal of the project right now is to see what it takes to restore the river and its tributaries," said Wayne Nelson-Stastny, a coordinator with the Wildlife Service.

Nelson-Stastny said the study was taking cultural factors into account as well as scientific ones. The plan's mission involves working with others to protect both the wildlife and resources of a vast section of our country.

The area impacted by the plan includes one-sixth of the U.S., and will take at least eight years to develop. Another 30 to 50 years are needed to implement the federal project. Funding for the project is 100 percent federal.

"Your generation will reap the benefits of our work," Nelson-Stastny said.

Participation was a point that was stressed throughout the meeting.

"This study is in its very early stages. We want to make sure the public's input is gathered and considered before moving forward with this effort," said Dave Crane, environmental resources specialist with the Corps.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the world's largest public engineering, design and construction management agency. The Corps has already helped in development of the MRERP by instigating the Mitigation Project in March 2008 to acquire land needed for fish and wildlife habitats from Sioux City, Iowa, to St. Louis.

The Corps is currently seeking public input and critiques on the MRERP as to what course of action to take. Feedback can be given at the MRERP Web site.

Social, economic and cultural issues including flood risks, recreational uses, power production from dams and agricultural use are being considered.

"If you're passionate about the Missouri River or just have an interest, please come by and help us make this plan for the future of the Missouri River ecosystem," Crane said.

People can suggest natural resources to be addressed, such as endangered species and culturally significant plants and fish.

Corps Project Manager Randy Sellers told the crowd he was there to listen to their ideas.

"We understand that many people have their own vision as to what the river should look like 50 years from now," Sellers said. "The enemy of good science is perfect science, so we are going to learn from your ideas through adaptive management."

He said the plan must be more than just economically and technologically feasible and must stay close to what citizens desire.

"We are truly working to make this a collaborative effort," he said.