The data showing global warming are extensive and impressive, and the fact of global warming cannot be ignored. Climatologists state that the weather of the Northern Great Plains, which includes the Missouri River Basin, will become wetter as the temperature increases. Accordingly, streamflow is increasing and can be expected to increase in the future with global warming. Thus, larger streamflows can be expected along with increased flooding. Additional flood control will be needed.
Alternative one is no change in management.
The other seven alternatives severely reduce flood control. The Corps probably should abandon these seven alternatives and prepare a new set of alternatives that address increased flood control that will be required in the near future. It should be remembered that flood control is by far the most important benefit of the control and management of the Missouri River. No change in operating the Missouri River should be made until new alternatives are prepared and evaluated. These plans should continue to consider the criteria used in the present evaluation.