Those measures would be intended to aid in the recovery of endangered pallid sturgeon and improve habitat for nesting piping plovers and least terns. The unbalancing would take place on a rotational basis among the three reservoirs, Sando said, in order to improve spawning habitat for walleye and other game fish. Lowering the level on Sakakawea one year would encourage the growth of vegetation and would improve spawning conditions for those fish that need this type of habitat to lay their eggs and rear young, he said. It's not long enough for the fish, like pallids, to migrate upstream, spawn and rear young. If the spring rise looks too short, then we got to look at making modifications.
Flexibility is the key.
Smith fears the warm water to be released from the upper level will be too cool to be of any benefit to the fish. Money is also needed to improve conditions for fish and wildlife along the Missouri River. The basin association's plan calls for acquisition and development of additional fish and wildlife habitat from willing sellers. In past years, funds for such projects went elsewhere while Missouri River basin states fought amongst themselves. The basin association's plan also calls for immediate appropriations from Congress to implement a basinwide biological and hydrologic monitoring and research program to improve efforts to enhance the Missouri's fish and wildlife habitat.