Laserfiche WebLink
<br />OrJ')!?!) <br />1 '-' 1:..... ,J <br /> <br />which is the first major tributary in this reach, are expected to be <br /> <br /> <br />substantial. Most flows in this reach come from Gavins Point releases. <br /> <br />There are three basic kinds of ecological effects which can be <br /> <br /> <br />expected to result from a depletion of this magnitude. These are: <br /> <br />A reduction in the amount of wetlands adjacent to the Missouri <br /> <br />River; <br /> <br />A reduction in the amount of backwater (off the main channel) <br />aquatic habitat; and <br /> <br />A reduced volume of instream (main channel) aquatic habitat. <br /> <br />These adverse effects would be most apparent in the upstream por- <br /> <br />tions of the river reach. Ultimately, they would result in significant <br /> <br /> <br />fishery and wildlife resource losses. Missouri River wetlands are one <br /> <br />of the most productive aquatic and wildlife habitat types in the region. <br /> <br /> <br />Existing backwater areas along the Missouri River are important spawning <br /> <br /> <br />and nursery areas for many river-going species. A reduction in the <br /> <br /> <br />number and size of these backwater areas would likely reduce the popula- <br /> <br /> <br />tion numbers among many river fish species. <br /> <br />The following are some specific areas along the Missouri River <br /> <br />which are managed for fish and wildlife and which are expected to be <br /> <br />adversely affected by flow depletions and low river stages. <br /> <br />Missouri National Recreation River, Gavins Point Dam to Ponca <br />State Park in Nebraska <br /> <br />Karl Mundt National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in South Dakota, <br />managed for the bald eagle <br /> <br />A26 <br />