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CD' '':I :) J J 11. A considerable amount of research and program implementation relating to water quality is in process and should be continued. However, since local com- munity participation is often inadequate, expanded Federal funding to achieve better water quality is needed. Emphasis should be placed on determination and control of non point pollution sources. 12. A realistic determination of minimum streamflow requirements for all nonconsumptive uses should be made. It is recommended that programs directed at determining instream flow needs be adequately funded and implemented. 13. Because of the limited understanding of the in- teraction between surface and ground water, many State laws fail to deal effectively with ground water. It is often treated as a completely separate water source, and allowed to be mined to exhaustion. As information is developed from ground water research and the relationship with surface water established, responsive legal changes recognizing the unique characteristics of ground water will be needed. 14. Current methods for comprehensive planning are generally adequate to address the needs of the Mis- souri Basin. A number of Federal agency programs, State water planning efforts, Level B studies, and the Missouri River Basin Commission's comprehensive planning program are effective comprehensive plan- ning activities. However, State comprehensive plan- ning efforts need to be expanded, especially those associated with recreation planning for water quality and fish and wildlife wildlife should be fully integrated into the comprehensive planning process. In addition, greater coordination of ail private, State, and Federal water programs is required. 15. To further comprehensive planning, information on water and related land resources should be stored in a central location, organized into a uniform format, and be made available for use by all planning groups. Therefore, it is recommended that the Commission es- tablish a centralized water-oriented data bank as a part of its comprehensive planning program to permit and facilitate the development of a basinwide water use and availability model. UPPER MISSOURI SUBBASIN 16. The Upper Miss.ouri Subbasin's near-term needs for expanded irrigated agriculture will be satisfied by implementing identified plan elements. Extensive small project development and rehabilitation programs of the Soil Conservation Service and Bureau of Re- clamation, closely coordinated with State programs to conserve waters and advance irrigation. are funda. mental to satisfying this objective. Specificalty, improvements at Tiber Dam to assure its safety should be expedited. Also recommended is the timely implementation of irrigation projects on the four Indian reservations located in the Upper Missouri Subbasin. 17. Meeting regional and national needs for electric power is dependent on the subbasin's hydroelectric generating capacity and its mineral fuels production. Growing demands for power necessitate implementa- tion of recommended Federal energy developments wherever practicable, as well as continuation of the State of Montana's regulation programs aimed at effi- oient energy development and land reclamation. 18. Preservation and enhancement of the subbasin's unique environmental resources are critical concerns which necessitate implementing all the identified plan elements addressing these varied needs. In particular, nondesignated sections of the Missouri River and study of ttle Madison River as national wild and scenic rivers should be initiated. It is further recommended that the wetlands acquisition program of the Fish and Wildlife Service and State programs dealing with re- creation and fish and wildlife planning and implemen- tation be accelerated. 19. Comprehensive planning needs for the Upper Missouri Subbasin can be satisfied through implemen- tation of the identified State and Federal planning ef- forts. In particular, it is recommended that the Commission-led Upper Missouri Level B Study, pro- grammed to begin in fiscal year 1978, be conducted in conjunction with Montana's water planning program. ., .t~ ~f?"t~...&,~" ........ Irrigated aH,H. near Helena, Montana 9 .