The following fact sheet was issued by the Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division on November 17, 2003:

FACT SHEET

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSEMENT

NOVEMBER 2003

New information developed since the preparation of the 2000 Biological Opinion: 

·         Corps engineering studies demonstrate the recommended Gavins Point Dam changes will not achieve the desired biological attributes.

·         Reservoir tern and plover habitat computer model – Shows a 25% increase in habitat in the reservoirs and a 16% increase along the river stretches.

·         Historic tern and plover mortality report – Corps operations were responsible for the loss of only 6% of terns and plovers from 1988 to 2003.

·         Designation of critical piping plover habitat – Identifies reaches of critical habitat

·         National Academies of Science report – Ecosystem restoration is critical to the successful recovery of the listed species. 

Elements of the Biological Assessment: 

·         Permanent flow changes at Gavins Point and Fort Peck dams are not initially included in the proposed action. 

·         Test of increased spring releases from the Fort Peck powerhouses and spillway.

·         Test flows in the fall from Gavins Point and Fort Randall dams.

·         Acceleration of acquisition shallow-water habitat for pallid sturgeon and construction sandbar habitat for terns and plovers.

·         Greater support to hatchery propagation of pallid sturgeon.

·         Strong research, monitoring and evaluation program.

·         Adaptive management through the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Program (MRRIP) with stakeholder support and involvement. 

Drought Conservation Measures: 

·         Mar 15 storage less than 54.5 MAF – Transition to minimum navigation flows at 49 MAF [Currently – Less than 54.5 MAF – Transition to minimum navigation flows that begin at 46 MAF]

·         July 1 storage less than 57 MAF – Transition to minimum navigation flows at 50.5 MAF  [Currently – Less than 59 MAF – Transition to minimum navigation flows that begin at 50.5 MAF]       

·         Jul 1 storage less than 51.5 MAF – Stepped approach to season shortening to 6 months that begins at 36.5 MAF [Currently – Less than 31 MAF – Stepped approach to season shortening to 5.5 months that begins at 25 MAF]

·         Mar 15 storage less than 31 MAF – No service to navigation.  Secretary of the Army must approve consecutive no-navigation years. [Currently 21 MAF – No service to navigation] 

The November 2003 Biological Assessment and related Missouri River management materials are available at the Northwestern Division website www.nwd.usace.army.mil and the “Hot Topics” section of the Corps’ website www.usace.army.mil.