The USFWS claims to have enough scientific data to not only justify, but make necessary a change in the Missouri river hydrograph. This change is supposed to aid the recovery effort of the pallid sturgeon, least tern, and piping plover. 

Common sense should tell anyone with a basic knowledge of the situation, this is not true. 
 
The pallid sturgeon: USFWS says the spring rise "may" cue the spawning of the pallid, but there is convincing evidence available that shows the pallid is already being cued, and that cue is a water temperature of 65 degrees. There is also evidence that the pallid does not spawn in the mainstem of the Missouri, but goes up into the tributaries. This takes place in the month of May. 

Tarleton H. Bean, author of Fishes of Iowa, Report of the State Fish Commission, 1892-93 states: "Nothing is recorded of its habits, except it runs up into the small streams in May for the purpose of spawning". Any attempt at changing the hydrograph in May will affect water temperature, and defeat the natural reproduction cycle. 

The piping plover: Although piping plover never successfully used the Missouri River for nesting prior to the building of the dams because of the day to day fluctuations of the river, they have readily adapted to the consistent flows afforded by the current operation of Gavin's Point. The spring rise will be a disaster for them, because of their need to nest just inches above the waterline, coupled with their arrival in late April and early May, which means they will have laid their eggs just before the spring rise. 

The least tern will face the same plight. 

Let's return to the pallid sturgeon. Presume for a moment that in spite of the spring rise, they were successful in getting their eggs laid and hatched. These larvae will eventually move into the shallow waters of the mainstem. It is common knowledge that very little shallow water exists between Gavin's Point and the mouth of the Platte due to degradation. Let's assume sturgeon do manage to find some shallow water. Just about the time they adjust to their new environment, the summer drawdown occurs and in many cases either leaves them high and dry or unable to find any more shallow water. Either situation will lead to their demise. 

This overview should convince any reasonable person that the spring rise and summer draw down has problems, but there is more. The USFWS says it is necessary to recreate the natural hydrograph, but is it "natural?" Let me present an analogy to show the answer to that question is a resounding "NO." We all know what Mom's Beef Stew is and what constitutes the ingredients. We need beef, vegetables, seasoning, and water. Does anybody really believe a bowl of cold water could be placed in front of "Mom" and she would agree it is beef stew? This is exactly what USFWS is asking. They have a spring rise with, no CARBON, no SEDIMENT, and no HUMUS, and they are trying to say it is a "natural hydrograph." Mom wasn't fooled on plain cold water being beef stew, and that other "Mom," Mother Nature, won't be fooled with a hydrograph of sterile cold water. 

Does it take a degree in aquarian biology, or a Ph.D. in ichthyology to reach this conclusion. You know the answer is no. It only takes common sense. 

There is more, 1,700 miles more, above Sioux City. The introduction of non-native gamefish above Gavin's Point has wreaked havoc with the vast majority of native species. According to the NAS report, 51 native species on the Missouri River are losing numbers, the majority above Gavin's. There is convincing evidence, that non-native game fish are eating them. The USFWS in answer to a petition to list sicklefin and sturgeon chub on the Missouri River as endangered replied: " predation has likely increased over historic levels due to the stockings of piscivorous fish into the reservoirs and remaining riverine sections. Future introductions of non-native fish, and other organisms may threaten sturgeon chub and sicklefin chub through predation." See Federal Register/Vol. 60, No.11 Wednesday, Jan. 11, 1995/proposed rules. One of the results of this finding is the petition for endangered species listing of the sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub were subsequently withdrawn, and plans to get the blue sucker, and sauger listed were canceled, even though warranted.

Every true biologist, or ichthyologist knows game fish are eating native fish. 

Barges aren't above Gavin's, and barges don't eat native fish, only game fish do, and this is the biggest threat to native species in any ecosystem. Yet American Rivers, has aligned itself with the American Sportfishing Association. 

Rebecca Wodders, American Rivers president, will be presented with the woman of the year award by the American Sportfishing Association in June. Where is the Sierra Club, the Audubon Society, and the Nature Conservancy when the fish need them? Isn't there a conflict of interest here, or is this just about money, not birds and fish? 

Capt. Bill Beacom