In the Council’s response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ draft Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for the Missouri River, satisfying local needs first was stressed as the most necessary management provision. The Council noted that the Corps has once again failed to recognize the importance of irrigation and the increased costs to Montana’s water users as a result of the Corps’ operation of the Fort Peck Dam. The Council also noted that the Fort Peck reservoir will likely reach yet another record low level (elevation of 2198.1’ msl) this spring—nearly 40 feet below the desired elevation. During last year’s operation, Fort Peck was to be favored and was supposed to end the year with a higher pool level; however, even under the “favored” conditions, Fort Peck is currently one foot lower than last year and more than 31 feet lower than normal.

The Council also stressed the importance of more effectively fighting the salt cedar infestation that circles the Fort Peck reservoir and is spreading to the upland areas at an alarming rate. With treatment costs as high as $1,000 per acre, the Council stated that raising the water level may prove to be the most cost effective method of containing the weed.

Release of the Corps’ final AOP is expected in January and will be available at www.nwd-mr.usace.army.mil/rcc/aop.html.