The Corps of Engineers is accepting applications for the newly formed Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC), which will advise the Corps on a study of the Missouri River and its tributaries as well as provide guidance on current Missouri River recovery and mitigation activities.  Applications are being accepted until August 22nd and application forms are available online at http://www.moriverrecovery.org.

In Montana, recovery and mitigation activities that could be considered by MRRIC may include a fish passage at the Intake Diversion on the Yellowstone River as well as a spring rise, or release of warm water over the spillway, at the Fort Peck Dam.  The MRRIC Charter, which was drafted by a team of basin-wide stakeholders over 18 months, provides MRRIC seats for stakeholders in the following categories:  Navigation, Irrigation, Flood Control, Fish and Wildlife, Recreation, Water Quality, Water Supply, Agriculture, Conservation Districts, Waterways Industries, Major Tributaries, Thermal Power, Hydropower, At Large / Other Interests (e.g., cultural and historic preservation), Local Government, and Environmental / Conservation Organizations.

The Missouri River Conservation Districts Council, which participated in the Charter-drafting process, urges all interested stakeholders and those with concerns about Missouri River projects aimed at recovering endangered species to review the MRRIC information and consider applying for a MRRIC seat.  For more information about the MRRIC Charter and member selection, please contact Mary Roth with the Corps by phone at (402)697-2659 or by e-mail at mary.s.roth@usace.army.mil.  More information about the Missouri River Conservation Districts Council and its involvement with Missouri River recovery is available online at www.MissouriRiverCouncil.info or by calling their coordinator Vicki Marquis at (406) 454-0056.