If the Fort Peck Reservoir continues to gain water like it did this past year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers could be planning a “mini test” of the Fort Peck spring pulse as early as 2010 or 2011.  The spring pulse would release warm water over the spillway to mimic the historic natural spring floods that triggered spawning in the Pallid Sturgeon, an endangered species.  Additionally, the spring pulse would aim to provide habitat for the Piping Plover and Least Tern, which are listed as threatened bird species.  In it’s response to the Corps’ Draft Annual Operating Plan, the Council urged the Corps to begin reviewing and revising the stop protocols and environmental assessment for the spring pulse.  The Council also urged the Corps to involve the local stakeholders in the process and to provide funding for an aerial assessment of the river downstream from the Fort Peck Dam in order to determine the extent of infrastructure, development, and private property that may be impacted by the spring pulse.  To learn more, please read the Council’s comment letter dated November 21, 2008 or call the office at (406) 454-0056.