uSept. 3, 2004: Visiting with the public at Springfield, SD

Navigating the Missouri River or what was known as Lewis and Clark Lake has become increasingly difficult over the years since the construction of Gavins Point Dam. Sediment is filling the reservoir creating sandbars which are multiplying closer to Yankton each year. A non-profit organization called the Missouri Sedimentation Action Coalition is attempting to protect the Missouri River reservoirs for future generations.
Howard Paul, executive director of MSAC, was at the Springfield Marina Friday, Sept. 3, to bring awareness to the problems.

“In early discussions with the Corps of Engineers, they referred to sedimentation as a situation that was predicted and on schedule. Now, they have admitted sedimentation is a problem and that they will work with us to get something done,” he said.

Paul has made two trips to Washington, D.C., this year in efforts of creating contacts and cooperation among the states. He has spoken with delegations from South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, Iowa and Minnesota. MSAC works to arrange a meeting of leaders from Montana to Louisiana.

“We need a broad range of support from state and local governments, businesses, environmental and sportsmen groups and private individuals. The only way this is going to be accomplished is through contacts and pressure on Congress,” Paul said.

 



Above: MSAC Executive Director Howard Paul visits with Barb Renner, editor of the Springfield Times, at the Springfield Marina, Friday, Sept. 3. The Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, Mo., was in Springfield following the journals of Lewis and Clark. MSAC set up a booth at the marina where people visited the re-enactors'camp and boats. It was an excellent opportunity to educate the public about changes on the reservoir system with sediment.

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