2/19/2008
 

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. - Scientists and resource managers will gather at Nebraska City next week to discuss was to integrate scientific findings into a better understanding of the Missouri River into management decisions.

The Missouri River has one of the most altered river ecosystems in the country. Past management decisions have focused on flood risk versus functioning flood plain, and water supply demands versus a more naturalized hydrograph, and so on. Attendees will discuss how to reach a balance to make the river system healthy and functional.

The Missouri River Natural Resource Conference and BiOp Forum will draw nearly 300 professionals from eight states who will be work toward focusing on understanding the ecosystem goods and services and how to measure and incorporate them into management decisions.

"This improved understanding will help define future scientific needs to assess those ecosystem benefits as we transition to a healthier Missouri River ecosystem through recover and restoration efforts," said Chris Larson, chair of the conference planning committee and supervisor for the fisheries staff in southwest Iowa.

"It's our hope that everyone leaves the conference seeing the need to better link Missouri River management, ecology, social values and ecosystem services through future science based efforts," Larson said.

The conference in Lied Lodge Conference Center, in Nebraska City, Neb., runs from Feb. 25 to 28.

For more information, contact Chris Larson, Iowa DNR fisheries, or Angi Bruce, Iowa DNR wildlife, at 712-769-2587.