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THE EPA'S UPPER MISSOURI RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
Citation:
Bolgrien, D W., T. Angradi, J. V. Scharold, E. W. Schweiger, AND J A. Thompson. THE EPA'S UPPER MISSOURI RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM. Presented at South Dakota Environmental Professionals Association Conference, Oacoma, South Dakota, October 18-19, 2000.
Description:
The EPA Office of Research and Development's Mid-Continent Ecology Division in cooperation with EPA Region 8 and state partners, has begun an environmental assessment of selected resources of the Upper Missouri River mainstem, floodplain and reservoirs using a stratified random design. This method produces unbiased estimates of resource condition with known statistical confidence. The objective is to contribute to the scientific underpinning for adaptive management of the Upper Missouri River via improved assessment and monitoring protocols. The project encompasses the Upper Missouri River between Gavins Point Dam and the Marias River. Products will include recommended biological indicators, identification of potential stressors, stressor-condition associations, delineation of important sources of variation, development of appropriate sample designs for assessments, and ultimately, en ecological assessment of the Upper Missouri River and Lake Oahe. Initial efforts included (1) a synoptic survey of water chemistry and sediment in the river and reservoir; (2) an assessment of the trophic status of Lake Oahe; (3) quantification of longitudinal and interhabitat variation in the riverine and reservoir macrobenthos; and (4) analysis and classification of floodplain riparian vegetation. In 2001, we will return to this area to conduct the systematic assessment. From there we will proceed to Lake Sakakawea (2002), Fort Peck (2003), and the southern reservoirs of South Dakota in 2004.