LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI

MARCH 20, 2000

Roll Call:

The meeting was convened at 3:15. The roll was called and all members of the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee Executive Committee were present except for Robb Todd representing the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. It was determined that the quorum of the Executive Committee membership was present and the minutes of the 1999 Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee were unanimously adopted.

1999 Chairman's Report:

Chairman Jim Wise (Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality) presented a report on the LMRCC's accomplishments during 1999. Regarding funding, he noted that all 2000 membership dues had been paid, a total of $7,500 had been received from the Ohrstrom and Tara Foundations, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation had made a $50,000 grant to the LMRCC for the Deer Creek Restoration Project. The LMRCC has hired Vision Creek, a marketing firm to develop and implement a long-term strategy for financially supporting LMRCC projects. Vision Creek has completed the Mississippi River Foundation 501(c)(3) application and we will complete the legal work associated with the incorporation of the Mississippi River Foundation at this meeting. Mark Boone, Chairman of The Fisheries Technical Section, and Ron Nassar have continued revising the Lower Mississippi River Fishing Guide and Brad Miller has made substantial progress in developing the access maps. We anticipate that a final draft of this product will be ready by late Summer.

Several outreach efforts were conducted on behalf of the LMRCC. We provided technical support for 2 major Fish and Wildlife Service events: 1. a water resource development project fact-finding trip to the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley by Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, and 2. a natural resource conservation promotion trip to the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley by Theodore Roosevelt IV.

We provided educational materials for the Mississippi Wildlife Extravaganza (estimated attendance 15-20,000) and distributed 100 Teacher Information Kits on the Lower Mississippi River. We also conducted outreach programs for public school systems and provided educational materials to teachers in the vicinity of the LMRCC office.

We cooperatively developed a Lower Mississippi River Display with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for the Mud Island Visitor Center located on I-40 in Memphis, Tennessee. We prepared briefing on the Lower Mississippi River Ecosystem for presentation to Congressional staff members and Department of Interior staff in Washington, DC. We continued promoting the LMRCC and the Aquatic Resource Management Plan (ARMP) through media outlets such as Progressive Farmer magazine.

Our cooperative efforts with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners For Fish and Wildlife Program reforested more than 1,300 acres of cleared wetland habitat and restored hydrology in 2 drained floodplain lakes adjacent to the Yazoo River. In addition, we conducted meetings with local drainage districts, private landowners, and the Corps of Engineers to initiate planning for rehabilitating the aquatic resources in a 60-mile long degraded reach of Deer Creek.

Ron Nassar and I attended the following meetings: 1. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers River Engineering Center (St. Louis, MO) to assess the potential role of micro-modeling in Lower Mississippi River aquatic habitat rehabilitation 2. Environmental Analysis Branch of the Mississippi Valley Division - U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (Vicksburg, MS) in an ongoing effort to develop a cooperative river rehabilitation program 3. U. S. Fish And Wildlife Service Lower Mississippi River Ecosystem Contaminants Team to promote regional water quality issues, and 4. annual meeting of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners For Fish and Wildlife Program; presented briefing on the LMRCC and the need to expand the aquatic habitat component of the private lands program.

We have also made substantial progress on the Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Resource Management Plan during the last year and Ted Crowell will discuss the status of that project during his Chairman's report.

Report of the Audit Committee and Secretary/Treasurer:

Mike Armstrong and Ron Nassar presented the financial report and it was unanimously adopted by the Executive Committee.

Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Resource Management Plan Committee Report:

Chairman Ted Crowell presented a report on the progress of the Lower Mississippi River Aquatic Resource Management Plan Committee. He noted that the aquatic resource management plan is in a transition period at this time. Phase 1 consisted of GIS data acquisition and assessment. Although the need to acquire data necessary to support specific needs of the ARMP and the general goals of the LMRCC will continue, this phase of work will require progressively less input. We now are entering Phase 2, which will consist of the identification and prioritization of aquatic habitat restoration needs within each state. Phase 3 will consist of project design, funding, and construction.

The committee proposes to prepare 3 versions of the Aquatic Resource Management Plan. The first version of the ARMP is a comprehensive, internal working document whose production was necessary to meet the terms of the 3-year Region IV Environmental Protection Agency grant. Mark Boone (MO Department of Conservation), Karen Kilpatrick (Manager - U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Nachitoches National Fish Hatchery), and Ron Nassar have worked with the ARMP Committee to prepare a final draft of the formal ARMP, a copy of which is attached. In some specific instances (Congressional briefings), we will include this version of the ARMP in a flap pocket attached to the last page of the promotional document that I will discuss next.

The second version of the ARMP is a briefing/marketing document to be used for promotional purposes. As you can see from your individual copies, Brad has revised this document and greatly improved the quantity and quality of the graphics. Referring to the second page from the back, you will note that the revised plan now contains quantified restoration goals in 3 categories: 1. aquatic habitat restoration in secondary channels, floodplain lakes, and backwater areas 2. enhancing water quality by restoring hydrology on degraded wetlands and reforesting cleared wetlands, and contributing to the development of a sustainable economy by eliminating net losses of aquatic habitat and increasing outdoor-related recreation opportunities, and 3. contributing to the development of a sustainable economy by eliminating net losses of aquatic habitat and increasing outdoor-related recreation opportunities. Funds from Ron Nassar's Fish and Wildlife Service budget were used to acquire a $6,200 color printer and supplies that enable us to quickly produce large quantities of high quality graphics products to support the long-term goals of the LMRCC. Production cost of this document is approximately $5/unit.

The third version will consist of a summary of the ARMP for public distribution. The summary version will be patterned after the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, a copy of which is included in your briefing package. We anticipate that the summary version of the ARMP will: be more concise than the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, contain substantial numbers of graphics, many of which will come from the briefing/marketing document, and be used in cooperative state/federal agency habitat rehabilitation and public stakeholder meetings. Our next task is to complete the third version of the ARMP and a final draft is nearing completion.

Brad has also begun producing individual state maps that will be used to identify critical aquatic habitat in the Lower Mississippi River leveed floodplain. There is a copy of the Tennessee batture map in your information package. This summer we will begin conducting step-down meetings of state/federal fisheries biologists, land managers, and water quality personnel to identify specific aquatic habitat restoration needs and prioritize their implementation

The Executive Committee members requested that an explanatory section outlining how the ARMP will be implemented and funded be included in the summary version. Gordon Farabee led a discussion on the potential role of the Corps of Engineers in cost sharing project construction under Sections 1135 (Environmental Restoration) and Section 206 (Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration) of the Water Resources Development Acts of 1986 and 1996, respectively. Dugan Sabins led a discussion on how the ARMP will be implemented and the potential roles of the LMRCC member states in its implementation.

Water Quality Technical Section Report:

Dugan Sabins noted that there has been a general lack of activity in the Water Quality technical Section, primarily because the goals and objectives in the ARMP are supported by the water quality plans of the member states. State agencies are currently supporting monitoring stations, fish advisories, and an Early Warning Spill System to prevent contamination of drinking water supply systems. There has been an increased level of activity in the Mississippi River/Gulf Hypoxia Task Force. He also noted that the Toxic Release Inventory Data are being misused by various environmental groups. Louisiana is reclassifying phosphoric acid and it will be delisted as a toxic substance. The next meeting of the Mississippi River/Gulf Hypoxia Task Force will be held in St. Louis. Six topic reports associated with Mississippi River/Gulf hypoxia issues will be produced.

Fisheries Technical Section Report:

The annual meeting of the LMRCC FTS began at approximately 9 a.m. on March 21, 2000 with LMRCC Chair Mark Boone of the Missouri Dept. of Conservation calling the meeting to order. This was a joint meeting with the FTS of the UMRCC and began with a Plenary Session. It had been decided at the annual meeting of the LMRCC executive board that Tim Burnley of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission would serve as Chair of the FTS following the annual meeting.

Plenary Session

A Resource Management Decision Support System for the Upper Mississippi River System

Dr. Carl Korschgen, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC), 2630 Fanta Reed Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603

The EMP Long Term Resource Monitoring Program has provided considerable scientific data on the UMRS. During recent years, the program has increased its focus on developing information distribution mechanisms for use by resource managers, scientists, and decision makers. The mechanisms include (1) development of a decision support system (DSS) concept which uses the ESRI Arcview® and MapObjects® GIS platforms and (2) use of the WWW through the UMESC homepage,

Our DSS facilitates an integrated, ecological, and pro-active scientific approach to management of UMR resources. The DSS framework provides for an adaptive management approach to decision-making and project evaluation. The DSS has been an effective information visualization and integration tool for briefing members of Congress, Federal and State agency leaders, and the public on the value and needs of the UMR. Moreover, Program scientists within all customer and cooperator agencies are beginning to compile environmental monitoring and research data into a common DSS platform.

The DSS provides the following capabilities: (1) MAPPING - The ability to produce maps of single or multiple combinations of data at widely varying spatial scales (2) QUANTIFICATION - The ability to determine numerical summations of various data elements within a given mapped area, (3) GRAPHIC DISPLAY - The ability to produce scientific tables, charts, and graphs of various sets of data, (4) MODELING - The ability to allow decision makers to "model" data to help address specific management issues, and (5) DOCUMENTATION - the ability to access raw data, reference citations, and abstracts of published articles. Specific examples will be provided in the presentation)

Application of the DSS to the EMP Habitat Needs Assessment (HNA) is facilitating the planning and design of habitat rehabilitation and enhancement projects. The HNA technical team is using the DSS framework and LTRMP data to evaluate existing habitat conditions throughout the UMRS and to forecast future habitat conditions The HNA will address habitat needs at the systemic, river reach, and pool levels of spatial scale. A custom Arcview® script will be demonstrated to show how potential habitat maps, tables, charts, and metadata are being generated for over 450 species/guilds of invertebrates, unionid mussels, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Site specific monitoring and research data are used to provide corroboration of the potential habitat models for these groups.

Putting Spatial Data to Work: LMRCC GIS

Brad Miller, Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee, 2524 S. Frontage Rd., Suite C, Vicksburg, MS 39180-5269

Building the LMRCC Geographic Information System began in October, 1998, with the hiring of a Geographic Information System Specialist. After purchasing and installation of hardware and software, most of the work during the first year of operation centered around the acquisition and processing of data from a variety of sources including the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division, U.S. Geological Survey and various State GIS Departments.

Though data acquisition and processing still account for the majority of work performed, enough progress has been made to begin using the data to support the mission of the LMRCC. Completed products and works in progress discussed during the session include :

1. Planning Maps: A series of 1:100,000 scale maps of the leveed floodplain for each State to be used as a tool for identifying conservation and restoration needs.

2. Briefing Folio: A large format, full color booklet for distribution to State and Federal policy makers illustrating the environmental impacts of controlling the Mississippi River; the ecological and economic benefits of a healthy ecosystem; and an outline of the LMRCC Aquatic Resource Management Plan.

3. Memphis Visitor's Center Display: A 6' by 17' vinyl poster mounted on a collapsible aluminum frame created in collaboration with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency entitled "Restoration of the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley". The display, which will be located at the Visitors' Center at Mud Island in Memphis, Tennessee, illustrates what the Mississippi Alluvial Valley was like prior to European settlement, how it has changed over the past 200 years, and conservation and restoration efforts in Tennessee.

4. River Access Maps: Full color foldout maps for each state showing every point of public access to the Mississippi River and flood plain lakes within the batture that will be part of the LMRCC's Fishing Guide for the Lower Mississippi River.

5. The Mississippi River Foundation web-site: This web site is being rapidly expanded to serve as a one-stop source of environmental and recreation information for the Lower Mississippi River. New features include an online glossary of river terms, an interactive map to obtain information on access points to the river, a river conditions page and fishing reports for the Lower Mississippi River and floodplain lakes.

Technical Presentations

An Overview of the Upper Mississippi River System Habitat Needs Assessment Program

Chuck Theiling - USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, 2630 Fanta Reed Rd., La Crosse, WI 54603

The Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) - Habitat Needs Assessment (HNA) was defined in the Environmental Management Program Report to Congress as: "�an undertaking which will help guide the process of planning and designing habitat rehabilitation and enhancement projects (HREP)�. A habitat needs assessment should be completed to establish a technically sound, consensus-based management framework or "blue print" for the restoration, protection and enhancement of the UMR ecosystem." The approach developed to conduct the HNA includes: 1. assessments of past and existing conditions, 2. predictions of future conditions, and 3. assessments of desired future conditions as expressed by both natural resource management professionals and the public. Habitat needs are defined as the difference between desired future and existing conditions.

A GIS spatial query tool was developed to assess existing conditions from available land cover, geomorphic area, and other spatial databases. The query tool supports bi-directional habitat queries that can estimate the potential habitat area for guilds/species in a given area using species-by-habitat matrices scoring the likelihood of occurrence in particular land cover or geomorphic area classes. Or, the query tool can provide a list of species likely to occur in selected habitat types. Land cover and geomorphic area summaries are also produced in habitat queries. The query tool displays query results in maps, tables, charts, and even final layouts. Quantitative estimates of future geomorphic change were incorporated from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Draft Cumulative Effects Study. By examining past change and geomorphic processes, a consultant team of geomorphologists, engineers, and ecologists estimated geomorphic change likely to occur by 2050. The HNA study team developed a terrestrial vegetation successional model to estimate change likely to occur in terrestrial land cover classes. A spreadsheet routine was developed to calculate predicted percent change in existing land cover classes. Finally, a series of workshops were conducted with natural resource professionals throughout the UMRS to identify areas experiencing change and the geomorphic processes responsible for the change. Maps and tabular summaries allow qualitative assessments of anticipated change. Establishing desired future conditions will be conducted through a second series of workshops with resource managers. Habitat budgets and maps displaying historic, present, and predicted future habitat availability will be distributed. Blank columns for desired land cover class acreage and action levels (level establishing immediate restoration) will be filled in during the workshops. Managers will also be asked to comment on desired disturbance regimes, geomorphic processes, and aspects of habitat quality. Methodology for determining the public's desired future condition have not been finalized, but when completed, the public's desired future will have to be reconciled with the manager's view of the desired future.

The Past, Present, and Future of Invasive Species in the Mississippi River

Pam A. Thiel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 555 Lester Avenue, Onalaska, WI 54650.

Nonindigenous American shad, Atlantic salmon, and common carp were introduced into the Mississippi River beginning in the late 1800's. Unintentional introductions, mainly from ballast water and aquaculture, have continued and are increasing at an accelerated rate. Invasive species present a threat to ecosystems and endangered species that is second only to habitat destruction. During the early 1900's, a canal system was constructed in the Chicago area that linked the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River basin to dilute sewage from the growing city. This inter-basin connection provides a continuous transfer of water between Lake Michigan and the Illinois River, and has served as the pathway for zebra mussels and round goby to enter the Mississippi River System. This "two-way" street can also be the conduit for exotic species from the Mississippi River to enter the Great Lakes. Asian carp species are an ever expanding threat to native fish and wildlife. Without expedient and rigorous interdiction of these invasive species, the aquatic landscape and function of the nation's large river resources will be permanently impaired. As we enter the next millennium, the development of long-term solutions to the passage of aquatic nuisance species between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River drainage, as well as introductions into the basin from aquiculture are critical. Action is urgently needed because the ecological health of the two largest watersheds in the nation are at risk. The best and most cost-effective method to manage aquatic nuisance species is through prevention. However, once they become established, the advancement of feasible approaches to resolve the environmental dilemmas posed by their introduction and spread across North America requires an integrated, ecosystem problem-solving process with broad-based support from all levels of government, private industry, and the general public.

Staying Within the Lines: Adaptive Management of the Lower Mississippi River Active Floodplain

Dr. Harold L. Schramm, Jr., U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Box 9691, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762

Michael A. Eggleton, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mail Stop 9690, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA 39762;

For more than a century, the lower Mississippi River (LMR) has been progressively modified by channelization and flood control structures. In addition to the loss of nearly 90% of the historical alluvial floodplain, these alterations have resulted in an overall reduction of the area and connectivity of permanent floodplain waterbodies. Current research indicates little relationship between annual growth of three catfish species (Ictalurus furcatus, I. punctatus, and Pylodictis olivaris) and springtime 'flood pulse' measures. This is consistent with previous research on these and other species in the LMR. However, we obtained stronger, mostly direct relationships between growth and floodplain inundation when thermal and areal characteristics of flooding were integrated with temporal measures. We suggest that the flood-pulse concept is applicable to the LMR in a modified form that includes a thermal aspect of the flood pulse. Fish growth and geospatial habitat analyses suggest that managing the existing leveed floodplain to prolong floodplain inundation and maintain connectivity between the river and the limited areas of permanent floodplain waters will mimic pre-development conditions and benefit LMR fish production over long-term time scales.

Recent and Historical Changes in the Atchafalaya River Basin

Dr. Charles F. Bryan, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Time-series trend analyses show increasing discharges, nitrates, phosphates, and sulfates, along with decreasing water temperature, pH, and alkalinity in the Lower Mississippi River (LMR), while the trends are not the same for the Atchafalya River Basin (ARB). About 25% of the MR is controlled to contribute about 60% of the ARB discharge; the Red River contributes the balance of flow for the ARB. Since 1963 the suspended load of the LMR has diminished an estimated 50%, while the Red River suspended load has decreased much less (perhaps <10%); although, the new dams on the lower Red River must have diminished sediment and bedload delivery in the last decade. In spite of the suspended load diminution, the distribution of past bedload materials essentially encircled the swamp units of the lower ARB by the early 1970s, which significantly increased hypoxia in surface waters over the past two decades. While inorganic sediments have elevated canal and distributary banks, decaying organic vegetation has accrued within the backswamp canals and bayous. The question for future water management is: how do we flush swamp units, whose bottom slopes were never great to begin with (about 5cm/km), and whose slopes are diminishing with each new spring flood event? Whatever costs are associated with attempts to reduce hypoxia (anoxia), or, repair, conserve, or restore the ARB can weighed against the freshwater fisheries and recreation production alone, valued around $100 million annually.

Agency Reports

Jeff Farwick, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission:

A netting survey of the "Status and Distribution of Pallid and Shovelnose Sturgeons, Blue Sucker and Other Large River Fishes in the Arkansas, White, and St. Francis Rivers" was completed and a final report was submitted. A malacologist/commercial fishing biologist was recently hired.

No sampling was conducted on the mainstem of the Mississippi River this year. Arkansas closed the commercial harvest of sturgeon between the levees of the Mississippi River. Arkansas met with Mississippi in an effort to unify regulations on the River.

Bobby Reed, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries:

Continue to sample and sportfish and non-game fishes in the middle Red River near Shreveport in order to monitor the developing sport fishery after implementation of the Red River Navigation Project. Continue to sample and survey the sport fisheries in the Atchafalaya Basin. Into third year of five year monitoring of the Davis Pond Diversion Project below Baton Rouge on the Mississippi River. Into fifth year of monitoring the Carnarvon Freshwater Diversion Project below New Orleans.

State of Louisiana and the Corps are working out the details of the West Bay Freshwater Diversion Project in Lower Plaquemines Parish which will create 10,000 acres new marsh. Continue to participate in the MICRA National Paddlefish study - tagging wild adults; propagating, tagging, and stocking hatchery fingerlings. Continue to tag and monitor pallid sturgeon populations at Old River Control Structure. Continue to monitor in the LMRV for invasive noxious species. Actively participate in MICRA, LMRCC, and Imperiled Fishes Conservation Workshop by paying State dues and sending representatives to the meetings.

Paul Rister, Kentucky Department of Natural Resources:

The Mississippi River was sampled at two locations. The first site was near Wickliffe, KY and the second site was near Columbus Belmont, KY. A total of 380 fish were collected at both sites. This number was comprised of 26 species (Table 1). Of the sportfish collected, channel catfish had the highest catch rate, 27.7 fish per hour. This catch rate, as was the catch rate for all species, was down in comparison with the 1998 data. White bass had a catch rate, 12.3 fish per hour. The reduction in catch rates can are most likely due to the lower water levels during the most recent study. The river stage was down by almost two feet. The river stage was +12.5 foot at the Cairo gauge when sampling was conducted. This calculates to a water elevation of about 12.1 at Wickliffe and 9.6 at Columbus Belmont. There were a record number of blue suckers collected. The catch rate for this species was not calculated because of its superior ability of avoiding capture. However, 29 were collected and measured. Their average size was approximately 24 inches. They were found only in the swift current off the ends of wing dikes. Also noted were silver carp. Only one was collected, because they too are good at avoiding capture.

Mark Boone, Missouri Department of Conservation:

Hoopnets were used to assess the channel catfish population in the Mississippi River above Caruthersville, Mo in mid-September. Catch and sizes were similar to recent years. Numerous silver carp were observed in Boat Club Chute, above Caruthersville, Missouri. Silver and bighead have been observed in other tributaries and backwaters of the Mississippi River as well. Participated in the planning of repairs to the structures at Wolf Island Chute (MRM 930-935). St. Louis, Memphis, and Vicksburg Corps, Fish and Wildlife Service, KDFWR, and MDC have participated. A micro model is being used to select the best option. This project is significant because this is the first habitat project participated in by LMRCC. We have participated in planning the joint 2000 meeting of the UMRCC and LMRCC. Gordon Farabee has been involved in the Missouri River Master Manual negotiations. One proposed component to a new revised Master Manual would provide increased flows from the Missouri River to benefit fall Mississippi River commercial navigation. Mark Boone drafted a letter for LMRCC Executive Committee approval concerning the use of black carp in Mississippi. Mark Boone has also assisted with the review of LMRCC's Aquatic Resource Management Plan. Gordon Farabee served on the LMRCC Executive Committee. Mark Boone served a third term as the FTS Chairman.

Ron Nassar, LMRCC

Ron presented a history of the LMRCC so that the members of the UMRCC would understand the similarities and differences in the two groups. Ron spent considerable time in the past year working on the Yazoo River. This river contains one of the largest backwater areas still remaining on the Mississippi River.

Dr. Fred Bryan, Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

Dr. Bryan made the recommendation that an outside party be responsible for keeping the U.S. Corps of Engineers flow and discharge data. Dr. Bryan has been working on the development of the Atchafalaya Master Plan.

Dr. Hal Schramm, Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

Dr. Schramm has been finishing some bioenergetics work and has been working on inundated floodplains.

Richard Hite, U.S. Corps of Engineers (Memphis)

Mr. Hite said that the annual COOP meeting to present and discuss the coming year's maintenance program was being planned and that all applicable agencies would be contacted. The Corps has been working on a 1135 habitat restoration project on Tunica Lake which includes a control structure (weir). The Corps has been looking at mitigation alternatives for the St. Johns-New Madrid Floodway project. In December 1999, the Corps produced the feasibility study and EIS for the Reelfoot Lake Restoration project.

There were no reports from the State of Tennessee or from the Vicksburg or New Orleans Districts of the Corps of Engineers.

Big Rivers Symposium @ AFS2000

Dr. Schramm updated the group on the development of the symposium. Mark Boone reported that the Executive Committee had approved an expenditure of $1,000 to help pay lodging and meals for the speakers. Dr. Schramm reported that the symposium would be titled "Ecology and Management of the Mississippi River" (including the Missouri and Ohio River basins) and would include overview prospectives from the states, the USFWS, the Corps of Engineers, and from ecologists working on these rivers. Next, would be a series of technical presentations. He reported that this would be a full day feature symposium for AFS2000 and that it was being sponsored by the LMRCC, UMRCC, ONSECO (Ohio River), and the Missouri Big River Committee.

Aquatic Resources Management Plan

Mark Boone reported that the ARMP was being developed in three versions. One each for government/corporate entities, biologists, and public consumption (similar to the Waterfowl Joint Venture). The first two of these should be completed in the next 4-6 months.

Lower River Fishing Guide

Brad Miller, LMRCC GIS Specialist, reported that the text of the fishing guide is complete and has gone to a marketing firm, Vision Creek, for the final editing. He stated that there were some problems with the access information and assigned the state representatives to clarify and return to him by June 15.

Standardized Fish Sampling

Paul Rister, Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, reported on the standardized fish sampling committees progress and presented draft methodologies. He reported that these methodologies were developed from a compilation of current state sampling and that they were generic. He said data should be separated by habitat types and that more specific protocols could be developed for specific projects or species assessments. Dr. Schramm commented that in the river, high conductivities require river specific gear. UMRCC representatives in attendance stated that this was an ongoing point of contention in their organization and wished us "good luck".

Black Carp Introductions

Both the LMRCC and the UMRCC reported that they sent letters to the State of Mississippi opposing their stocking of black carp in ponds. Both groups agreed that they would work together on another letter to reverberate this position.

Old Business:

Mike Armstrong (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) and Ted Crowell Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources) presented a joint report on the most recent MICRA meeting. Both Executive Committee members noted that the LMRCC has failed to act on the invitation to join MICRA's Executive Board. A motion was made by Mike Armstrong that the LMRCC join the MICRA Executive Board and it was seconded by Ted Crowell. Considerable discussion ensued regarding the advisibility of the LMRCC joining MICRA and Dugan Sabins (Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality) and Jerry Vineyard (Missouri Department of Natural Resources) remain opposed to joining the organization. The vote was called and the motion passed with a vote of 6 Ayes and 2 Nays. The Executive Committee members requested that the Coordinator check the LMRCC constitution to determine if a constitutional amendment was required to join MICRA. It was also noted that 30 days written notice is required to vote on changes to the LMRCC constitution. It was requested that the Coordinator submit an e-mail ballot to the Executive Committee after the 30 day written notification period had expired. It was subsequently determined that a constitutional amendment was not required to pass this motion. The motion was voted on in early Summer 2000 and passed unanimously (9 Ayes - 0 Nays).

New Business:

Mike Armstrong (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) noted that the black carp issue in Arkansas is becoming more controversial. Inspections are conducted by the AGFC and AGFC policy is that, if aquaculture keeps the fish on the premises, they can do whatever they want. AGFC and Mississipi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks have conducted a fact finding mission on black carp, who has them, who is producing them, and what they are doing with them. A risk assessment conducted by the National Biological Survey recommended general distribution of triploid, but not diploid, black carp be allowed.

The Executive Committee voted to conduct its Fall meeting in Memphis, Tennessee on September 12-13. The meeting is to include a trip to the Mud Island Visitor Center display developed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee. The Executive Committee also requested that Debbie Strickland check on the availability of a meeting place in the downtown area.

The Executive Committee authorized the expenditure of $500 for the purchase and framing of a Gary Lucy Mississippi River print for presentation to Sidney Montgomery in recognition of his long term efforts on behalf of the LMRCC.

Ted Crowell, incoming Chairman of the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee, appointed Tim Burnley (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) and Dugan Sabins (Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality) as Chairmen of the Fisheries and Water Quality Technical Sections, respectively. Chairman Ted Crowell also appointed Dugan Sabins as Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee Chairman-Elect.

Gordon Farabee (Missouri Department of Conservation) noted that Matt Wolken (Missouri Department of Conservation Law Enforcement Division) was conducting an exploratory meeting to determine interest in establishing a Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee law Enforcement Technical Section. Despite a letter being sent to all state natural resource management agency law enforcement chiefs Matt Wolken, the meeting was poorly attended (officers from Missouri and Arkansas were present). The Executive Committee voted unanimously (9 Ayes - 0 Nays) to establish a Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee Law Enforcement Technical Section. As provided for in Article V, Section 3, Item b., this action does not require amending the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee constitution. Due to the potential importance of the Law Enforcement Technical Section, Gordon Farabee requested that the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee Coordinator continue to work with Officer Wolken to establish a working law enforcement group.

There was considerable discussion among the Executive Committee members about the Mississippi River Foundation and the role of the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee in its activities. Mike Armstrong (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission) made a motion that the Chairman of the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee also serve concurrently as the Chairman of the Mississippi River Foundation. The motion was seconded by Jerry Vineyard (Missouri Department of natural Resources). The Executive Committee members requested that the Coordinator check the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee constitution to determine if a constitutional amendment was required to hold dual Chairmanship. It was also noted that 30 days written notice is required to vote on changes to the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee constitution. It was requested that the Coordinator submit an e-mail ballot to the Executive Committee after the 30 day written notification period had expired. It was subsequently determined that a constitutional amendment was required to pass this motion. The motion was voted on in early Summer 2000 and passed unanimously (9 Ayes - 0 Nays).

The LMRCC Executive Committee members recommended the inclusion of a signature page and the following statement be inserted on the inside of the title page:

"The following is a 10-year (2000-2010) operation plan to guide the activities of the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee in its efforts to rehabilitate the Lower Mississippi River ecosystem. Its goals within the river's leveed floodplain are Restoration of Habitat & Biological Resources, Improvement of Water Quality, and Enhanced Economic Opportunities to Benefit Local Communities. The plan proposes to achieve these goals by Increasing the Number of Partners involved in the management of the river's natural resources and Increasing Public Awareness of the its economic and biological potential".

Coordinator's Report:

Although most of my activities were covered in Chairman Wise's and Ted Crowell's reports, I would like to make you aware of several issues. Although some very minor revisions are likely to be necessary, the "briefing folio" and "operational" versions of the Aquatic Resource Management Plan are essentially complete. We are in the process of producing a "public consumption" version that will be similar to the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. As of this date, I have completed an outline and drafts of most of the essential component parts of the document.

In April 2000 we completed and installed the joint Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency x Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee Mud Island Visitor Center display in Memphis, Tennessee. Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee participation in this project was suggested by Gary Myers, Director - Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, via Robb Todd, TWRA Representative to the LMRCC Executive Committee. It is a somewhat generic display in that the first two panels can are applicable to all states in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial valley while the third panel is state specific. The Tennessee Department of Tourism Mud Island Visitor Center is located on east bank of the Mississippi River immediately adjacent to Interstate 40 and receives >810,000 visitors annually.

Vision Creek had the lead role in developing the Mud Island Visitor Center display, continued establishing the Mississippi River Foundation (chartered the MRF, copyrighted the Name "Mississippi River Foundation", and conducted a Mississippi River Foundation logo contest), continued developing a marketing plan, and sought funding for the publication of the Lower Mississippi River Fishing Guide.

I participated in planning the LMRCC x UMRCC 2000 Joint Meeting by attending 3 Planning Committee meetings in Missouri and Illinois and assuming logistical and agenda development responsibilities.

Brad Miller and I continued working on the Lower Mississippi River Fishing Guide. Data assessment and entry for the 6 states and final revision of the document is ongoing. We are actively searching for a corporate sponsor(s) to fund publication of at least 50,000 copies for distribution to LMRCC members.

We continue to maintain frequent contact with the coordinators of the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee, Missouri River Natural Resource Committee, Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association, and Mississippi Fish & Wildlife Foundation.

Substantial time was devoted by the Coordinator to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Yazoo Backwater Area Project. This decision was based on the fact that it is 1 of only 4 backwater areas remaining on the Lower Mississippi River and the 1940s project is designed to protect 117,000-acre 2-year floodplain with the largest pump system ever built. The area provides highly significant fisheries and water quality benefits while agricultural activities in the area have proven to be economically unsustainable. Time demands allocated to this project from biological and GIS standpoints were extremely high.

Critical issues are the potential total loss of the LMRCC's GIS capability because the position is funded with "soft money" from the Region IV Environmental Protection Agency grant that expires 09-30-2001. Despite repeated requests to Region 4 of the Fish and Wildlife Service for an Assistant Lower Mississippi River Fisheries coordinator, there appears to be little hope of this position being funded. My office continues to suffer from insufficient secretarial assistance (1 Secretary/Budget Analyst split between 3 offices - Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture, U. S. Geological Survey, and Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee).

LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

GENERAL FUND

1999 Financial Report

OPENING ACCOUNT BALANCE $33,173.66

EXPENDITURE $1,159.88

Travel -847.63

Professional Assistance -198.75

Postal Fees -4.30

Bank Fees -79.20

Mid Year Meeting -30.00

DEPOSITS $9,198.03

Interest 198.03

1999 Dues 9,000.00

GENERAL ACCOUNT BALANCE $42,211.81

All Executive Committee Members Dues have been received for 2000 and deposited.

1999 LMRCC FINANCIAL REPORT

TOTAL ARMP ACCOUNT BALANCE $193,641.22

FWS GRANT

OPENING BALANCE $190,000.00

EXPENDITURES ($33,927.41)

Vision Creek Enterprises Monthly Fees $30,000.00

Vision Creek Enterprises 551.73

09/03/99 $ 295.00

09/21/99 81.73

10/13/99 175.00

Trademark Fee 245.00

Attorney's Fees for MRF Corp. Work 2,572.96

09/03/99 $1,759.91

09/21/99 331.80

11/05/99 481.25

Travel Reimbursement 557.72

11/22/99 Liza Booth

FWS GRANT BALANCE $156,072.59

-------------------------------------------

EPA GRANT

OPENING BALANCE $49,359.64

EXPENDITURES ($60,923.93)

1999 Salary Bradford R. Miller

EPA GRANT BALANCE ($11,564.29)

NOTE: EPA reimbursement of $52,672.38 deposited after 12/31/1999.

Current balance with reimbursement: $41,108.09

------------------------------------------------

ARMP BALANCE FROM DONATIONS

OPENING BALANCE $41,751.02

EXPENDITURES ($1,694.30)

Travel $439.72

Supplies 166.63

Bank Fees 87.95

Brummett 1,000.00

DEPOSITS $9,076.20

Interest 1,596.20

Donations 7,500.00 (Ohrstrom $5,000; TARA $2,500)

ARMP GENERAL FUND BALANCE $49,132.92

LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

2000 Proposed Budget

OPENING ACCOUNT BALANCE $41,211.81

PROPOSED EXPENSES $16,350.00

Fishing Guide -9000.00

Travel -3500.00

Professional Assistance -500.00

Bank Fees -100.00

Joint Meeting -3000.00

Supplies/Subscriptions -250.00

DEPOSITS $9,200.00

Interest 200.00

2000 Dues 9000.00

GENERAL ACCOUNT BALANCE $34,061.81

All Executive Committee 2000 dues have been received.

Reconnecting the River

Achieving Economic and Environmental Sustainability Through Floodplain Management

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

March 20-23, 2000

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Bill Bertrand - Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Ken Brummett - Missouri Department of Conservation

Bob Clevenstine - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Ted Crowell - Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources

Jon Duyvejonck - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Gordon Farabee - Missouri Department of Conservation

Jennifer Frazier - Missouri Department of Conservation

Mark Haas - Missouri Department of Conservation

Pam Haverland - U.S. Geological Survey

David Herzog - Missouri Department of Conservation

T. Miller - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Ron Nassar - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Matt Wolken - Missouri Department of Conservation