Thomas Daschle: “In 1991 Congress designated a 39-mile stretch of the Missouri River from Fort Randall to Lewis and Clark Lake as a…”

“In 1991 Congress designated a 39-mile stretch of the Missouri River from Fort Randall to Lewis and Clark Lake as a national recreational river. The purpose of the recreational river designation is to protect the river and its environment, protect landowner rights, and provide for visitor use. Recreational river designations preserve an important part of our Nation's natural heritage. This section, along with other segments of the Missouri River, provides critical native wildlife habitat, buffers against floods, and scenic waterways for recreation including fishing and hunting. For these reasons, South Dakotans feel strongly about the care and management of the river. The National Park Service is currently evaluating alternative plans for managing this segment of the Missouri River. The selected plan will set goals and mechanisms for the care and public use of the river. Numerous South Dakotans have commented officially on management alternatives proposed by the National Park Service. Some favor plans that emphasize the protection of wildlife habitat and provision of a primitive river experience. Others advocate a recreational emphasis with attention drawn to cultural and historical aspects of the river. Most agree on a balanced approach to river management. However, many people who own land adjacent to the river have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of river protection efforts.”