A delegatioA delegation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will stop in Bismarck on Thursday for the seventh of eight public meetings on its 2005-06 draft operating plan for Missouri River operations.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the Best Western Doublewood Inn, 1400 E. Interchange Ave.

Among topics expected to be raised will be the implementation of two "spring pulses" to satisfy the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, provided there is sufficient water in the reservoir system. To conserve water, the pulses would be delayed until 2007 if there is not at least 36.5 million acre feet of storage on March 1 and May 1. Reservoir levels are dependent on rain this fall and snow on the plains and in the mountains this winter. System storage ended October at 36.3 MAF, an increase from the 35.7 MAF recorded last year at this time.

The corps also intends to set releases at Garrison Dam to provide a steady or rising pool during April and May to accommodate Lake Sakakawea's rainbow smelt spawn. However, the corps notes that providing favorable spawning conditions depends on the runoff from melting snow on the plains and in the mountains.

The AOP also anticipates that there will be only minimum flows for the 2006 navigation season, which could be shortened 15 to 58 days, depending on runoff this winter and spring. A final determination on season length will be made July 1.