Spring rise on Missouri River expected in March, but not May

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By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to conduct a spring rise on the Missouri River in March.

But officials say there won’t be enough water to boost flows again in May.

An agency spokesman says extra water will be released into the river from upstream dams beginning on March 17th or 18th.

The action is part of the agency’s plan to encourage spawning by the pallid sturgeon, a fish considered an endangered species.

Missouri officials have urged the corps not to conduct the spring rise this year because they fear potential flooding in low-lying areas. The corps says it does not expect any flooding.

The spring rise was canceled last year because of lingering effects of a drought.