Landowner's Perceptions of the US Army Corps of Engineers in Riverfront Management

LANDOWNER'S PERCEPTIONS OF THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS IN RIVERFRONT MANAGEMENT

Large river systems that exhibit natural flood cycles depend upon collaborative and integrated water resources management. The Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 gives management authority of navigable waterways of the US to the US Army Corps of Engineers. The relationship between the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the communities is vital to maintaining long-term management of the river.

References to the Corps -River Stakeholder relationships were examined using interview data from the YRCI. The YRCI’s purpose is to document the descriptions, hopes, and concerns of and for the diverse places and communities along the Yellowstone River. Findings show landowners, agriculturalists, and recreationists voiced a strong appreciation for the river and care for its continued use.

However, these close-knit communities have voiced concerns with the USACE’s management, their expenses,

timeliness of projects, and permitting process, of the Yellowstone River. The USACE brings valuable experience to the stabilization and management of the Yellowstone River, but it is important for the USACE to always discover more about the river. To best manage the river, the USACE must manage current relationships and understand the perceptions of the people who use the river on a regular basis to better serve the small communities.

https://dl.mospace.umsystem.edu/mu/islandora/object/mu%3A423016