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EPA recognizes North Dakotan's environmental achievements

Release Date: 7/27/2001
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6331,

Release Date: 7/27/2001
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6314,

Release Date: 7/27/2001
Contact Information:
EPA 303-312-6603

Denver -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced that Gary Raedeke's work to preserve the natural ecosystem on the 80-mile long Garrison Reach, the last remaining free-flowing segment of the Missouri River in North Dakota, and his campaign to minimize the continuing loss of its wetland resources were recognized as outstanding contributions to environmental protection. EPA officials from the Denver Regional office have presented Raedeke with the Agency's Environmental Achievement award for his efforts.

The Garrison Reach, one of North Dakota's most treasured resources, was facing continuous loss of wetlands along its banks due to stabilization projects aimed at preventing natural erosion along the Missouri River north of Bismarck. Unplanned growth and land-use changes within the river's flood plain prompted Raedeke's involvement. He was concerned that unplanned bank stabilization for the purposes of residential development and other land uses would alter the river's characteristics to the point that the ecosystem would be irreparably harmed. The natural erosion of the river bank is essential for plant and animal habitats, including the survival of threatened and endangered species.

Raedeke began a campaign to educate the public about impacts to the river from these activities. He wasn't interested in lobbying to halt development along the Missouri River. Rather, he favored coordinated development in a sustainable manner to minimize the need for bank stabilization -- required to protect new homes in the flood plain. If the homes were simply set back farther from the river's edge, the need to protect the bank from erosion would be diminished, and the river could remain in its current condition.

In addition to his outreach efforts, Raedeke met with State and Federal government agencies with regulatory authority over the river and wetlands. He explained to them the potential cumulative effects from an increasing number of bank stabilization projects that either directly or indirectly affect wetlands along the Missouri River or in the adjacent flood plain. He asked that no permits be issued until a study on the proposed project's impacts on the wetlands along the river was completed. Raedeke's efforts eventually led the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to initiate a cumulative effects study, not just for the Garrison Reach, but for all the free-flowing sections of the river below Gavins Point, South Dakota to the Fort Peck Dam in Montana.

The publicity generated by Raedeke on Missouri River issues led to the establishment of the North Dakota Missouri River Coordinated Resource Management Program, which is partially funded by EPA. This organization provides EPA and other government agencies with vital information and local opinions for resource management decisions.

In 1999, Raedeke and a local joint water-use board partnered to create a multiple stakeholder organization called Vision Group, which developed a strategy for development and resource use along the Garrison Reach. Vision Group brings together those with conflicting viewpoints and finds a middle-ground where everyone can achieve some measure of satisfaction. All five county governments along the Garrison Reach support Vision Group's mission to develop a comprehensive land-use plan for the entire 80-mile flood plain. The plan will contain a blueprint for acceptable areas of development and conservation, building setbacks, wetland preservation, river public access and other planning strategies that provide sustainable use of the river corridor.

Raedeke was among the 65 groups or individuals EPA recognized this year in its six-state region (CO, WY, UT, MT, ND, SD).

"These awards recognize the outstanding efforts and commitment to protecting the environment by individuals and organizations in North Dakota," said Jack McGraw, EPA's Acting Regional Administrator in Denver. "Our hope is that the leadership demonstrated by these award winners will influence others to make tangible differences in protecting public health and the environment in their own communities."

Editors: For details on Raedeke's award, please contact his nominator, Peter Ismert at 701-328-4740.