There is considerable overlap among the seven topic areas presented in the statement of task to this committee. It was neither practical nor efficient to arrange the report chapters according to that list. The resulting sequence of chapters addresses those seven tasks, but does not correspond directly to the questions defined in the statement of task.

Chapter 2 addresses topics of Missouri River sediment, the setting and history of the river, and sediment-related processes. It addresses questions 1 and 5—the significance of sediment, and consequences of a lack of sediment.

Chapter 3 discusses the governance structure—laws, authorities, and institutions—for Missouri River management. It provides background on organizations and river management initiatives that are referred to in subsequent chapters and offers advice for improving Missouri River recovery and management actions.

Chapter 4 discusses the consequences for ecosystems and species of various sediment management actions. It addresses question 7—Corps of Engineers Missouri River restoration strategies.

Chapter 5 discusses implications to the river’s sediment regimes of various sediment management actions. It addresses questions 3 and 6—sediment management alternatives, and constraints and prospects for improvement.

Chapter 6 discusses Missouri River water quality and sediment. It addresses questions 2 and 4—effects of sediment management on Gulf hypoxia, and the challenges of designing a water quality management system for a river like the Missouri mainstem.

Chapter 7 is a short epilogue that presents some observations regarding science and decision making for Missouri River sediment and related resources.