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Dam Plan Sparks Outrage in Montana Park
30 Sep
Summary
- Proposed inflatable dam in Glacier National Park faces opposition.
- Study suggests dam could aid farmers facing water shortages.
- Concerns raised over environmental and wildlife impacts.
A recent study suggests constructing an inflatable dam on St. Mary Lake within Montana's Glacier National Park could mitigate regional agricultural water shortages. This proposal aims to store approximately 5.4 billion gallons of water, potentially improving availability for U.S. farmers during drier periods. The plan also includes a second dam on Lower St. Mary Lake, near the Blackfeet Nation border.
However, the idea has ignited strong opposition from local tribes and conservation groups. Concerns center on the potential for wildlife, such as elk and bears, to damage the inflatable structures. Hydrologists and conservationists also worry about the broader environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems and the park's natural aesthetics. The National Park Service has confirmed they were not consulted about the dam proposal and have no plans to build any dams in the park.
