River of Promise, River of Peril: The Politics of Managing the Missouri River.John E. Thorson, Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas The University Press of Kansas is a publisher that represents the state universities in Kansas (Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, the University of Kansas, and Wichita State University.). . 1994. 282 pp. $29.95 Clothbound cloth·bound adj. Having a cover of thick paper boards covered with cloth. Used of a book. . John E. Thorson, using River of Promise, River of Peril, takes the reader on a fact-filled journey through the history of the Missouri River Missouri River River, central U.S. The longest tributary of the Mississippi River, it rises in the Rocky Mountains of southwestern Montana. It flows east to central North Dakota and south across South Dakota, forming sections of the South Dakota–Nebraska boundary, the basin. This work provides a number-intensive look at how and why the Missouri River basin became one of the most significantly altered drainage systems in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . Beginning with the creation of the Missouri River basin to the present basin management practices the author provides the reader with an analysis of the effects of several programs, including the Pick-Sloan Plan, the nationalization nationalization, acquisition and operation by a country of business enterprises formerly owned and operated by private individuals or corporations. State or local authorities have traditionally taken private property for such public purposes as the construction of of the Missouri River, and the traditional and modem patterns of Federalism in river management. The author finishes by suggesting a management policy based on environmental concerns, a strong state presence, and full communication and participation by the Missouri River basin's tribal governments. River of Promise, River of Peril is a well-researched and helpful guide, providing extensive appendices and a complete bibliography. |
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