DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (AP) -- The International Joint Commission has concluded that water from the flooding Devils Lake poses a low risk to downstream fish and fisheries.
The IJC has representatives of both the U.S. and Canada and referees boundary water disputes. It began a study of Devils Lake releases three years ago. Officials in Minnesota and the Canadian province of Manitoba have questioned whether the draining of Devils Lake floodwaters might hurt areas downstream.
Devils Lake has quadrupled in size because of nearly two decades of wet weather. Water releases began in 2005 through an outlet to the Sheyenne River. State and federal officials are considering more outlets.
The Grand Forks Herald says the IJC makes several recommendations in its report, including setting up a program to monitor fish parasites.
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