This proposal is well written, technically sound, and thoughtfully constructed but the benefits to fish and wildlife are not sufficiently demonstrated.

This proposal does not make a strong case that this is a problem outside of the Flathead Subbasin (perhaps they are a problem in the Flathead). The sponsors describe a case in the St. Lawrence where the rush exploded and subsequently died back.

However, without evidence to the contrary this seems to be a regional problem. Neither plant species seems to gather more than passing mention, if that, in other subbasin plans. The iris has been present for many years in other basin provinces (Hells Canyon Dam complex in Idaho, for example), and has not become dominant.

Discussion of the plant species with which the iris and rush interact, and the extent to which the iris and rush impact other plants and an ecosystem would be useful.