Methane Production Could Hurt Powder River

Arvada, WY – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department wants to know how coal-bed methane development might affect native fish in the Powder River. The river has until now received little attention because few anglers test their skills on the channel catfish, shovelnose sturgeon and other species that inhabit its shallow, murky waters. But it's becoming apparent that the coal, clear water being discharged by coal-bed methane wells could alter the ecosystem. Cold, clear water is good for trout, but catfish, sturgeon and other species like warm, murky water. Game and fish officials say too much cold, clear water could lead to those species' demise in the river.