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<br />whether or not the conclusions from this study are valid (see additional information below on <br />Experimental Update, see APPENDIX D for further information on these studies). <br />Owing to several factors, the GCMRC does not include another High-Flow Sediment <br />component in its experimental recommendation at this time. These factors include: I) <br />uncertainty about conducting another high-flow sediment test until the results of the November <br />2004 experiment are more certainly known and reported to the stakeholders at the October 2005 <br />Science Symposium (a concern expressed by AMWG members at their March 2005 meeting), 2) <br />uncertainty related to influence of the November 2004 test on juvenile native fish downstream of <br />the Little Colorado River and potential for a repeat of such actions to confound biological <br />science aimed at identifying a humpback chub recruitment signal in the reach as a possible <br />response to the Mechanical Removal treatment, and 3) current fiscal limitations projected for the <br />FY 2006 science budget that would preclude simultaneous implementation of both Mechanical <br />Removal activities AND replication of intensive field studies (and remote sensing) rcquired to <br />compare the results of a 2006 sediment test with results from the November 2004 experiment. <br />With implementation of the November 2004 sediment experiment, the experimental fund <br />for this activity, originally created from budget in 2001-03, has been exhausted. A minimal cost <br />associated with replicating the November 2004 sediment studies is thought to be in the range of <br />about $1,500,000 beyond what is available in the FY 2006 projected budget. Hence, to conduct <br />another similar-scale sediment experiment in 2006, additional funds need to be obtained beyond <br />what is available in the draft 2006 budget. A portion of the required funds might be obtained <br />during FY 2007, from cessation of Mechanical Removal activities after 2006 (approximately, <br />$800,000). The other portion of the required funds might also be derived from a strategic carry- <br />forward account created within the 2006 budget. On the basis of this information, the Technical <br />Workgroup's Budget ad hoc resolved that a combination of both approaches be considered in a <br />strategy to actively develop a new fund for experimental work that would presumably start in FY <br />2007. If additional sediment high-flow tests are deemed unnecessary following knowledge <br />assessment activities, then the carry-forward fund would still be available to support biological <br />experimentation or other monitoring and research aimed at further reducing management <br />uncertainties, as outlined in the strategic science implementation plan. <br />The FY 2006 work plan experimental recommendation is intended to allow completion of <br />two important biological experimental treatments. The proposed work plan also allows for <br /> <br />GCMRC FY2006 Annual Work Plan (Draft June 10, 2005) <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br />,. <br /> <br />:. <br /> <br />. <br />