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. . 3 resulting from existence and past operations of GCD and predicted consequences of operation as described in the preferred alternative. Recovery actions should be included in the Opinion only as conservation recommendations. We fully recognize our responsibility under Section 7 of the ESA to not only avoid actions which will result in jeopardy to listed species, but that as a Federal agency we are also directed to utilize resources in furtherance of the purposes of the ESA through carrying out programs for conservation of endangered species. Reclamation supports a number of recovery efforts in the Colorado River Basin, and will likewise take actions to aid in the recovery of the HBC in Grand Canyon. We are willing to accept the opinion recognizing the uncertainty surrounding the ecosystem functions with GCD in place, the agreement between our offices to reevaluate the need for implementing experimental fish flows as part of the planning process, and the ability of either agency to re-initiate consultation should new information become available. For these reasons it remains our intent to move forward to implement the RPA as described in the following discussion. Elements of the Reasonable and Prudent Alternative The introductory section recognizes that certain common elements in the Glen Canyon Dam Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would influence native and endangered fish, and that certain elements were previously identified by Reclamation and the Service as conservation measures. One of these is referred to in the Opinion as "research or long-term monitoring (adaptive management)". We would like to clarify the difference between these terms. Research is hypothesis-driven investigation to gain additional information. Long-term monitoring is data collection to determine the status of certain resources over a long period of time. Adaptive Management is a program through which dam operations may be modified based on scientific information gained through both research and long-term monitoring. Element 1. Adaptive Management Program Formulation of the adaptive management program (AMP) is on-going with the input of interested parties. The implementation of studies and monitoring to determine impacts of flows on listed and native fish fauna (as well as other resources) will be completed through the AMP. Reclamation is continuing to work with the Transition Work Group to create a Research Center to manage and administer long-term monitoring and research programs. A draft document describing resources to be monitored is being prepared by Reclamation's Denver Technical Center (Flagstaff office) and the Senior Scientist, with input from the Transition Work Group monitoring subgroup, and will be reviewed by Reclamation's Upper Colorado Regional Office and the National Research Council. The draft plan is scheduled for completion in Fiscal Year 1996 and will be finalized by the director of the proposed research center. Activities included in the long- term monitoring program will then be managed and administered through the research center. Recommendations for operational ,changes based on the research and monitoring will be implemented through the AMP.