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GeES UPDATE GLEN CANYON ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES RESEARCH FLOWS Research flows for the Glen Canyon Environmental Studies (GCES) Phase II research program were initiated in June 1990 and will continue through July 1991. The objective of the research flow release is to allow. the GCES researchers to study specific, known flow releases, and their effects on the resources of Glen and Grand Canyon. The research flows have been negotiated between the GCES scientists, Western and Reclamation. The GCES research flows are built around seventeen different research flow scenarios over the next year. The research flows represent different fluctuating flow regimes, steady flow regimes, seasonal flow regimes and normal operations. Research evaluation flows are scheduled prior to and after each research flow scenario in order to evaluate the short-term effects of the flows. Releases are scheduled during a time period when the research flows would most closely match expected volumes of water under normal operations. Scheduling also takes into account the power use patterns of Western, and the natural, seasonal, resource concerns in Glen and Grand Canyons. The GCES research flows began on June 1, 1990, with a four day period of 5,000 cubic feet per second constant release. 1bis constant release allowed for the acquisition ofaeriaJ photography of the entire Grand Canyon at a stable level. The aerial photography will serve as the basis for the development of the Geographic Information System maps and as a point of comparison for the research flows. Since the initiation of the research flows in June, an increasing number of researchers have been working in the Grand Canyon. The first series of research flows have been used primarily as an opportunity to test processes, data collection protocols and logistical requirements. Refinement of the study plans has now occurred and full scale field research is in process. Significant field research includes, beach surveying, archeological surveys, geomorphological studies, geologic studies, hydrology studies, water quality studies, endangered fish studies, vegetation studies, aquatic food base studies, and groundwater studies. An equally intense effort in laboratory and computer studies complements the field research. For additional information on the GCES research flows, please contact the GeES office in Flagstaff, Arizona, at (602) 527-7363. THE INTEGRATED RESEARCH PLAN A draft copy of the Integrated Research Plan (IRP) was released for review to the scientific community, EIS team, cooperating agencies, and others, in October. The IRP consists of two volumes containing a definition of the Glen Canyon Environmental Studies (GeES) Phase II integrated research approach, a discussion of research flows and research flow protocol, and individual study plans. It is the first compilation of the separate research plans for Phase II of the GCES. The objective of the document is to provide the researchers, scientific community, and interested public with background information on the research, integration, and report development that GCES Phase II will follow. 6 The IRP was issued in draft for information and review, as an intermediate step in defining the research program. The document is subject to revision as necessary, based on research needs, costs, and schedules. The GCES Flagstaff Office personnel, along with. the researchers and the senior scientist prepared the report. If you would like to receive a copy of the IRP contact one of the following offices: Bureau of Reclamation, GeES Flagstaff Office, 121 E. Birch, Suite 307, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86002, or Bureau of Reclamation, Colorado River Studies Office, Attention: UC-1512, PO Box 11568, Salt Lake City, Utah,84147.