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. . . ThrDugh the SCDping process, and in many BubBequent discussions, it appearB that the complexity of the Bituation will require an array of alternatives comprised of several elements (or subparts) and mitigation measures. The formulation of alternatives is expected to "mix and match" various iBBues and rssDurce-related elements and to provide a brDad range Df reaBonable alternatives for analYBis, consistent with NEPA and CEQ regulations. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Public participatiDn associated with GeES has been underway for several years and was formally initiated for the EIS with the scoping process previouBly described. Although public participation will continue throughout preparation of the EIS, key points will be Bhared with the public at the time alternatives are identified, during public review of the draft EIS (through public hearings and written input to the lead agency), and at the completion of the EIS (through input directed to the decisionmaker). Bear West Consultants was retained to facilitate public participation at scoping meetings and hearings on the draft EIS, and to summarize public comments. Reclamation intends to provide information, and request public feedback from time to time during the process in accordance with a public involvement plan that has been prepared as a Beparate document. IDENTIFICATION OF PROPOSED ACTION FOR THE EIS The EIS team will provide information (options with pros and cons) to aBBiBt the cooperating agencies in discussing a "prDpDsed action." The cooperating agenciss will have a mllior role in coordinating, describing, and (to the extent possible) arriving at interagency consensus for the EIS. A substantial effort in this regard will be aseociated with the draft EIS. Should circumstances warrant, however, the draft may be released with none of the alternatives identified as the "proposed action.. Such identification iB required for the final EIS, even ifit beCDmes necessary to present differing agency positions. IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE CEQ Regulation 1505.2 requires that the Record of Decision (ROD) specify the alternative or alternatives considered to be environmentally preferable. The basis for such findings, therefore, must be contained in the EIS. In addition, the EIS must provide the foundation for identifying practicable mitigation for each alternative that may be considered in the decisionmaking process. Also, a monitoring program will be described in the EIS and the drat\; ROD, implementation of which will enable cross-checking, over time, on the effectiveness of any changes in dam operations, other management deciBions, or mitigations to minimize or eliminate adverse impacts to downstream resources. Thus, refinements in operations to achieve management goals for resDurce protection and preservation can be facilitated. According to CEQ, the environmentally preferable alternative will be that alternative which best promotes National environmental policy as expressed in Section 101 ofNEPA and most specifically in Section 101(6). 14