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<br />002~Sl <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />associated with development of the conservation plan appropriate for the Lower Colorado River <br />ecosystem; and (3) Are the conservation measures proposed in the MSCP adequate to off-set the <br />potential impacts related to on-going and future river operations? It is the intent of the Steering <br />Committee to engage the panel in the peer review process this Fall, with a final report due in <br />December 2002. The results of the scientific peer review will be integrated into the final draft of the <br />conservation plan slated for release and public review in 2003. <br /> <br />Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program <br /> <br />Mr. Harris attended the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program Technical Work <br />Group (TWG) meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, on August 15-16, 2002. At the meeting, the TWG <br />reviewed elements of the science plan associated with the proposed experimental flow releases in <br />early 2003. As has been discussed previously, these experimental flows are contingent upon <br />sufficient inputs of sediment resources into the Glen and Grand Canyon reaches of the mainstream <br />Colorado River during the summer and fall months. To date, there has been very little precipitation <br />in the region. It is not clear, at this time, if the experimental flows will be scheduled. In the event <br />that the experimental flows can be performed, Reclamation, the National Park Service, and the U.S. <br />Geological Survey are preparing a joint-compliance document, covering both the National <br />Environmental Policy Act and Endangered Species Act requirements. The agencies believe that the <br />environmental assessment document can be completed and released for review and comment in late- <br />September 2002. <br /> <br />Mr. Denny Fenn, the new Chief of the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center <br />(GCMRC), briefed the TWG on the role of the science advisors (peer review). Mr. Fen;, was <br />interested in obtaining input on the appropriate role of the TWG in the selection and utilization of <br />the science advisors in the peer review offuture science plans prepared by the GCMRC. Currently, <br />the GCMRC utilizes peer review in the development of the science plans associated with the <br />biological, physical, and cultural resources components of the overall Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive <br />Management Program. <br /> <br />Finally, there were briefreports regarding non-native fish control activities, cultural resources <br />activities, budget status, and the current status ofthe Glen Canyon Dam temperature control device. <br />Time was also spent in reviewing and sequencing potential information needs related to development <br />of the GCMRC's annual and strategic work plans. <br /> <br />Lower Colorado Water Supplv Proiect <br /> <br />Work is continuing on reviewing applications for Lower Colorado Water Supply Project <br />water. All applications approved by the Board have been forwarded to Reclamation for further <br />action. Reclamation and the City of Needles are in the throws of finalizing Needles' PPR contract <br />and expect to have it executed in the very near future. With regard to the subcontract between <br />Needles and project applicants, representatives from the Board staff, the City of Needles, and Best, <br />Best & Kreiger are reviewing a final draft of the subcontract. A conference call to discuss minor <br />revisions to the subcontract is being planned. <br /> <br />II <br />