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potential evaluation of the Lees Ferry stream gage, and further discussions associated with the Commissions role if Upper Basin curtailments become necessary. The meeting concluded with a tour of some of the Central Utah Project facilities. Zebra\Quagga Mussel Invasion into Colorado River Reservoirs: These mussels are harmful fouling mussels that attach themselves to submerged objects. They fill and block pipes and clog protective screens. Zebra mussels are efficient filter feeders that strip food from the water needed to support other aquatic life. Direct economic costs are on the order of $100 million a year in eastern North America and there are un-quantified secondary and environmental costs as well. Impacts in the west could be greater than those in eastern North America. The first detection of these mussels was observed in Lake Mead were the consequences to downstream water deliveries, Southern Nevada's water intakes and power generation could be enormous. We understand that there is consideration of a surprising proposal by the biologists to greatly draw down Lake Mead to try to eradicate the Quagga Mussel. The proposal includes a recommendation that Mead be drawn down between 73 to 123 feet, which could take Mead all the way to the SNW A intake. The feasibility of such a proposal is highly questionable, particularly given the current drought and since it would take just a few mussels to get the whole thing started again. Obviously such an action would greatly affect Lake Powell. This situation bears close watching. Colorado River Shortages: On June 18, the Bureau of Reclamation announced it selected a preferred alternative after reviewing comments related to its Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The key elements of a plan submitted by the seven basin states are incorporated. In addition, it creates flexibility for the potential storage of additional conserved water in Lake Mead in the future. There are detailed provisions to improve coordinated operations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead through a full range of reservoir levels. Colorado and non-Colorado River waters saved through conservation measures in the Lower Basin, "intentionally created surplus" water, will be credited and made available for release at a later time from Lake Mead. Up to 2.1 million acre-feet (Maf) could be so stored, with a possible future increase of up to 4.2 Mat. Current interim surplus guidelines would be modified, and extended through 2026, to address Lake Mead operations at a relatively full pool and determine when "surplus" supplies would be available to Lower Basin water users. A final environmental impact statement is expected to be released in September. For a 32