Nonconsumptive Meeting Notes and Presentations - 12-17-07

• Title: Nonconsumptive meeting notes
• Date: 12/17/2007
• IBCC - Doc Type: Needs Assessment & Technical Support

What about recreation? Answer: The DFA technique could be used for recreation. It
was noted by the technical team that there are fewer tools that evaluate recreational
flows than environmental flows.
Does PHABSIM work best for or versus large streams? Answer: PHASIM is model
for mid-size and larger streams.
~Uhat method is the least dif~cult or minimum about of information to use? Answer:
Bill recommended that LeRoy Poff and Brian Bledsoe give their presentation and to
save the question for the discussion after that information.
LeRoy Poff and Brian Bledsoe presented slides on a VUatershed Flow Evaluation Tool
(attached slides 42 - 53).
Questions and comments on LeRoy and Brian's presentation included:
~ Because this methodology is based on historic data is possible to account for future
changes such as those that might occur as a result of climate change? Answer: The
methodology focuses on more general description of flow characteristics and not
detailed flow recommendations.
^ The methodology describes that there is a threshold where the attribute may or may
not be maintained. How is this established? Answer: If there is a drastic change in
conditions, then the status of the attribute will be easier to define. If there is a gradual
change this is a harder situation and will need to include stakeholder input and is
more of a policy consideration.
^ For categorization is biology or hydrology used or a combination? Answer: The intent
is to classify streams of similar hydrology or geomorphology so that comparisons can
be made among streams of similar type.
~ Does methodology consider status of low flow on sediment loading issues,
channelization or less of riparian areas`? Answer: The methodology on reflects that
attribute you are considering.
^ One platform that should be considered is the use 30-m Digital Elevation Models
available from USGS.
Workin~ Lunch
Dialogue on the following topics occurred during a working lunch:
^ Discussion of Quantification Tools
^ Volunteers for Piloting of Approaches
^ Integration of Nonconsumptive and Consumptive Needs Assessments
^ Next Steps
Questions and comments included:
^ Regarding integration of nonconsumptive and consumptive needs, this will need to
start at the roundtable level and the legislation also requires consultation with other
affected water providers, local governments and other interested stakeholders when
completing needs assessments. The roundtables, IBCC and technical support team
will need to address this issue in more detail in the coming months.
^ Need to look at the science and describe what is best for the river system.