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. 4. Olin Foehner described the proposed study areas, time schedule, and funding projections (fig. 1 and 2, Table 1, Section I). A decision to launch the study is needed in March 1980 to permit initial studies in the 1980-81 winter season. The most competent research personnel available will be employed to obtain sound scientific results. . 5. Edward Harris discussed the Project Skywater environmental studies program, and highlighted the Programmatic Environmental Statement, the Skywater IX Report, the San Juan Ecology Study, and the Sierra Ecology Project. Distinctions between environmental analysis requirements for research efforts and operational activities were discussed. Development of environmental monitoring programs is expected. In addition to its extensive studies in the Colorado River Basin and other research areas, the Office of Atmospheric Resources Management has sponsored the preparation of a comprehensive bibliography of information sources.on the environmental effects of weather modification by the Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, U. S. Forest Service. Under Council on Environmental Quality Regulations and Interior and Water and Power guidelines, the research-oriented and data collection design portion of the study may qualify for a "categorical exclusion" from formal environmental reporting requirements on grounds that individually or cumulatively these actions have no significant effect on the environment. Now it appears a formal environmental statement would be prepared before an operational precipitation management effort could be initiated. Public involvement and community response programs and assessment of social impacts will be integrally related to the environmental analysis program. These activities will begin with a series of "scoping" meetings with state and Federal agencies, local groups and environmental organizations . Mr. Paul Summers, Cloud Seeding Program Coordinator of the Utah Division of Water Resources, explained the operational cloud seeding program jointly sponsored by the State and several Utah counties during the last 7 years. The State's evaluation of the program shows a l5-percent increase in precipitation at a cost of less than $0.80 per thousand m3 ($1.00 per acre-ft.). The State encourages public involvement in program planning, and there is general public acceptance of the project. Dr. Silverman noted that there is no conflict of interest between projects similar to the Utah operational program and the Skywater research and development programs, including those in the Colorado River Basin. .