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<br />along an avalanche-prone stretch of highway in southwestern Colorado. <br />The objective of the study is to determine the effect of additional pre- <br />cipitation on avalanches and to develop a procedure for forecasting <br />avalanches. Data collected during the 1974-1975 season is also being <br />used to support a research program funded by the Department of Trans- <br />portation on the development of new methods for avalanche control. <br /> <br />Reliable ecological models are needed to reduce the need for costly <br />and time-consuming field studies. The models ought to be general <br />enough to apply in many locales, but specific enough to give useful <br />results. Special emphasis should be given to environmental aspects of <br />long-term precipitation management. <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />It is not practical to study all aspects of the environment in all those <br />places where precipitation management technology could be applied. <br />IIDwever, it should be possible to extrapolate the results of several <br />studies to areas with similar characteristics, and then monitor the <br />environment when a precipitation management project is initiated. <br /> <br />Program Coordination <br /> <br />Cooperation with local and state authorities and acceptance by the <br />general public are considered to be an important part of Project Sky- <br />water. The program has been instrumental at the Federal level in <br />forming weather modification groups and facilities and conducting <br />studies in water-critical areas. <br /> <br />Large-scale precipitation management projects can rarely be limited <br />only to areas owned or controlled by a single person or organization. <br />~1any people with diverse interests are affected by most projects, and <br />it is important to coordinate the planning and execution of precipj- <br />tation management projects so that the rights of all parties are . <br />recognized. <br /> <br />During the planning phase, coordination among individuals and local, <br />State, and National organizations is necessary to be sure that costs <br />and benefits are fully understood, that precipitation management fits <br />properly with other water development techniques, and that appropri- <br />ate environmental and social issues are considered. <br /> <br />~ <br /> <br />Coordination during the operation of the projects is required to be <br />sure the pertinent conditions still favor cloud seeding. Evaluation <br />of cloud seeding also requires coordination and cooperation of many <br />interested parties. The management function must not only assure smooth <br />operation of the projects but must also be able to respond quickly and <br />properly to changing conditions. <br /> <br />12 <br />