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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I IV. THE PROPOSED RESEARCH PROGRAM A. Basic Concepts of the Program The program that is presented here is a comprehensive effort to determine answers to the current questions surrounding winter- time cloud seeding efforts while augmenting the State's limited water supply and improving recreational opportunities. This program plan integrates cloud seeding operations, monitoring, and systematic evaluation into a demonstration-type research program which will meet the needs of current and future program partici- pants. The program will also address the concerns of recent program opponents. It includes the concept of a uniform seeding operation in participating program areas within the State which will provide a maximum amount of comparative data for the evalua- tion of seeding efforts not only in the seeded areas, but also the surrounding regions. The key points to this program plan are: (1) Comprehensive pro<;:rram design and planning. (2) Utilization of up-.to-date seeding criteria and seeding methods. (3) Extensive collection and analysis of data to determine effects. (4) Coordination with other programs in and near Colorado. The evaluations will be directed toward answering the current questions and uncertainties surrounding both the commercial and research wintertime weather modification programs currently being conducted in Colorado. By coordinating the operations and data from these programs with other current research efforts within and near Colorado, it is envisioned that sound scientific answers to many of the uncertaintie:; regarding wintertime cloud seeding can be obtained within the next seven years. The comprehensive evaluation of regional seeding effects would also provide a basis for determining the detrimental effects, if any, to the individuals or entities wi thin the seed,ed areas resulting from augmented high mountain snowpack. -17-