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reach 3 and Tamarisk dominant in reaches 4-8. Willows are abundant throughout many of the <br />reaches. However, Cottonwoods are not the dominant woody plant specie along the lower <br />portion of the Dolores River and are found mainly in isolated patches with some of these patches <br />demonstrating good age class distribution. Regulated flow of the Dolores River has greatly <br />reduced volume discharge in reach 4 and may be one reason for the decline in Cottonwood <br />regeneration. The solution to riparian habitat improvement may be found through the <br />cooperative efforts of landowners, land managers, and ecologists. <br />Tamarisk: <br />Tamarisk is the dominant woody plant specie in many areas along the lower portion of the study <br />area. Perennial flows and increases in salinity may be a contributing factor. Tamarisk may be <br />having an influence on chamlel morphology by creating physical parameters that, during times of <br />low flows, increase sediment deposition within in the channel Tamarisk may also be limiting the <br />normal recruitment and regeneration of native cottonwoods along the lower portion of the study <br />area. Eradication of Tamarisk in "Key' areas may provide an opportunity for warm water <br />fisheries habitat improvement. <br />Summary <br />(Science Coordinator) <br />The process of building amulti-disciplined report for the Dolores River Dialogue has provided <br />an opportunty to bring new issues to the table concerning the science of the lower Dolores <br />River. Although the Geomorphology report is adamant that flow is the number one reason for <br />changes in the ecology of the river, other factors are also contributors to the process. McPhee <br />Dam is now a part of the ecology of the river; therefore, loolang for opportunities to enhance the <br />ecology of the river with a combination of alternatives will likely result in greater success for all <br />interested parties. <br />-, <br />