8009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Bureau of Reclamation that brought diverse and contentious stakeholders together regularly to discuss issues in- volved in the Environmental Impact Statement on the operations of Glen Canyon Dam (EIS). This process was guided by the Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992, which mandated that the dam be operated to protect, mitigate and improve the natural and cultural resources of the river downstream. Slowly, static positions between differing interests broke down and trust and respect were estab- lished. Participants worked through each issue, moving only as fast as comfort levels would allow. While the pace seemed glacial, the results may prove lasting. The outcome of the EIS was the formation of a more formal and long-term consensus process. The lack of absolute certainty in understanding the many related compo- nents of the river ecosystem brought a recognition that management decisions must be made with available knowledge. A process called "adaptive management" was adopted. Its objectives are to actively involve all of the stakeholders in manage- ment decisions. Each decision effectively becomes an experiment, based on clearly defined hypotheses and with expected results. Along-term monitoring and research program collects and analyzes data necessary to measure success and to recommend adjustments. Subsequent management incorporates the lessons learned to date. The challenge of this new philosophy now lies in its successful implementation. It will take all of the skills and experience, not to mention patience and wisdom, generated throughout the preceding effort to succeed. However, if successful, it will be one more step toward more productive solutions to water resource issues. For More Information Contact: Tom Moody Grand Canyon Trust 3900 North Ft. Valley Road, Number 8 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Phone: (520) 774-7488 Fax: (520) 774-7570 29 =: ~~.