7922 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1. OVERVIEW OF THE INSTREAM FLOW INCREMENTAL METHODOLOGY 1.1 BACKGROUND PHILOSOPHY Incrementalism is an approach to problem solving that refers to an insti- tutional policy of slightly modifying procedures or positions from those previously established. This is a common means of decisionmaking. An incre- mental approach allows a problem to be addressed, at least at first, from a familiar perspective. If a solution cannot be found, it is then possible to either slightly redefine the problem or the perspective until a solution can be found. Incrementalism is a particularly valuable approach when applied to a problem with multiple aspects or solutions (Lindblom 1959; Lamb 1976; Doerksen and Lamb 1979). The issue of managing water for instream uses may be viewed from several directions, and individual problems often have many potential solutions. A limited perspective requires only a simple solution, but will be prone to failure when new circumstances or a different alternative is encountered. A good example of a limited perspective is the concept of a "minimum" streamflow. From the perspective of a hydrologist, the minimum streamflow is often defined as the 7-day, 10-year low flow. This is the lowest average flow for 7 consecu- tive days which statistically occurs once every 10 years. This definition is based solely on water supply, and the statistic is often used in the determina- tion of storage requirements or in the design of sewage treatment facilities. From the perspective of the fishery biologist, the 7-day, 10-year low flow would be a ridiculously low level at which to instigate flow protection. The biologist.might make a recommendation for a minimum flow based solely on what is perceived to be best for the ecosystem, or even an individual species, without considering other uses of the water supply. Such recommendations are usually considered infeasible by water managers. Instream flow determination and implementation usually involves a number of agencies and professions, therefore, a variety of perspectives. Each profession or agency has a particular approach to problem solving and often is blessed or encumbered (depending on your perspective) with a list of "stock" definitions and solutions (Lamb 1976). Given the multiagency and inter- disciplinary nature of instream flow issues, it is important for each professional to understand at least the perspectives and constraints of other professions and agencies. This philosophy falls several steps short of the "Universal Man Theory." It is not intended that one individual should learn everything about all aspects of instream flow, but each professional should understand enough about these aspects to ask the right questions and to know whether the answers are reasonable. Understanding the perspectives and constraints of other agencies or professions does not mean that your own perspectives or solution techniques should be ignored. Rather, this understanding should increase your ability to solve problems. One way to accomplish understanding is to develop a system by which a present condition, or the status quo, can be described. The driving variables can be modified slightly to describe a new condition, which can then be evaluated from numerous perspectives. This approach does not require anyone to abandon a particular perspective or problem solving approach. It