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• February 23, 2004, meeting with the pulse flow workgroup -- outlined a preliminary plan <br />for an EA pulse release; identified limitations of a pulse release <br />• February 24, 2004, meeting with environmental groups -- outlined a preliminary plan for <br />island leveling projects <br />• March 10, 2004, meeting with the pulse flow planning workgroup -- outlined a process for <br />hydrology and vegetation monitoring <br />• April 8, 2004, meeting with Randal, Anderson, Kerkman, and Kwapnioski -- further <br />developed a pulse flow implementation plan <br />Although good planning progress was made, on March 12, 2004, the Service made the decision to <br />not go forward with an EA pulse release in April/May 2004. Not unexpected, the decision was <br />based on numerous factors; however, two of the primary reasons are as follows. First, the pulse <br />flow workgroup was still developing pulse release implementation plan details. Consideration of a <br />completed pulse flow plan is a critical component for weighing the pros and cons of implementing <br />an EA pulse release. Secondly, a primary purpose for implementing a pulse flow in 2004, was to <br />improve the unvegetated channel width within the central Platte River reach. It was identified <br />_ uring e pulse flow monitoring meeting that there was very little existing channel vegetation <br />monitoring currently in place. To effectively assess pulse flow effects on unvegetated channel <br />width, a thorough monitoring plan is needed. Because existing river conditions are not anticipated <br />to improve throughout 2004, the Service will continue the planning process for a future EA- <br />facilitated pulse flow. <br />To reserve the limited supply of EA water for potential use later in the water year, no EA releases <br />to augment river flows are expected during the 2004 spring whooping crane migration period (i.e., <br />March 23 to May 10). '