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<br />GREEN RIVER STUDY PLAN <br /> <br />Vll <br /> <br />February 2, 2007 <br /> <br />backwaters, recommended studies fall into two subject areas: (1) backwater habitat formation <br />and (2) backwater habitat maintenance and quality. For nonnatives, recommended studies fall <br />into two subject areas: (1) the influence of flow and temperature on life history components of <br />nonnative fish, and (2) spillway entrainment rates. <br /> <br />An integrated approach is fundamental to the implementation of this Study Plan. This <br />integrated approach is necessary in order to better understand dynamics of physical and <br />biological resources and to review the scientific basis for the flow and temperature <br />recommendations. Many anticipated effects and uncertainties are interrelated, and specific study <br />designs and results will need to be integrated to gain a better understanding of the effects of the <br />flow and temperature recommendations. Consideration should be given to tradeoffs among <br />potential effects; e.g., base flow magnitudes and temperatures that maximize benefits to <br />endangered fish may also benefit nonnative species that in turn prey upon and compete with <br />endangered forms; spillway use that enhances larval entrainment in floodplains may allow for <br />escapement of nonnative fish from the reservoir into the river downstream. <br /> <br />More integration and synthesis of historic and current information is urged as a first step <br />in the development of sound scientific studies that best evaluate these tradeoffs, address <br />hypotheses, and make greater use of existing information. Furthermore, study refmements are <br />important under the principles of adaptive management to ensure that studies remain focused on <br />the current most vital information needs. <br /> <br />Results from studies recommended in this Study Plan would be used to evaluate and, if <br />deemed appropriate, potentially revise the flow and temperature recommendations in a manner <br />consistent with an adaptive-management approach. Such revisions approved by the Service and <br />the Recovery Program could be implemented directly into the annual operatirig plan or could <br />require a more formal regulatory process requiring National Environmental Policy Act or <br />Endangered Species Act compliance. <br />