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FIVE MOST IMPORTANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS <br />The Unit Leader (UL) has had career -long involvement in examining effects of <br />reduced stream flows on fish population. His initial focus was to develop a <br />methodology for recommending instream flow on large, unwadable rivers, which <br />was first applied to the Snake River in Idaho. The methodology was one of the <br />first attempts to use a hydraulic model to predict changes in habitat with changes <br />in flow. The method was a forerunner of more sophisticated approaches. Later <br />the UL and student developed a methodology for recommending salmonid <br />incubation flows. Also validation studies were conducted on an application of <br />Montana's Wetted Perimeter method to small coldwater streams and warmwater <br />prairie streams. Results of these and related studies have had direct application <br />to protecting flows for fish. The UL has twice been called as an expert witness to <br />provide testimony in support of flow reservation requests of Montana Department <br />of Fish, Wildlife and. Parks. <br />2. The UL designed and directed a series of studies on effects of hydroelectric dams. <br />Implementation of results of two studies in particular, have had important and <br />immediate influence on fishery resources. A study to predict impacts of proposed <br />power peaking on the Missouri River below Hauser Dam resulted in abandonment <br />of the proposal. Power peaking was predicted to have a devastating effect on <br />trout recruitment. A 4 -year study on the Bighorn River examining relationships <br />between reservoir operations, flows and other ambient conditions on gas <br />supersaturation levels and the river biota, provided recommendations on altering <br />flow pattern from Yellowtail afterbay dam. Implementation of recommendations <br />has greatly reduced incidence of gas bubble disease in trout and has improved <br />rainbow trout recruitment to this world- renown fishery. Because this study is the <br />most comprehensive field evaluation of this problem conducted to date, the UL <br />was asked by Bonneville Power Administration to participate on an Experts Panel <br />of American and Canadian scientists to develop research needs related to effects <br />of gas supersaturation on endangered anadronous salmonids in the Columbia <br />River. Subsequently the UL was asked by National Marine Fisheries Service to <br />participate in a working group of scientists to identify short- and long -term <br />information needs relative to effects of high levels of dissolved gas on migrating <br />salmonids, to identify research to address these needs, and to identify <br />components of a scientifically sound. monitoring program. Participation in this <br />working group will continue for the next year or more. <br />:�J <br />