Instream Flows for Recreation: A Handbook on Concepts and Research Methods

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managers sometimes complain that researchers produce information less understandable or usable than it could be. In this handbook we try to address both complaints. On one hand, we have tried to avoid the "black box" syndrome whereby incomprehensibly complex models provide the only answers to important questions. Decision- makers, often lacking statistical sophistication, are rarely willing to invest in such approaches; if they are going to defend a decision, they must be able to grasp the basis of it. On the other hand, we have also tried to avoid oversimplifying complex relationships just because the simple is easier to understand. A flow need represented by a single number is easier to talk about than a range of needs represented by a curve. Nonetheless, as we will argue throughout, it is both more realistic and theoretically appropriate to talk about the incremental impacts associated with a full range of flows. The field is still young and methods are being developed and tested. The results are not all in. However, policy makers are asking questions and researchers are being told to find the answers. Through the development of the ideas in this book, we hope to provide a structure in which the questions are better framed, the answers are better understood, and the policy decisions are more informed. HANDBOOK ORGANIZATION The handbook begins with a discussion of basic principles and the presentation of a conceptual framework for doing flow - recreation studies. It then outlines a process for conducting any kind of instream flow research, whether for recreation or other resource outputs, essentially developing a checklist of issues that quality studies should address. The book then expands on the central issue in the process as it applies to recreation: developing relationships between flows and various recreation 'outputs," or recreation opportunities. Depending upon the river and its values, there are a variety of different methods or approaches that could be used. The handbook first explores methods for developing relationships between flows and resource conditions, then looks at methods for evaluating those flows or conditions. Following this, a chapter presents a series of typical flow - output relationships as examples of the information studies will be producing. These examples also allow further discussion of appropriate methods in varying situations. The final chapters of the handbook explore various ways of integrating information about different flow needs to develop flow recommendations and the common flow protection strategies that can be used to implement those recommendations. The heart of the link between science and decision- making, these discussions focus on ways to develop realistic and understandable alternatives from which informed decision - making or negotiations can proceed. Throughout the handbook, information is presented in both the main text and a series of "sidebars" and appendices. Sidebar topics include discussions of standard hydrology methods, normative theory, survey research, and applying fishery methods to recreation, while the appendices include examples of survey questions, a list of study requirements, and a glossary of terms. The handbook also includes a list of references at the end of each chapter for readers interested in greater detail about particular subjects.