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

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Chapter 3 DESIGNING AN INSTREAM FLOW STUDY Instream flow for recreation is an applied science issue. While many researchers and consultants work from a well - developed theoretical perspective, almost all flow- recreation work is applied research supported by resource managers facing a flow allocation opportunity or threat. Accordingly, that work should be designed to fit into existing decision - making processes. This chapter presents a step -by -step process designed to integrate the conceptual ideas of the previous chapter with the realities of resource planning. Adapted from an approach developed by BLM researchers (Jackson et al., 1989) and similar to other processes developed by fisheries researchers (Estes and Orsborn, 1988), this process is best viewed as a general outline for studies rather than a fixed set of steps. Like any process, adaptations may be necessary to fit resource, political, or administrative realities, and some studies may only need to address a few steps because a larger planning or negotiation process will be addressing the remainder. In any case, the process serves as a checklist of ideas that researchers should consider, as well as a structure for organizing those ideas. Readers should note that most of the steps in the process are described in their entirety, although others are more briefly discussed because subsequent sections will expand upon them. When that is the case, it is noted. Step 1: DEFINE THE STUDY PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES This step simply emphasizes the need for clarity in conducting and presenting research. Completing this step includes: ❑ Defining the study area, and the limits of generalizing findings beyond the study area. A simple map (a schematic is often sufficient) of the study area should be considered a requisite element in any report. ❑ Defining the type of recreation the study will address. Will the study document only boating flow needs, or will it explore flow needs for streamside hiking, birdwatching, sightseeing, or other recreation activities closely tied to the river? Will it examine only the needs of current recreation opportunities, or will it look at potential opportunities as well? Flow needs are specific to a recreation opportunity; those under examination should be explicitly listed at the outset. ❑ Defining the end -point of the study. Some flow studies will stop with the discovery of flow needs for specific recreation opportunities, while others will attempt to Define study purpose and objectives Describe the resource Define recreation opportunities and attributes Describe hydrology Describe flow- condition relationships Evaluate flow needs for specific opportunities Integrate flow needs for various opportunities j Develop strategies to protect/provide flows Figure 4. A process for conducting studies of instream flow for recreation.