Platte River Channel Becomes a Focus for Platte River Cooperative Program Studies2001

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Messrs. Lochhead, Simpson, and Robotham g Page 7. 2.4. Further Questions Concerning Pulse Flows Comment: "How would the pulse flows during the spring affect young forage fish ?" A large number of riverine fish and aquatic ecosystem effects associated with natural pulse flows are reported throughout the fishery science literature. For example, the periods of spring pulse typically corresponds with spawning periods of some riverine fishes. Because pulse flows have been an elemental characteristic of the Platte River flow regime for as long as snow has fallen on the Rocky Mountains in winter, melted in spring, and water flowed downhill, it is reasonable to assume that the fishes native to the rivers of the Missouri River drainage developed adaptations (physical, physiological, and behavioral) to this flow regime. Comment: "Are pulse flows the only way to provide for the hydrodynamics of wet meadows, or are there other means ?" Pulse flows are the only way known by well as other physical and biological ensured. However, the Service has no possibilities for limited purposes. water drains in selected managed area successful wet meadow restoration and which hydrodynamics of wet meadows, as functions of the river system, can be categorically dismissed all nonflow or example, blocking manmade ground may be one component important to management. Artificial methods likely would have narrow and limited applications to achieving the effects of ecological functions, and at this stage also would be highly experimental. Given the Service's responsibilities to manage ecosystems under the Endangered Species Act and other Federal laws and given the Memorandum of Agreement's stated objectives, the Service believes the — pulse flows are ecologically fundamental, unless sound alternatives are demonstrated. There appears to be misconceptions or lack of understanding regarding the Service's perspective on achieving flow - related biological objectives through nonflow means. The Service has funded and participated in a number of attempts at nonflow alternatives to habitat management and restoration. The Service funded a substantial portion of the costs associated with use of a hydraulic dredge by the Platte River Trust (Trust) to construct sandbar nesting habitat for least terns and piping plovers. The Service funded and participated with the Trust in experimental use of a high volume windmill on Trust land as a means to evaluate the use of ground water pumping for restoration of wet meadow habitat. The Service funded and participated in the use and evaluation of temporary dams to back up flow in small side channels as a means to raise ground water levels in adjacent meadows. To date and to the best of the Service's knowledge, with the exception of dredging up sandbar nesting habitat for least terns and piping plovers, the results of all attempts to achieve flow - related objectives by nonflow means have been either inconclusive or unsuccessful.