Flows and Recretion: A guide to studies for river professionals

• Date: 10/1/2005
• Author: Doug whittaker, Bo Shelby & John Gangemi
• Title: Flows and Recreation - A guide to studies for river professionals
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

Limited Reconnaissance Options
(Generally Level 2)
If recreation opportunities are flow- dependent but lack precise information about flow needs
or project effects, some on -site (field) reconnaissance is typically needed. Several options are
described below, offering distinct ways of enhancing information developed in Level 1. Study
options for boating, fishability, and other types of recreation are discussed separately.
A limited reconnaissance of the Middle
Klamath River at 650 cfs suppplemented
interview information about flow ranges for
different types of boating. This was a marginal
flow for technical rafting through narrow
rapids such as Dragon's Tooth.
On -Land Boating Feasibility Assessment
Objective
Assess the feasibility and potential quality
of boating opportunities, and estimate
rough flow ranges by scouting a reach (or
reaches) from on -land (or by wading the
channel if flows are low enough). These
usually occur when the reach has no
history of previous boating use.
Typical approach
Identify a short list of experienced boaters
and agency staff familiar with the river
to participate in the reconnaissance.
Develop an evaluation form to address
issues identified in Level 1. Conduct the
reconnaissance by walking or driving
along the reach, encouraging discussion
among participants. Summarize opinions
about the feasibility of boating, types of
opportunities, possible flow ranges, and
potential project effects.
Product
Summary of reconnaissance effort and
findings. Lists of participants, evaluation
results, and discussion notes maybe
provided in appendices.
14 I Flows and Recreation:
A Guide for River Professionals
Responsibilities
Utilities (or their consultants) have
primary responsibility, but agencies and
stakeholders commonly participate in
the reconnaissance and may be asked to
formally evaluate reaches, opportunities,
or flows. Recreation groups can
provide valuable assistance rounding
up participants. If an evaluation form
is developed, working groups typically
review the format and content. Logistics
for the reconnaissance are usually worked
out among participating utilities, agencies,
and stakeholders (see sidebar on fieldwork
roles and responsibilities).
Additional issues
Composition of the participants is critical.
The number of participants may be small,
but they should represent the diversity
of recreation opportunities likely to be
at issue on the reach. Stakeholder and
agency agreement on composition may be
useful.
Evaluating a dry or nearly dry bypass
reach may be challenging, so there are
advantages to scheduling reconnaissance
during potentially boatable flows if
possible. In some cases, flow releases for
the reconnaissance may be arranged, and
they can dramatically increase the power
of these assessments.
The reconnaissance may lay the logistical
groundwork for more detailed study at a
later date. On -land boating assessments
also may be a planned interim step when a
controlled flow study is expected; in these
cases, fewer participants and a professional
judgment -level analysis rather than
formalized evaluations may be sufficient
and will minimize costs.
Cautions & limitations
On -land boating assessments may suggest
whether a river is boatable, but they are
unlikely to provide precise assessments of
flow ranges. They are helpful for assessing
safety issues for an on -water assessment
and narrowing flow ranges for additional
study, particularly on more challenging
(higher gradient) rivers.