Flows and Recretion: A guide to studies for river professionals

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Single Flow "Expert Judgment" Assessments for Other Recreation Opportunities Objective Assess the potential quality of other recreation opportunities such as swimming, tubing, or general riverside recreation, and estimate flow ranges from reconnaissance at a single flow. The types of recreation considered in these studies are rarely associated with organized advocacy groups, but they are represented by NPS in relicensing proceedings. Typical approach Similar to single flow boating and fishability assessments, these reconnaissance -based efforts usually involve on -site evaluations by recreation consultants familiar with the target opportunities. Participation by swimmers, tubers, or others is not common, but could be incorporated. Photos of key sites and conditions, along with rough measurements of key features (e.g., pools, current speed) are useful. If participants are involved, focus groups would also occur. Product Summary of reconnaissance effort and findings. A list of participants, evaluation results, photos, measurements, and discussion notes may be provided in appendices. Tubers on California's Lower Kern River illustrate differences betwen relaxed floating (bottom photo) and more challenging tubing (top photo) that have different flow needs. 18 1 Flows and Recreation: A Guide for River Professionals Responsibilities As with other feasibility assessments, utilities (or their consultants) have primary responsibility, but agencies and stakeholders commonly participate in fieldwork and review the evaluation form. Additional issues Participants in these activities may not be particularly flow - sensitive, so their participation is optional. However, interviews with local swimmers or tubers about their activities can be important. Defining target opportunities with sufficient specificity is probably the critical step, and can be enhanced with interview information from agencies or local users. These assessments typically occur from the shore in tandem with assessment efforts for boating and fishing. There are logistical challenges to conducting comprehensive assessments for multiple activities in a single reconnaissance. Simple measurements of pool areas, depths, or current velocities may enhance descriptions of recreation opportunities or conditions created by flows. There are challenges assessing a diversity of potential recreation locations during a short assessment period, with trade -offs between quantity and quality. Identifying representative locations or reaches for swimming or tubing evaluations may increase efficiency, but assumes homogeneity among locations. Feasibility assessments for other recreation opportunities may be unnecessary if a controlled flow study is planned, or people currently use a reach for swimming, tubing, or other recreation (and can describe their use patterns and flow ranges of interest). For some opportunities, having evaluators swim or tube a reach maybe useful. Cautions & limitations Expert judgment assessments at a single flow may ascertain whether particular activities are possible, but they are unlikely to provide precise flow ranges for opportunities (unless the range is narrow and a flow in that range was assessed).