Flows and Recretion: A guide to studies for river professionals

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Flows and Aesthetics Aesthetics of river environments are important in dam relicensing, particularly when reaches have waterfalls and cascades. When aesthetics are a critical attribute, studies may need to address how flows affect them. A complete review of aesthetics literature related to flows is beyond the scope of this document. However, findings from a few studies suggest interesting generalizations. In a study from the Virgin River downstream of Zion National Park, for example, respondents were shown video footage of flows ranging from 0 to several thousand cfs (Shelby, Whittaker, & Ellingham,1994). At low flows, small increments offered dramatic improvements in aesthetic quality; once the bottom of the channel was filled, however, there was little improvement from medium to high flows. Professional judgment curves (based on onsite reconnaissance and user interviews) for Connecticut's Shepaug River suggested similar findings (Shelby & Whittaker, 1999). In this small stream, even a 5 cfs dam release improved aesthetics, and above 50 cfs, additional water provided little aesthetic improvement. Other studies have evaluated paired photographs (Land & Water Associates, 1992), or compared evaluations among several photographs after controlling for other scenic features such as vegetation, sky, and canyon walls (Brown and Daniel, 1991). In general, very low and very high flows were rated lower, although differences were small. Computer - manipulated images now offer opportunities to control other scenic features in photographs, so evaluations focus solely on flow elements. Methods and analysis strategies have not been standardized in this field, but advances appear likely and should improve the ability to assess how alternative flow regimes affect aesthetics. Several study options presented in this document 1�r Flows may have a major impact on river aesthetics, but fewer studies have addressed this issue. Above: California's Kern River. are applicable to aesthetics, particularly multiple flow and controlled flow assessments. Many FERC relicensing efforts have included descriptive studies of aesthetics (i.e., photo or video documentation of key reaches, rapids, or falls at different flows). But fewer studies have included an evaluative component where aesthetic qualities of different flows are compared, and these have often based evaluations on professional judgments. The literature suggests that aesthetic evaluations by trained professionals may not match those of the general public, so studies that include recreation user evaluations may be important in some situations. Comparative flow surveys are probably most relevant study choice here, and representing different flows through photographic media provides an efficient way to avoid having users observe flows on -site. Small increases inflow dramatically improve aesthetics on Connecticut's Shepaug River (Left to right: 10, 60, and 200 cfs). Flows and Recreation: 23 A Guide for River Professionals