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final S.WCA "Grand Canyon Data Integration Project Synthesis Report" (synthesis report) was submitted to Reclamation on July 1. 1998, and a copy was provided to the Service. The report confirmed the value o.f testin9 response hypotheses for steady flows, but concluded that sufficient baseline data to fully evaluate the steady flow experiment do not CtJrrently exist. It is expected that steady flows would simultaneously benefit both native and non-native fishes (pemaps to the detriment of native fishes). would reduC$ food drift. and would likely increase the incidence of fish parasites. Review of the final synthesis report indicates that researchers identified 11 significant data gaps and recommended initiating studies at least 2 years in advanC$ of any experimental low steady flow to fill in the identified data gaps and establish a baseline for comparison. The synthesis report also recommended developing non-native fish eon,",1 strategies before performing any experimental steady flows. Twenty-four testable hypot/leses were developed. The 1999 Research and Monitoring Plan for GCMRC, as approved by the AMWG, includes provisions for development of a low steady flow research plan. The GCMRC has requested proposals from interested pames to develop a research and implementation plan for one or more experimental flows, consistent with the 1995 biological opinion. Resources available to assist in the development of the plan include the 1998 SWCA Data Integration Report, Synthesis of Glen Canyon Environmental studies Phase lJ biological and physical science activities (D. Patten, 1998,) and a conceptual model of the aquatic ecosystem linked to dam operations (Walters, et. al.. 1998.) These sources will :llso be used as guidelines determine the validIty of proposed experimental designs and to call attention to issues of concem that are related to experimental flows. STATUS OF ELEMENT 1.A. ONGOING. Additional testing and confirmation of benefits of the high spring release is needed, and a test combining high steady spring flows and low steady summer flows needs to be developed and Implemented. As mentioned in the Service's April 1997 response to the progress review, consideration should be given to at least c:onducling habitat maintenance flows (33.200 cfs) during low water release years. Reclamation will address combined high steady spring and low steady summer/fall flows and habitat maintenance flows in low water yearS in the planned NEPAlESA prcgrammatic compliance effort for beachlhabitat building flows, and other special flows, scheduled to begin in 1999. GCMRC Is in the final stages of review of Requests for Proposal for the design of a low flow study. The contractor selected wllJ then complete the design during FY 99. Included will be consideration of the recommendations in the synthesis report. ELEMENT 1.8 Reclamation shall implement a selective withdrawal program for Lake Powell waters and determine feasibility. PROGRESS E~EMENT 1.8. Initial scoping identified the studies needed to more completely evaluate the selective withdrawal program (temperature control device). Those studies have been completed and the reports were . J . . .