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Il00435< 4) Why aren't existing available models used by Reclamation to develop Annual Operating Plans IAnD\ n... ."'..lll.T...._l. ....... c....u.l. DI...... "........, v.. ........~,......... .....u.uuu.... .............. satisfactory for use in the review of ex- isting projects? The computer programs currently used for both the North Plalle and South Plalle rivers by Reclamation for water accounting are not predictive models. The existing computer programs require that significant operational decisions be made and ad- justed by the operator on a monthly basis. Theoretically, modeling condi- tions over a 50 year period could be done using this approach, but it would not be feasible because it would take months to accomplish just one alterna- tive. The development of a predictive model allows these significant opera- tion decisions to be programmed inter- nally allowing the computer operator to analyze operational alternatives over a 50 year data period in a very short time. In addition, a predictive model allows consistent decisions when analyzing and comparing alternatives over data periods covering 50 years or more. Without such a predictive model, it would not be possible to analyze the alternatives and their effects within the time frame of the study or available funding. 5) Will other technical study teams be organized to develop species models for threatened and endangered species or for development of opera- tional alternatives? At the present time no other tech- nical study teams are planned. The major missing technical key to success- ful completion of the evaluation is the presence of an acceptable hydrologic model for use in evaluating the opera- .:.........1 ""ff""..... ,...f D "'...1...........:.......'... "'....:...f-:...<? UVLl.u..o ..................~ V-'- .."............U..Lu..uv.... ~ ....1U~u.u5 projects. There have been several efforts, both in the past and ongoing, that have developed threatened and endangered species land and water related criteria, requirements, and in some cases habitat/species models. Reclamation and Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will use the threatened and endangered species information developed and documented through the Plalle River Management Joint Study to evaluate ex- isting Reclamation projects. Nearly all parties involved in Reclamation's evaluation have also been involved in the Plalle River Management Joint Study and have a general understanding and an accep- tance ofthe species criteria and models that will be in used in the evaluation of existing Reclamation projects. As the study progresses, those en. tities represented on the Hydrology Study Team. as well as other entities that may have elected not to par- ticipate on the team, will be kept ap- prised of the evaluation criteria being used and the operational alternatives. Comments and suggestions will be solicited from all interests and should the need arise, meetings will be held in addition to the general public meetings to address specific concerns and to pro- vide the opportunity for input to the evaluation. 6) What is the schedule for future public meetings? The next series of public meetings have not been scheduled at this time. 3 However, given the above hydrologic model development schedule, we would anticipate the next public meet- :........... :...Tt."............ T........100'l D"'...l.......... LLl~ LLl .o.U_U] .....a J Lau.... ..L........... ..."-""..........uu- tion will be able to display and discuss baseline conditions, present operations and initial operational alternatives. Public meetings will be announced 30 days in advance of the meeting date. 1~:;:.:;:~.:::;:.~:::;..-::::...:;:~.:::-,.:.''?m::~':i:;:;:::".~:;:::::;:.W~::;:i.~:i.:.:.~.~::'.;:.}.:.?-;:::::::::".;.~:::'<<;?-~:r:;::~:;: If you would like to see this ques. tion and answer section of the "Evalua- tion Update" continued in the future, please let us know. We would appre- ciate receiving questions you would like addressed in future quarterly updates. Any questions or comments should be directed to : Study Manager ~DelHolz North Platte River Projects P.O. Box 1630 Mills WY 82644-1630 (307) 261-5693 or Project Manager ~ohn Lawson North Platte River Projects P.O. Box 1630 Mills WY 82644-1630 (307) 261-5671 [0\ z. zJ'1I c-e..lQ ~~\z ~'I.-'i M.~.....:;k, J.. ,,^~:PJ>.r,.<JJ, (""'-- BIr?:>-,'f) i ,.JLj.'j ~~\V1..- a.","C<r_\,i-~ \ (\:>[f ~.,(!..JL