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GeES, Phase IT, Research and Program Update By: Dave Wegner, Manager, GCES Colorado River Studies Office The Glen Canyon Environmental Studies (GCES), Phase II, research and monitoring programs continue as we near completion of the EIS process. I I " I Efforts continue to complete studies initiated under the Phase II research program, develop technical reports, integrate research results with the Glen Canyon Dam Interim Flow Monitoring Program, develop Scientific Information Management (SIM) and the Geographic Information System (GIS), and develop the Long-term Monitoring Program. Research Status The majority of the Phase II research studies are nearing completion. Primary emphasis is on sedi- ment, ecology, economics, and cultural resources. Endangered species studies are on a different time schedule, conforming to the FWS' draft biological opinion and specific conservation measures. An integrated ecosystem approach continues to be followed, with emphasis on specific ecosystem elements and processes, Technical Reports Over 40 technical reports are scheduled for com- pletion under Phase II and interim flow monitoring. All reports will undergo an extensive review process prior to being submitted to the National Technical Information Service for cataloging and distribution. All technical reports, including the integrated reports, will be submitted to the National Academy of Sciences for information and review. A computerized library system is being developed through SIM and will form the basis for cataloging all GCES reports, data, and data bases. The GCES staff is working with the National Park Service and Museum of Northern Arizona to archive the infor- mation for future use, The GCES staff is developing templates to link individual data bases for the Long-term Monitoring Program. Interactive and multi-media linkages are being evaluated, Long-Term Monitoring The future application of adaptive management requires that a logical, technically sound, and scientifically credible Long-term Monitoring Program be instituted, Under the guidance of Dr. Duncan Patten and the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academy of Science, a proactive approach is being taken to develop a sound program based on basic monitoring and research. The GIS and SIM programs will be the data base for the Long-term Monitoring Program, Fifteen sites have been identified in the Grand Canyon for long-term monitoring. The program is being developed on a phased approach. Phase I is development of the framework, fiscal year (FY) 1993; followed by development of detailed technical elements, FY-1994; and implementation, FY-1995. Planning and integration of the GCES Phase II research and monitoring program results are on schedule. The actual implementation of the Long-term Moni- toring Program and its associated research and integration with the Adaptive Management Program will be com pleted after the Record of Decision. . 9