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...'?> \.~~ 29 , most likely to erode under specified hill slope gradients, soil conditions, and dam-controlled flow parameters, Another cultural PEP recommendation that was initiated in FY2002 involved the preparation of a comprehensive research design to guide future research and monitoring initiatives in the river corridor, The research design was identified by the PEP as a key component of the Historic Preservation Plan mandated as a stipulation of the current PA. Although originally intended to serve the needs of the PA, the scope and purpose of the research design was expanded to include a framework for researching and monitoring the full spectrum of cultural resources found within the CRE, to meet not only the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act but also the broader mandates of the Grand Canyon Protection Act. A draft version of the research dcsign was submitted to GCMRC and reviewed by both independent scientists and P A signatories in spring, 2003; the final research design is scheduled to be completed by December, 2003, A new cultural resource research project initiated in FY2003 is designed to track the cffects of aeolian transport of fine sediment on the preservation of archaeological resources in the CRE, This research project is one of the integrated research initiatives being conducted as a component of Project A,3, Sand-Storage Monitoring, (See project A,3 for more details), Recreational Resources - Recreational resources encompass several diverse, tangible elements: the blue-ribbon trout fishery at Lees Ferry, the challenging whitewater rapids in the Colorado River, and camping "beaches" in Grand Canyon. Recreational resources also encompass experiential attributes, such as opportunities to experience solitude, natural quiet, and physical challenges in a wilderness-like environment. Recreational issues of specific concern to the GCMRC sociocultural program include changes in the size and availability of camping beaches due to dam operations, changes in the quality of recreational experiences within the CRE (including trout sport fishing, recreational river trips, and wilderness-dependent recreational opportunities) due to effects of dam operations, plus the economic impacts to the recreation industry from varying flow regimes. GCMRC has supported studies in all of these areas. Previous Recreation Tnvestif!.ations: Sand bars serve as campsites for rafting groups and are highly valued based on size, boat mooring quality, wind protection, access to side canyon hikes, scenery, and shade, Historically, these "beaches" were replenished annually by sand and silt transported by the river during spring runoff. Since this sediment now settles out in Lake GCMRC FY2005-2006 Draft Annual Work Plan (November 10, 2003)