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experimental steady flows to benefit native fishes, subject to the results of a risk/benefit analysis now In progress. RESPONSE: The preferred alternative provides for experimental steady flows through the Adaptive Management Program for the reasons put forth in the Biological Opinion. COMMENT: Fund and implement immediately an Adaptive Management Program. This is the appropriate forum to address important issues. It is imperative that resource management rely on good science to monitor, and respond to possible adverse effects resulting from changes in dam operations. RESPONSE: The preferred alternative provides for implementation of an Adaptive Management Program. COMMENT: Interior Secretary Babbitt should issue a Record of Decision by December 31,1995, and conduct an efficient and timely audit by the General Accounting Office as mandated by the Grand Canyon Protection Act. RESPONSE: In compliance with the Grand Canyon Protection Act, Interior Secretary Babbitt could not issue the Record of Decision until considering the findings of the General Accounting Office. Those findings were issued on October 2, 1996. OTHER COMMENTS: Another set of comments were received from municipalities and other power user groups. These letters made up about 3 percent of the total received and were essentially identical in content. Although the authors were not totally in agreement with the preferred alternative because of the reduction in peaking power, they believe it is a workable compromise. These letters characterized the final EIS as 00. . .a model for resolving complex environmental issues among divergent interests.oo They also urged the government to protect the integrity of the process, resist efforts to overturn the FEIS, and allow the scientists' assessment to stand, in as much as the Adaptive Management Process will give Reclamation an opportunity to evaluate the effects of operational changes over time and make modifications according to scientific findings. RESPONSE: While the preferred alternative may not satisfY all interests, Reclamation believes it is a workable compromise and meets the two criteria set out in the EIS for the reoperation of the dam, namely restoring downstream resources and maintaining hydropower capability and flexibility. A letter of comment from the Environmental Protection Agency (EP A) indicates that EP A's comments on the draft EIS were adequately addressed in the final EIS. It also expresses their support for the preferred alternative. Samples of the comment letters and cards, and a copy ofEPA's comment letter are included as Attachment 2.