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<br />-, , <br />.;:-'-.':~;>:J <br /> <br />final SWCA "Grand Canyon Data Integration Project Synthesis Report" (synthesis report) was <br />submitted to Reclamation on July 1, 1998, and a copy was provided to the Service. The report <br />confirmed the value of testing response hypotheses for steady flows, but concluded that <br />sufficient baseline data to fully evaluate the steady flow experiment do not currently exist. It is <br />expected that steady flows would simultaneously benefit both native and non-native fishes <br />(perhaps to the detriment of native fishes), would reduce food drift, and would likely increase the <br />incidence of fish parasites. <br /> <br />Review of the final synthesis report indicates that researchers identified 11 significant data gaps <br />and recommended initiating studies at least 2 years in advance of any experimental low steady <br />flow to fill in the identified data gaps and establish a baseline for comparison. The synthesis <br />report also recommended developing non-native fish control strategies before performing any <br />experimental steady flows. Twenty-four testable hypotheses were developed. <br /> <br />The 1999 Research and Monitoring Plan for GCMRC, as approved by the AMWG, includes <br />provisions for development of a low steady flow research plan. The GCMRC has requested <br />. proposals from interested parties to develop a research and implementation plan for one or more <br />experimental flows, consistent with the 1995 biological opinion. Resources available to assist in <br />the development of the plan include the 1998 SWCA Data Integration Report, Synthesis of Glen <br />Canyon Environmental Studies Phase II biological and physical science activities (D. Patten, <br />1998,) and a conceptual model of the aquatic ecosystem linked to dam operations (Walters, et. <br />aI., 1998.) These sources will also be used as guidelines determine the validity of proposed <br />experimental designs and to call attention to issues of concem that are related to experimental <br />flows. <br /> <br />" <br /> <br />1-: <br /> <br />-'.r" <br /> <br />STATUS OF ELEMENT 1.A. <br />ONGOING. Additional testing and confirmation of benefits of the high spring release is needed, <br />and a test combining high steady spring flows and low steady summer flows needs to be <br />developed and implemented. As mentioned in the Service's April 1997 response to the progress <br />review, consideration should be given to at least conducting habitat maintenance flows (33,200 <br />cfs) during low water release years. <br /> <br />;' <br /> <br />Reclamation will address combined high steady spring and low steady summer/fall flows and <br />habitat maintenance flows in low water years in the planned NEPAlESA programmatic <br />compliance effort for beach/habitat building flows, and other special flows, scheduled to begin in <br />1999. GCMRC is in the final stages of review of Requests for Proposal for the design of a low <br />flow study. The contractor selected will then complete the design during FY 99. Included will be <br />consideration of the recommendations in the synthesis report. <br /> <br />f.~ <br /> <br />; <br />., <br /> <br />, <br />~ <br /> <br />~~ <br /> <br />ELEMENT 1.8 <br />Reclamation shall implement a selective withdrawal program for Lake Powell waters and <br />determine feasibility. <br /> <br />PROGRESS ELEMENT 1.8. <br />Initial scoping identified the studies needed to more completely evaluate the selective withdrawal <br />program (temperature control device). Those studies have been completed and the reports were <br /> <br />3 <br />