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<br />t! <br /> <br />295 <br />296 <br />297 <br />298 <br />299 <br />300 <br />301 <br />302 <br />303 <br />304 <br />305 <br />306 <br />307 <br />308 <br />309 <br />310 <br />311 <br />312 <br />313 <br />314 <br />315 <br />316 <br />317 <br />318 <br />319 <br />320 <br />321 <br />322 <br />323 <br /> <br />12 <br /> <br />Statement (GCDEIS, DOl, 1995). In addition, the scientific approach being followed by <br />GCMRC for developing a long-term monitoring program includes the synthesis of existing <br />scientific information, the development ofa conceptual model, and the evaluation of <br />appropriate monitoring protocols is described. Finally, the scientific activities that will be <br />implemented during the five-year period covered by the Strategic Plan are discussed. The <br />Strategic Plan is designed to be a guidance document, from which annual monitoring and <br />research plans will be drafted over the period FY 2000-2004. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br /> <br />Science in the Colorado River Ecosystem <br />The first formal scientific investigations in the Grand Canyon and associated riverine <br />area were conducted by John Wesley Powell (powell, 1875). Powell's scientific <br />investigations included technical assessments of physical and cultural resources associated <br />with the Grand Canyon Region, including the first ethnographic study of indigenous peoples. <br />Powell's profound accomplishments resulted, in part, in the founding of the U.S. Geological <br />Survey. Since Powell's initial investigation, numerous significant scientific studies have <br />been conducted in the Grand Canyon by many differing individuals, groups, and institutions. <br />In the first half of this century, economic interests paralleled scientific interest in the <br />canyon (Stevens and Wegner, 1995). The Colorado River represented a significant <br />opportunity to harness extensive hydroelectric power and provide water storage for growing <br />agriculture and urban development in the Southwest. These interests culminated in the <br />completion of Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, a facility that impounded over 27 million acre feet <br />of water in Lake Powell. <br />Glen Canyon Dam was heralded as an economic and recreational resource for the <br />Southwest. It was also criticized as a man-made instrument that destroyed valued Colorado <br />River resources, both upstream and downstream of the Dam. Concerns over potential <br />damage to downstream resources have been persistent since 1963, and relate to: 1) the <br />existence of the dam, 2) water storage and flood release criteria, and 3) operating criteria <br />used for power generation. <br /> <br />November S, 1998 <br />SecoDd Draft - Do Not Cite, Photocopy, or DIstribute <br />