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379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 15 Current science needs While significant understanding was developed by the GCES program and through the completion of the GCDEIS, much remains to be learned. The synthesis of existing information being developed as part of the GCMRC conceptual modeling activities have helped to identify gaps in our current understanding of the response of resources of concern, in the Colorado River ecosystem to changes in dam operations. In addition the AMWGI _ TWG have identifiect6 management objectives and ??~ation needs, man; whi~h will need to be addressed through specific research activities. Significant perceptual changes occurred during GCES Phase I and II and the GCDEIS process: unplanned flooding was viewed as being damaging to both the economic and biological resources of the Colorado River ecosystem, and now flooding is viewed as necessary. Additional shifts are likely to occur during the AMP. One shift that must be addressed at the outset is the change in perspective that occurred between the scientific information developed in the GCDEIS to support the preferred alternative and the language in the ROD which implements the GCDEIS. The GCDEIS called for Beach Habitat Building Plows (BHBFs) to occur in low water years when the likelihood of eroding newly built beaches would be mi11im;7p.d. The ROD calls for BHBFs to be conducted in high water years, which may fundamentally change the basis upon which the alternatives analyzed in the GCDEIS were based. Not only does this change affect the post-flood conditions, it also may affect the frequency ofBHBFs and the antecedent conditions from which they are initiated. In addition, the recent adoption of hydrologic triggerjng criteria for formation a BHBF as a c:;sMI/ mAnAgement action, and not as a test flow~ affect the willingness of the AMWG to engage in experiments outside of this hydrologic window of opportunity. The approach described here is intended to provide a logical framework for developing a long-term monitoring and research program. The data collected through long-term monitoring activities will support both monitoring and research requirements of the AMP, while the research programs will address specific information needs. In addition, GCMRC will seek scientific information from other sources to address some information needs, where possible. ~ rJ-) IAb5 , tJ~' , t ~ " , November S, 1998 Second Draft - Do Not Cite, Photocopy. or Distribute