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2008 High-Flow Experiment: Partners & Links
Department of the Interior Partners and Their Role in High-Flow Experiment
- Bureau of Reclamation
- The Bureau of Reclamation operates Glen Canyon Dam. The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, which was implemented as a result of the 1996 Record of Decision on the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam Final Environmental Impact Statement, is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and largely through hydropower revenues, annually funds nearly $10 million of adaptive management research, monitoring, and resource protection activities in Glen and Grand Canyons.
Together with the membership of the Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG), Reclamation helps to identify operational experiments for Glen Canyon Dam that enhance learning and protection of the downstream ecosystem and resources to meet the provisions of the Grand Canyon Protection Act and the laws that comprise the Law of the River. Reclamation serves as a lead participant and committee meeting facilitator of both the Adaptive Management Work Group and the Technical Work Group.
AMWG is a Federal Advisory Committee to the Secretary of the Interior with representatives from Federal agencies, Colorado River Basin States, Native American tribal governments, environmental groups, recreation interests, and contractors for federal power from Glen Canyon Dam. Reclamation works with the AMWG through a Secretary's Designee to receive recommendations from these varied stakeholder interests and provide recommendations on how to best balance protection of downstream resources and river operations to deliver water and produce hydropower. [Read MoreClose]
- National Park Service
- Through the 1916 National Park Service (NPS) Organic Act and the 2006 NPS management policies, the NPS manages, protects, and preserves the natural, cultural and recreational resources along the Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam within Grand Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (including those affected by dam operations). [Read MoreClose]
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), through their Arizona National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, is working with the USGS Grand Canyon Research and Monitoring Center to conduct research on humpback chub and other native fish in the Grand Canyon as part of the proposed high-flow experiment. These studies will include measuring backwater function and structure, and examining native and nonnative fish densities to establish a baseline prior to the experiment. This office will be available to assist with any related studies per request from the USGS, Reclamation, or NPS. The USFWS Arizona Ecological Services Office is preparing a biological opinion in response to receipt of a December 2007 biological assessment from Reclamation. The biological opinion would provide Endangered Species Act compliance for Reclamation's proposed action, which includes both the 2008 high-flow experiment and 5 years of experimental Glen Canyon Dam operations. [Read MoreClose]
- U.S. Geological Survey
- The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center has responsibility for scientific monitoring and research efforts for the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program, including the design and implementation of the scientific efforts associated with the proposed high-flow experiment. The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life. [Read MoreClose]
Other Partners
- Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program
- The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP) was officially established in 1997, under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in compliance with the Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-575), and the 1996 Record of Decision which initiated the process
whereby the effects of dam operations on downstream resources would be monitored and assessed.
The implementation of the GCDAMP provided for flexibility in adapting the dam's operations in order to facilitate continued scientific research and monitoring while allowing the project purposes for which the dam was constructed to continue. As environmental experimentation and studies continue to take place, it is important to recognize that the Secretary must continue to operate Glen Canyon Dam to meet the purposes established by Congress in law. [Read MoreClose]
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