lJnited States Department of the Interior

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

\Øashington,DC 20240

DECISION MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY

To:

From:

Secretary

Jennifer Gimbel -4 r"^l,r4 liuv 1 2 2015

Secretary's Glen C Dam Adaptive Management Work Group

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary - Water and Science

Subject: Report and Recommendations from the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management

V/ork Group (AMWG) Federal Advisory Committee Meetings held on February 25-

26, 201 5, }l4.ay 28, 2015, and August 26-27, 201 5

Introduction

The Glen Canyon Dam AMWG is a Federal advisory committçe chaired by a designee of the

Secretary of the Interior. I am the current designee.'fhe n(ûG provides advice and

recommendations to the Secretary relative to the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and the actions

of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP) and reports to the

Secretary through the Secretary's designee.

Members of the AMWG are appointed by the Secretary with representation from the Colorado

River Basin states, tribal nations, environmental and recreational groups and power interests.

The Department of the Interior (Department) is represented by the U.S. Fish and V/ildlife Service

(FWS), the National Park Service (NPS), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of

Reclamation (Reclamation) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Western Area Power

Administration is also represented.

Backsround

The AMWG held three meetings in 2015. The first was a 2-day in-person meeting on February

25-26,2015, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The second was a 3-hour webinar on May 28,2015. The

third was a2-day in-person meeting on August 26-27,2015, in Phoenix, Anzona. The meetings

were constructive and well attended. This memorandum contains a summary of issues

discussed, actions taken, and recommendations for your consideration.

February 25-26, 2015, Meetin g:

The AMWG held a2-day in-person meeting on February 25-26,2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The following were discussed:
Renewal of the AMV/G Charter. The AMWG Charter is due for renewal in August 2015. The

Charter Ad Hoc Group was asked to review and revise it according to concems raised by the

members.

DOI-DOE H)¡drograph Development for Water Year 2016. In cooperation with the other

Federal agencies, Reclamation developed the Department's recommendation for the 2016

Hydrograph. The 2016 recommendation is based on the 2015 Hydrograph incorporating new

information that may influence its development. Reclamation will review the hydrograph

information and an analysis will be conducted that includes the Technical V/orking Group

(TWG) and the Department. A recommendation for the AMWG's consideration will be

provided later this year.

Updates from the 2015 Annual Reporting (AR) Meeting. The AR meeting was held in January

2015 and included updates on sand mass balance, correlation between channel geomorphology

and sandbar building, updates on native and nonnative fish populations, an introduction to a

model for re-vegetation, reports on humpback chub translocations, Bright Angel trout removal,

invasive species updates, aquatic foodbase assessments, and tribal monitoring. Results were

further discussed at the TWG's April meeting.

Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP) EIS Update. The LTEMP Team has

ftnalized modeling, analysis, and edits in anticipation of a draft EIS by March 2015. Analyses of

the seven alternatives, including the newly developed hybrid alternative, were presented.

Panel on Current Projects and Issues in Utah. Presentations were made on the following:

o Central Utah Project (CUP). The CUP began construction in May 1959; the Bonneville

Unit was completed in 1964. The CUP captures flows from the Uinta Mountains and

through a transbasin diversion delivers water to the'Wasatch Front. The CUP Completion

Act (CUPCA) of 1992 provides policy guidance and direction for completing the CUP

and transfers construction responsibilities from Reclamation to the Central Utah Water

Conservancy District, while retaining Federal oversight.

o Utah Reclamation Mitigation & Conservation Commission. This presidential

commission was established in July 1994 under the CUPCA of 1992. Common issues

facing the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program and CUPCA include water

supply and delivery, ecosystem needs, hydropower generation, endangered species, and

funding.

o State of Utah. The Utah Division of V/ater Resources is the State's water planning and

development agency and assists local water suppliers and users with planning and

anticipated future needs. Population growth is driving conservation efforts and Utah has

established a goal of reducing water use25%oby 2015.

In addition, Reclamation hosted a High Flow Experiment Workshop following the AMWG

Meetings to review the effects of these flows on downstream resources and answer questions of

the stakeholders.

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May 28, 2015, \ilebinar:

This webinar/conference call focused on the following issues:

Renewal of AMV/G Charter. The revised Charter was presented to the AMWG for further

discussion and approval. An unresolved issue is the inclusion of an individual from an academic

institution on the AMWG. The AMWG continued to discuss and may amend the charter at a

later date when the details have been worked out.

DOI-DOE Hydrograph Development for Water Year 2016. Modihed Low Fluctuating Flows

will be optimized by targeting lower August and September monthly releases in order to retain

sand inputs high in the system in anticipation of a High Flow Experiment. In cooperation with

the FWS, Reclamation has been exploring the idea of reducing June volumes. The TWG

provided a recommendation for the AMWG's consideration at their August meeting.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Budget and Work Plan. Adjustments were made to both Reclamation's

and the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center's (GCMRC) budgets to reflect

Consumer Price Index (CPD changes. The FYl6 overhead rate was estimated at2I.3o/o, but is

now projected to be about I3%. It is too late in the year to adjust the USGS overhead rates so

some of the burden that GCMRC paid to USGS will be returned to GCMRC, which is equal to

the CPI adjustment. The AMWG will review and make a formal recommendation at its August

meeting.

August 26-27, 2015, Meeting:

This meeting was held in Tempe, Arizona. The following were discussed:

Renewal of AMWG Charter. The Charter was revised in accordance with Federal Advisory

Committee Act guidelines and signed by Secretary Sally Jewell on August 24,2015.

Fiscal Year 2016 Budget and Work Plan. Reclamation and the GCMRC proposed changes to

their budgets based on the CPI rate. The members discussed and passed the following motion by

consensus:

The AMWG recommends to the Secretary of the Interíorfor her approval the Final FY 2015-

2017 Trìenníal Budget and Work Planfrom the Bureøu of Reclamøtion and the Grand

Canyon Monitorìng and Research Center as recommended by the AMI(G August 28,2014,

for ímplementstion in FY 2016, with u FY 2015 conected CPI of 1.7% and corrections to the

GCMRC overhead rates.

for Y 1 The AMWG discussed the proposed DOI-DOE

hydrograph and passed the following motion by consensus:

The AMWG recommends to the Secretøry of the Interiorfor her approval the VW2016

Hydrographfor Glen Cønyon Dam.

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O Monthlv Release Volumes are antícipøted to shift depending upon: (1) the projected

Annual Releuse Volume, (2) power plønt capacíty, and (3) the møgnítude of a

potentiøl Hìgh Flow Experiment.

Monthlv Release Volumes møy vary within the targets identílìed below. Any

remaining monthly operatíonølflexíbility wíll be usedfor existing power

productíon operations under the Mod¡rted Low Fluctuating Flow (MLFF)

alternative selected by the 1996 ROD and contained in the 1995 FEIS and in

complíance with øll øpplicøble NEPA complíønce documents (HFE EA, NNFC

EA, 2007 Interím Guidelínes). Monthly release volumes proposed in thís

hydrograph will not affect operating tier determinøtionsfor Lakes Powell ond

Meud under the 2007 Interim Guidelines.

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Annuul Release Volumes wíll be determined hy the 2007 Interim Guídelines and

shall be revíewed and ødopted through the normsl ønnual operating plan process

(in consultatíon wíth lhe Bøsín States øs øpproprìøte).

Releøse obìectíve for June is:

600 to 650 kaffor annuøl releases below 9.0 møf

800 køffor annual releases of 9.0 maf to less than 9.5 maf

900 køffor ønnual releases of 9.5 maf to less than 10 maf

Greater thøn 900 kaffor annuøl releases 10 maf and greater

Relesse obiective for Ausust ís:

800 kaffor annual release below 9.0 maf

900 kaffor annuøl releøses of 9.0 maf to less thøn 10 maf

Greater thsn 900 kaffor annual releases 10 maf and greater

Release obiective for Seotember is:

600 køffor annual releases below 9.0 maf

700 kaffor annuul releøses of 9.0 maf to less than 10.0 møf

800 kaf or greater for annual releøses of 10.0 maf or greøter; up to power plønt

capacíty for high equalizøtíon releases

O Monthlv Relesse Volumes wìll generally stríve to maintsin 600 kaf levels ín the

shoulder months (spríng andfall) and 800 køf ín the December/January and

July/A ug ust timeframe.

Addítìonally, Reclømutíon wìll continue to apply besl professional judgment in conductìng

actuul operatíons and in response to chøngìng conditìons throughout the water yeør. Such

efforts wíll contínue to be undertaken in coordination with the DOI-DOE agencíes and in

consultøtíon wíth the Basín Støtes as approprìate, to consider changing conditions and ødjust

projected operations ín a mønner consistent with the objectives of these pørømeters as stated

above and pursuønt to the Løw of the Ríver.

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Fish Management Recommendation. The AMWG recreational fish representation and the

angling community, with the cooperative participation of Arizona Game and Fish Department,

recognized that the provisions of the National Park Service Comprehensive Fishery Management

Plan (CFMP) for both the recreational trout fishery and the fishery as a whole would benefit

from an expansion of the CFMP to include more detailed proposed actions. A draft Lees Ferry

Recreational Trout Fishery Management Recommendations document was developed and

provided to interested agencies for review and comment. The AMWG passed the following

motion by consensus:

The AMIIG requests the Secretaryts Desígnee direct GCMRC to conduct a technícal review of

the Lees Fewy Recreational Trout Físhery Manøgement Recommendatíons and report its

Jìndìngs to the TWG; and dírects the TllG to evaluate the GCMRC review st theìr October

2015 meeting, and report ¡ßÍìnd¡ngs to AMtltG at its Februøry 2016 meeting.

Study GTEMP EIS) Update. A cooperating agencies draft EIS was distributed on June 29 for a

30-day comment period. At the request of the cooperators, the comment period was extended to

90 days and comments were submitted on September 30, 2015. A public draft is planned to be

distributed by mid-December 2015 with a60-day public comment period.

Recognition of Service. The AMWG acknowledged the work and contributions made by

Dr. L. David Garrett, former Executive Director of the Science Advisors. The following motion

was approved unanimously:

The Adaptive Manøgement Work Groupformølly recognizes the longstøndìng and signíJicant

contributíons of Dr. L. Duvid Garrett to the Glen Cønyon Dam Adaptíve Mønagement

Program (GCDAMP) ín many dífferent capacitíes, íncludingJirst chíef of the Grand Canyon

Monítoring ønd Research Center (1996-1999) and the Executive Coordínator of the Scíence

Advisors (2001-2013). Dr. Garrett hus signiJicantly helped the GCDAMP to address the many

complex science and operationøl ìssues associated with Glen Cønyon Døm und the Grand

Canyon Nøtìonal Pørk and environs. The AMWG wishes to express its síncere thanks to

Dr. Garrett und our warmest wìshes for hís høppy and successfulfuture.

Approved unanímously.

Introduction of new Science Adviser - Reclamation has contracted with Sound Science LLC for

science adviser services, the executive coordinator is Dr. David Braun.

Special Tribute to Mr. Jason Thiriot. The AMV/G paid special tribute to Mr. Jason Thiriot who

had served as an AMWG alternate for the State of Nevada since August 2013. Jason was

involved in many aspects of the GCDAMP and instrumental in leading public outreach efforts.

The AMWG teamed with the Arizona Diamondbacks major league baseball team to raise funds

for the Thiriot Children Memorial Fund, they also made personal cash donations.

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Conclusion

The AMWG endeavors to provide informed recommendations concerning the operations of Glen

Canyon Dam for your endorsement. Decisions are made by a group of diverse and committed

stakeholders that span the resources and values of the Grand Canyon. Their decisions are

informed by leading edge science conducted by GCMRC and they are advised by the

participating Department agencies.

Recommendation

The AMV/G brings a diverse group of stakeholders to the table that provide scientifically

informed and broadly supported resource management recommendations to protect downstream

resources in the Grand Canyon. The Department of the Interior (Department) agencies, my staff

and I work closely with the AMV/G to ensure good dialogue and informed and practical

recommendations. Two recommendations from the August 2015 meeting were adopted by

consensus and I recommend you approve both.

The attached approval document is provided for your consideration.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs

Acting Director, U.S. Geological Survey

Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation

Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Director, National Park Service

Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs

Assistant Director, Wildlife Management, Arizona Game and Fish Department,

5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086-5000

Attention: Mr. James deVos

Bureau of Indian Affairs, 2600 N. Central Avenue, 4th Floor, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Attention: Mr. Chip Lewis

Department of Energy-WAPA, Western Area Power Administration,

150 E. Social Hall Avenue, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

Attention: Ms. Lynn Jeka

The Hualapai Tribe, PO Box 310, Peach Springs, Arizona 86434

Attention: Ms. Loretta Jackson-Kelly

Director, Cultural Preservation Offrce, The Hopi Tribe, PO Box 123,

Kykotsmovi, Arizona 8603 9

Attention: Mr. Leigh Kuwanwisiwma

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National Park Service, Grand Canyon National Park, PO Box 129,

Grand Canyon, Arizona 8602

Attention: Mr. David Uberuaga

Executive Director, Department of National Resources, Navajo Nation, PO Box 9000,

V/indow Rock, Arizona 86515

Attention: Ms. Ora Marek-Martinez

Pueblo of Zuni, PO Box 339,Zuni, New Mexico 87327

Attention: Mr. Kurt Dongoske

San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, PO Box 2656, Tuba City, Arizona 86045

Southern Paiute Indian Consortium, Kaibab Paiute Indian Reservation,

Tribal Affairs Bldg., HC 65 Box 2, Fredonia, Arizona 86022

Attention: Mr. Charley Bulletts

Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and V/ildlife Service, Arizona Ecological Services

Office, 2321 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite 103, Phoenix, Arizona 85021-4951

Attention: Mr. Steve Spangle

ArizonaDepartment of V/ater Resources, 3550 N. Central Avenue,

Phoenix, Arizona AZ 85012

Attention: Mr. Tom Buschatzke

Executive Director, Colorado River Board of California, TT0 Fairmont Avenue,

Suite 100, Glendale, California 91203-1035

Attention: Ms. Tanya Trujillo

Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, 210 West Spencer, Suite B,

Gunnison, Colorado 81230

Attention: Mr. John McClow

Colorado River Commission of Nevada, 555 E. Washington Avenue, Suite 3100,

Las Vegas, Nevada 89101-1048

Attention: Ms. Jayne Harkins

New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, PO Box25l02,

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504

Attention: Ms. Deborah Dixon

Interstate Streams Engineer, State Engineer's Office , 122 W.25th Street,

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002

Attention: Mr. Steve Wolff

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Director, Division of Water Resources, 1594 W. North Temple

Salt Lake City, Utah 84114

Attention: Mr. Eric Millis

Grand Canyon Wildlands Council, PO Box 1315, Flagstaff, Arizona 86002

Attention: Mr. Larry Stevens

Grand Canyon River Guides, 453 V/. Mulberry Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85013-4349

Attention: Mr. Sam Jansen

National Parks Conservation Association, 307 West 200 South, Suite 5000,

Salt Lake City UT 84101

Attention: Mr. David Nimkin

Colorado River Energy Distributors Association,I042g S. 51't Street, Suite 230,

Phoenix, Arizona 8504

Attention: Ms. Leslie James

Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, 155 N. 400 W., Suite 480,

Salt Lake City, Utah 84103

Attention: Mr. Ted Rampton

Federation of Fly Fishers, 45 10 E. Joshua Tree Lane, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253

Attention: Mr. John Jordan

Deputy Regional Director, Upper Colorado Region, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation,

125 S. State Street, Room 8100, Salt Lake City, Utah 84138

Attention: Mr. Daniel Picard

Regional Director, Upper Colorado Region, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation,

125 S. State Street, Room 8100, Salt Lake City, Utah 84138

Attention: Mr. Brent Rhees

Adaptive Management V/ork Group Alternates

Technical Work Group Members and Altemates

(via e-mail)

8
DECISION MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY

From: Jennifer Gimbel -4*rl*P

Secretary's , Glen Dam Adaptive Management Work Group

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary - Water and Science

Subject: Report and Recommendations from the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management

Work Group Federal Advisory Committee Meetings held on February 25-26,2015,

May 28, 2015, and August 26-27 ,2015

I. RECOMMENDATION

The AMWG brings a diverse group of stakeholders to the table that provide scientifically

informed and broadly supported resource management recommendations to protect downstream

resources in the Grand Canyon. The Department of the Interior (Department) agencies, my staff

and I work closely with the AMV/G to ensure good dialogue and informed and practical

recommendations. Two recommendations from the August 2015 meeting were adopted by

consensus and I recommend you approve both. The recommendations are to:

l. Approve the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-17 Triennial Budget and'Work Plan for

implementation in FY 2016.

2. Approve the \ü/ater Year2016 Hydrograph for Glen Canyon Dam.

II. SECRETARY'S DECISION

L appnovp

DISAPPROVE

*\-\o,{r^rf.* \q Zt¡t->

Date Secretary

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