FY2009 


Ongoing 

Lawrence D. Garrett, Principal M3 Research and Executive Coordinator of the Science 

Advisors 

The Science Advisors (SAs) provide two types of science support: (1) review of scientific and 

planning documents and (2) advise on a range of scientific issues and questions related to the Glen 

Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP). The SAs review a wide range of scientific 

research and planning documents, including multiyear and annual strategic and operational plans, 

budgets, and special project science plans for activities such as the 2008 high-flow experiment (HFE). 

The SAs also provide advisory services to the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center 

(GCMRC), Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG), and Technical Work Group (TWG) on 

topics ranging from adaptive management and long-term experimental approaches to the development 

of new ecosystem science approaches and technical projects such as a temperature control device 

(TCD). 

In FY2011-12, the SAs will include 4-6 interdisciplinary senior scientists, primarily from 

universities supporting natural resource research programs. 

The SAs contribute to the overall science support needs of the GCDAMP as one of the 

Independent Review Panels (IRPs), serving special functions not provided by other IRPs. SAs service 

is enlisted to increase the efficiency and quality of the science being developed by the GCMRC and 

used by the AMWG and the Secretary of the Interior. SAs provide independent scientific oversight 

and technical advice to ensure that the GCMRC science programs are efficient, unbiased, objective, 

and scientifically sound. 

The SAs are expected upon request to review and comment on the following: 

Results of ongoing and completed monitoring and research program activities, as well as any 

synthesis and assessment activities initiated by the GCMRC 

The appropriateness of the GCMRC’s Requests for Proposals (RFPs), especially their 

responsiveness to management objectives 

Protocols used in the GCMRC-sponsored scientific activities, including a 5-year review of 

GCMRC monitoring and research protocols 

The GCMRC’s long-term monitoring plan 

The GCMRC’s biennial monitoring and research plans 

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The GCMRC’s biennial budget proposals, to ensure that the science program is efficiently and 

effectively responding to AMWG goals (that is, management objectives) 

The SAs and Executive Director also provide other program-specific scientific and technical 

advice when asked by the AMWG, the GCMRC, or the Secretary of the Interior. 

In FY2009, the GCMRC and GCDAMP requested a significant revision of the composition of 

the SAs, which resulted in the replacement of all but three disciplines and recruiting three to five new 

SA members in full- or part-time positions. Several administrative activities to support new positions 

occurred in 2010. The SA Executive Coordinator worked with GCMRC staff to screen specialists to 

fill three to five SA positions, award positions, develop briefing materials, issue contracts, revise 

procedures, and other activities, as needed. The new SAs will also be provided an orientation and 

opportunity to meet the GCMRC staff and stakeholders. 

Based on activities presented in this work plan, it is anticipated that the SAs will review the 

following planning and science documents and activities in FY2011-12: 

Proposed 2011–12 science program and related activities, including the integration of these 

activities into the existing Strategic Science Plan and Monitoring and Research Plan 

Proposed 2011 science program budget 

2000 low summer steady flows synthesis report 

Core-monitoring plans for (1) Aquatic Food Base/Lake Powell and Downstream Water-quality 

Monitoring, (2) Native and Nonnative Fish Monitoring, (3) Vegetation Monitoring; and (4) 

Camping Beaches Monitoring 

Overall fisheries science and modeling direction
 

Overall sediment science and modeling direction
 

Proposed socioeconomic science request for proposals and science plan
 

Humpback chub translocation and trout abatement science plan
 

Review of HFE synthesis report
 

The SAs provide reviews and advisory service to the GCMRC, the TWG, the AMWG, and the 

Secretary’s Designee. SAs communicate in a variety of ways (emails, phone conversations, reports, 

and workshops) with the GCMRC and the GCDAMP members, facilitators, outside scientists and 

managers to clarify review positions, provide information, develop prospectus for collaborative efforts, 

and assist with the evaluation and development of program direction. The scope of the advisory 

services will be scaled back due to funding constraints. 

FY2011-12, the SAs anticipate providing the following advisory services: 

Participate in GCMRC science workshop on aquatics/fisheries ecosystem modeling led by 

Senior Ecologist 

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Work with GCMRC Chief, leadership team, and Senior Ecologist to assess opportunities for 

greater integration and improved overall system assessments of biology programs 

Participate in January 2011 and 2012 annual reporting workshop/TWG meeting on HFE 

Synthesis 

Participate in combined final quality-of-water (including Lake Powell) and aquatics protocol 

evaluation panel in FY2011 

Participate in final recreational protocol evaluation panel in FY2012 

Assist GCMRC in development of advanced knowledge assessment procedures to support 

workshop(s) and participation in the workshop(s) in FY2011 

Participate in development of State of the Colorado River Ecosystem in Grand Canyon II 

report as outcome of knowledge assessment in FY2011 

The M3 Research 5-year award included a base year and 4 option years for reviews and 

services. Due to budget constraints, the GCMRC will significantly reduce the scope of services for 

FY11-12. 

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