Low Summer Steady Flows (LSSF)

Low Summer Steady Flows (LSSF) : Flows aimed at improving survival of juvenile native fishes in the mainstem, particularly through warming of backwater and nearshore environments of the CR mainstem (2000)

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• The stated Purpose of the 2000 LSSF was (Ralston 2011): "The purpose of the Low Steady Summer Flow (LSSF) experiment was to determine if reduced discharge and steady flows would improve mainstem spawning success and increase growth of young native fish through improved nursery habitats and warmer water."

• The objectives of the 2000 LSSF were (Ralston 2011):

1. To enhance survival and growth of young native fishes by providing stable, warm, productive shoreline nursery habitats.
2. To increase recruitment of native fish.
3. To minimize adverse effects of nonnative fish.
4. To contribute to the recovery of endangered humpback chub.

• The effects of the 2000 LSSF were evaluated for physical resources (i.e., sediment), fish, vegetation, campsites, angling, and costs (Ralston 2011), but the objective(s) of the experimental design were not specifically linked to any resource, other than fish. (Rich Valdez)

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CONS

• steady flows tend to produce more trout.
• Steady flows might lead to vegetation encroachment.