Long-term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP)

The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the National Park Service (NPS), has prepared a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the adoption of a long-term experimental and management plan (LTEMP) for the operation of Glen Canyon Dam. The FEIS fully evaluates the effects of dam operations on resources in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and provides the basis for decisions that identify management actions and experimental options that will provide a framework for adaptively managing Glen Canyon Dam operations over the next 20 years. [1]

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The LTEMP EIS Why the LTEMP Is Needed [2] The need for the LTEMP stems from the need to use scientific information developed since the 1996 ROD to better inform DOI decisions on dam operations and other management and experimental actions so that the Secretary may continue to meet statutory responsibilities for protecting downstream resources for future generations, conserving species listed under the Endangered Species Act, avoiding or mitigating impacts on National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-eligible properties, and protecting the interests of American Indian Tribes, while meeting obligations for water delivery and the generation of hydroelectric power. The FEIS evaluates specific alternatives that could be implemented to meet the Grand Canyon Protection Act's (GCPA's) requirements and to protect, mitigate adverse impacts to, and improve the downstream natural and cultural resources and visitor use in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park, including resources of importance to American Indian Tribes. The FEIS evaluates dam operations and identifies management actions and experimental options that will provide a framework for adaptively managing Glen Canyon Dam over the next 20 years consistent with the GCPA and other provisions of applicable federal law. What Is in the LTEMP FEIS? [3] The LTEMP FEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of alternative operating protocols and other management actions to protect downstream resources for future generations, conserve species listed under the Endangered Species Act, avoid or mitigate impacts on National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-eligible properties, and protect the interests of American Indian Tribes, while meeting obligations for water delivery and the generation of hydroelectric power. Resource Goals of the LTEMP Reclamation and NPS developed resource goals considering public input and Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) previously adopted by the Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG). The following resource goals were identified: Archaeological and Cultural Resources. Maintain the integrity of potentially affected NRHP-eligible or listed historic properties in place, where possible, with preservation methods employed on a site-specific basis. Natural Processes. Restore, to the extent practicable, ecological patterns and processes within their range of natural variability, including the natural abundance, diversity, and genetic and ecological integrity of the plant and animal species native to those ecosystems. Humpback Chub. Meet humpback chub recovery goals, including maintaining a self-sustaining population, spawning habitat, and aggregations in the Colorado River and its tributaries below the Glen Canyon Dam. Hydropower and Energy. Maintain or increase Glen Canyon Dam electric energy generation, load following capability, and ramp rate capability, and minimize emissions and costs to the greatest extent practicable, consistent with improvement and long-term sustainability of downstream resources. Other Native Fish. Maintain self-sustaining native fish species populations and their habitats in their natural ranges on the Colorado River and its tributaries. Recreational Experience. Maintain and improve the quality of recreational experiences for the users of the Colorado River Ecosystem. Recreation includes, but is not limited to, flatwater and whitewater boating, river corridor camping, and angling in Glen Canyon. Sediment. Increase and retain fine sediment volume, area, and distribution in the Glen, Marble, and Grand Canyon reaches above the elevation of the average base flow for ecological, cultural, and recreational purposes. Tribal Resources. Maintain the diverse values and resources of traditionally associated Tribes along the Colorado River corridor through Glen, Marble, and Grand Canyons. Rainbow Trout Fishery. Achieve a healthy high-quality recreational rainbow trout fishery in GCNRA and reduce or eliminate downstream trout migration consistent with NPS fish management and ESA compliance. Nonnative Invasive Species. Minimize or reduce the presence and expansion of aquatic nonnative invasive species. Riparian Vegetation. Maintain native vegetation and wildlife habitat, in various stages of maturity, such that they are diverse, healthy, productive, self-sustaining, and ecologically appropriate.

Documents and Links Long-term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP) website LTEMP EIS Final Draft (FEIS) LTEMP Record of Decision (ROD) LTEMP Biological Assessment (BA) LTEMP Biological Opinion (BO) LTEMP Science Plan (10-14-16 draft) Papers and Presentations 2016 Science Plan for Alternative D of the LTEMP 10-14-16 draft Integrating LTEMP into GCDAMP Processes Long-Term Experimental Management Plan (LTEMP) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Update and Science Plan 2014 Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan EIS Update Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan EIS Update Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan EIS Update Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan EIS Update Glen Canyon Dam EIS Update A Update on the LTEMP Decision Analysis