LTEMP Metrics

LTEMP Metrics Section 6.1 (c) of the 2016 LTEMP ROD states that “The DOI, in consultation with the Adaptive Management Working Group, will develop monitoring metrics for the goals and objectives using those in Appendix C of the FEIS as a starting point” (DOI, 2016b). Appendix C refers to a suite of “performance metrics” developed by Runge and others (2015) for evaluating the relative merits of the seven alternatives evaluated in the 2016 EIS. Those metrics were “intended to be objective measures of the performance of alternatives relative to goals for each affected resource being evaluated in the LTEMP EIS” (Runge and others, 2015). Comparisons of the performance of those metrics, among other considerations, ultimately led to selection of Alternative D as the preferred alternative. The performance metrics developed by Runge and others (2015), while suitable for comparing draft alternatives, were not designed nor intended to measure resource outcomes based on empirical observations of resource condition following implementation of the LTEMP. In 2019, the DOI’s Assistant Secretary for Water and Science directed the Bureau of Reclamation Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP) to identify a set of “metrics” for assessing how well the selected alternative was meeting the goals and objectives stated in the LTEMP (DOI, 2016b). In fiscal years 2021-2023, Reclamation coordinated with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) to work with GCDAMP stakeholders in developing a new set of performance metrics for tracking progress towards attaining the resource goals specified in the LTEMP, using the previous performance metrics as a starting point. [1]

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Resource Goals and Metrics Cultural and Archaeological Resources Resource Goal 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. Metrics Integrity Topographic Change at a Sample of Sites Change in Vulnerability to Loss of Integrity Natural Processes Resource Goal 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. Metrics Deviation from Natural Flow Metric ( with “sub-metrics”: spring-early summer, late summer-fall, and winter deviation from natural flows) Sub-daily Flow Fluctuation Metric Springtime Gross Primary Productivity Percent EPT Metric Humpback Chub Resource Goal 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. Metrics Current Biological Opinion tier of humpback chub in the Little Colorado River (LCR) Aggregation Grand Canyon-wide abundance of adult humpback chub Proportion of Grand Canyon Ecosystem with evidence of all three life stages of humpback chub Hydropower and Energy Resource Goal 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. Metrics Glen Canyon Dam Energy Production Economic Value of Glen Canyon Dam Energy Production Marketable Capacity of Glen Canyon Dam Energy Other Native Fish Species Resource Goal Maintain self-sustaining native fish species populations and their habitats in their natural ranges on the Colorado River and its tributaries. Metrics Proportion of Grand Canyon Ecosystem (GCE) with evidence of all 3 life stages of Bluehead Sucker (Catostomus discobolus), Flannelmouth Sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), Razorback Sucker (Xyrauchen texanus) Proportion of GCE with Speckled Dace (Rhinichthys osculus) (any life stage) Proportion of GCE with extirpated species (any life stage) Recreational Experience Resource Goal 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. Metrics Economic Value of Recreation Experience Sediment Resource Goal 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. Metrics Performance Metric: Sand Bar Volume (includes multiple “sub-metrics”, e.g., normalized sandbar volume by type, mean sand bar response to HFEs) Surveillance Metrics: Sand Supply By River Segment (Sand Mass Balance) Silt & Clay Retention by River Segment (Turbidity) Tribal Perspectives Resource Goal Maintain the diverse values and resources of traditionally associated Tribes along the Colorado River corridor through Glen, Marble, and Grand Canyons. Metrics Is the Colorado River ecosystem healthy? Please explain why or why not. How well is LTEMP doing at meeting its goals? Please explain the basis for your assessment. Overall, is the Grand Canyon doing better, worse, or about the same as last year? Please explain the basis for your assessment. Rainbow Trout Fishery Resource Goal 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. Metrics Trout Angler Catch Rate Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Abundance Nonnative Invasive Species Resource Goal Minimize or reduce the presence and expansion of aquatic nonnative invasive species. Metrics Average number of “risky species” per Habitat Segment in Grand Canyon Ecosystem Average number of “risky species” with evidence of recent recruitment per Habitat Segment in Grand Canyon Ecosystem Riparian Vegetation Resource Goal Maintain native vegetation and wildlife habitat, in various stages of maturity, such that they are diverse, healthy, productive, self-sustaining, and ecologically appropriate. Metrics Total Plant Cover Native Plant Richness Native to Non-native Plant Species Cover Ratio

Links 2025 LTEMP Metrics Report GCDAMP Planning and Guiding Documents The Long-term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP) Metrics Posters Cultural and Archaeological Resources Natural Processes Humpback Chub Hydropower and Energy Other Native Fish Recreational Experience Sediment Tribal Perspectives Rainbow Trout Fishery Nonnative Invasive Species Riparian Vegetation Presentations and Papers Status Report on the Long-Term Experimental & Management Plan (LTEMP) Metrics for the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program Monitoring Metrics Future Use Final Draft Performance Metrics for the Long-Term Experimental & Management Plan Monitoring Metrics Summary Table Update on the Status of Goal 1 Metrics for FY2024 Example Metrics for the Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan Monitoring Metrics Draft Plan Other Stuff