Note: Comment period extended to March 18th.
Click here to read Reclamation press release about the extension
The Department of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Reclamation, is proposing to develop and implement a protocol for high-flow experimental releases from Glen Canyon Dam to better determine whether and how sand conservation can be improved in the Colorado River corridor downstream of Glen Canyon Dam including areas within Grand Canyon National Park. Under the concept of high-flow experimental releases, sand stored in the river channel is suspended by high-volume dam releases and a portion of the sand is redeposited in downstream reaches as sandbars and beaches, while another portion is transported downstream by river flows. These sand features and associated backwater habitats provide key wildlife habitat, protect archaeological sites, enhance riparian vegetation, and provide camping opportunities along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park.
This protocol for high-flow experimental releases from Glen Canyon Dam is part of the ongoing implementation of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program. As part of the GCDAMP, the protocol is a component of Interior’s compliance with the Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-575).
Written comments may be provided to Reclamation through March 18, 2011 to: Bureau of Reclamation, Environmental Resources Division, 125 South State Street, room 7218, Salt Lake City, Utah 84138 or to via e-mail to: protocol@usbr.gov. For more information, please contact Dennis Kubly at (801) 524-3715.
Federal Notice
Click here to go to Reclamation webpage
Click here to download the Environmental Assessment
Click here for supporting sediment documents from USGS and here
Sediment modeling document
Aeolian reworking of sand
Sediment Analysis by Reclamation
