Long Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Participation and Incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
Notice of Intent to award. In 1996, the Secretary of Interior signed a Record of Decision (ROD), selecting operating criteria for Glen Canyon Dam. The preferred alternative identified in the 1995 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was the Modified Low Fluctuating Flow alternative (MLFF), and this alternative has governed operation of the dam since then. In the intervening years, a number of additional important regulatory actions have been taken, including a 2004 Environmental Assessment (EA) on interim storage guidelines, and two 2012 EAs concerning high-flow experimental releases (HFEs) and non-native fish control. In addition significant scientific knowledge has been gathered in the last 15 years as a result of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP). As a result of all of these factors, in July 2011, the Secretary of Interior initiated the development of a long-term experimental and management plan (LTEMP) for managing Glen Canyon Dam and water flows through the Grand Canyon, appointing Reclamation and NPS as joint lead agencies. The purpose of the LTEMP EIS is to “fully evaluate dam operations and identify management actions and experimental options that will provide a framework for adaptively managing Glen Canyon Dam over the next 15 to 20 years.” There are many objectives, within agencies, stakeholders and tribes that include management options for the ecological science and natural resources and the effects of potential management alternatives on cultural resources. Hualapai considers the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon a Traditional Cultural Place (TCP). The natural resource system has provided life-giving sustenance for generations and played a vital role in shaping the Hualapai as a people. The Hualapai Reservation borders 108 miles of the Colorado River and the Hualapai people have inhabited this area and have been stewards since time immemorial. It is important that the historical and cultural connections to the river are maintained and promoted for future generations. It is also important as a reflection of tribal values, that the ecological health of the riverine resources be managed as wisely and holistically as possible. Hualapai tribal values and concerns should be considered in the various EIS alternatives as they are being developed. In addition to TCP the Hualapai very much interested in protecting the wellbeing of plants, wildlife, water quality and many other facets of the river corridor Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). In response to concerns in the LTEMP process concerning an emphasis toward western scientific knowledge and corresponding actions in managing downstream resources below Glen Canyon Dam, approaches that integrate TEK have been advocated by the participating tribes to provide a more balanced perspective. Through this study, Hualapai will provide input on the affected environment and resource goals. RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT The USGS will provide technical assistance to Reclamation and NPS to develop a structured decision (SDM) making framework for identification and analysis of alternatives for long-term operations of the Glen Canyon Dam, in support of the LTEMP EIS. This process requires the participation of the tribes and other AMWG stakeholders in order to include the spectrum of perspectives and interests. TEK includes plants, wildlife, water quality and many other facets of the river corridor that have been advocated for by the participating tribes to provide a more balanced perspective. Through this study, Hualapai will provide TEK perspectives on the affected environment and resource goals to the LTEMP process.
Office: Bureau of Reclamation
Grants Specials
Phone 801-524-3727
