The National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation are currently seeking the public's ideas for the action alternatives that will be considered for the Glen Canyon Dam LTEMP EIS (Long Term Experimental and Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement). The operations of Glen Canyon Dam have a direct impact on the Colorado River as it flows through the Grand Canyon, and this is the first time they've been considered since 1996.
Earlier this year, the agencies collected scoping comments for the LTEMP EIS. They've compiled the comments and developed some preliminary alternatives. On April 4th and 5th, the agencies will hold all day "Alternatives Meetings" in Flagstaff, Arizona, where they will give the public an opportunity to present their own alternatives and help to shape the alternatives that will actually make it into the LTEMP EIS for consideration.
You can learn more about the meeting and how to get involved at the LTEMP Public Involvement website, and find out more about the preliminary alternatives being considered and the overview of the purpose, need and objectives of the LTEMP in the agency's newsletter.
We encourage you to stay involved in the process – the alternatives chosen will directly impact this precious resource! The Draft LTEMP EIS is expected to be release by the end of 2012. Stay tuned to AW for updates!