THE GEOMORPHIC
RESPONSE OF RIVERS TO
DAMS
Speakers – John Berry and John Esler
Basic Overview
• FERC – Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
• Northwest Forest Plan - Section 4(e)
– Terms and Conditions
• Control Re-licensing of all dam proposals
John Berry
• Forest Supervisor
– Eldorado NF
Chain of Command
• Regional Forester
– Ensures section 4(e) conditions are met
• Forest Supervisor
– Delegated responsibility for managing re-licensing process
– Represents Regional Forester
– Priorities: Issues, Time, and Resources
• District Ranger
– Represents Forest Supervisor
– Integrates “on-the-ground” knowledge and policy needs
– Recommends strategy
• Technical Staff
– Resource specialists
Balancing Competing Uses
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Water Quality
Fish and Wildlife (T and E species)
Hydro-power
Irrigation
Domestic Water
Reservoir levels
Recreation
– Fishing
- Strategy Negotiating, Settlement, Decision
• Negotiations vs. Collaboration and
Partnerships
• Do not forget…
– Common sense
– Sound Science
– Clear Beliefs
• Mistakes to Avoid
– Keep everyone informed
– All situations are different
– Over-reaching section 4(e) authorities
Knowing What You Want
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Key resources at risk
Dams – Good, Bad, and the Ugly
Forest Plan Objectives
Focus studies to address the big picture
John Esler
• PG&E – Senior project manager for
licensing of hydro-products
• Chairman – OF&W Commission
• Presentation Topics
–Re-licensing
–Dam impacts
–Negations
Re-licensing
• Federal Power Act, ECPA, Endangered
Species Act, Clean Water Act, and NEPA
• Traditional vs. Collaborative re-licensing
(FERC)
• 10(j) Requirements
Dam Impacts
• Government vs. Private
– Look at the big picture
• Endangered Species
–biodiversity vs. trophy
• Dam changes
– sediment load/type, construction issues,
ect
Negations
• Issues and Conflicts
– Applicants vs. Agencies
• Costs
–Studies and Analysis
• Impacts
– Good and Bad
– Scientists
» Accuracy of Information
QUESTIONS/ DISCUSSION