METHODOLOGY OF THE INSTREAM FLOW ANALYSIS

The River Alliance was asked to look at the paddlesport recreation potential of the Saluda River.  We chose to do an instream flow analysis using our staff and lots of community volunteers. 

 The selection of a methodology for the instream-flow analysis rose from a review of recent recreational flow studies and consultations with experts across the country: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), National Park Service (NPS), power companies in the Northwest, Northeast, and South, and with professional organizations, including the Professional Paddlesport Association and American Whitewater Association.

In particular, two handbooks provided invaluable insight and were used as reference throughout the study: Instream Flows for Recreation: A Handbook on Concepts and Research Methods¹ and Using Systematic Field Evaluations to Determine Instream Flow Needs for Recreation²

SELECTION OF METHODOLOGY

The River Alliance used a combination of methodologies in the conduct of the instream flow analysis.  By using multiple evaluations with divergent methods, most objections could be preempted by cross-checking and verifying our results.  Specifically, two methods were used:

Survey of Preferences

User preference surveys sought input on paddlers’ opinions of different flows and conditions on the lower Saluda River.  The surveys were distributed to commercial paddling enterprises and to private guides, neither of which generated many completed surveys.  In a replication, a more intensive follow-up after distribution might provide a greater return of completed surveys.  User Preference Surveys can, however, be a highly useful tool if manpower is available to distribute surveys directly to paddlers at the river resource.

Systematic Field Evaluation

Giffen and Parkin define systematic field evaluations as, “…actually using the river for the activities in question at various flow levels and identifying which flows are within the acceptable and optimum range of each activity.  Ideally, the evaluation will incorporate the perspectives of a variety of recreational users including outside experts with no stake in the outcome, local recreationalists, public agencies, and others.  Each study participants is asked to evaluate the suitability of each flow level for a variety of safety and quality of experience factors.” ¹ We focused our efforts on systematic field evaluation for several reasons:

• It is easily executed, with proper preparation.
• It is relatively inexpensive.
• It affords a high level of accuracy.
• Results are easy to interpret.
• Potential participants are easily mobilized.
• A consensus can be built.

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To purchase a copy of the Instream Flow Analysis for the Lower Saluda River Report or video, please contact the River Alliance at (803) 765-2200.

¹ Instream Flows for Recreation: A Handbook on Concepts and Research Methods

² Using Systematic Field Evaluations to Determine Instream Flow Needs for Recreation, R. Alec Giffin, Land & Water Associates, and Drew O. Parkin, National Park Service, 1993.