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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSuWa200sec12-7Alaska Resources Library & Information Services Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document ARLIS Uniform Cover Page Title: River recreation flow and access study, Study plan Section 12.7 : Final study plan SuWa 200 Author(s) – Personal: Author(s) – Corporate: Alaska Energy Authority AEA-identified category, if specified: Final study plan AEA-identified series, if specified: Series (ARLIS-assigned report number): Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 200 Existing numbers on document: Published by: [Anchorage : Alaska Energy Authority, 2013] Date published: July 2013 Published for: Date or date range of report: Volume and/or Part numbers: Study plan Section 12.7 Final or Draft status, as indicated: Document type: Pagination: 22, [7] p. Related work(s): Pages added/changed by ARLIS: Notes: All reports in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document series include an ARLIS- produced cover page and an ARLIS-assigned number for uniformity and citability. All reports are posted online at http://www.arlis.org/resources/susitna-watana/ Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 14241) River Recreation Flow and Access Study Study Plan Section 12.7 Final Study Plan Alaska Energy Authority July 2013 FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-1 July2013 12.7. River Recreation Flow and Access Study On December 14, 2012, Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) its Revised Study Plan (RSP), which included 58 individual study plans (AEA 2012). Included within the RSP was the River Recreation Flow and Access Study, Section 12.7. RSP Section 12.7 focuses on conducting a recreation flow analysis on mainstem reaches of the Susitna River that considers the relationship between river flows and ice conditions, and river recreation and transportation. RSP 12.7 provided goals, objectives, and proposed methods for river recreation flow and access data collection and analysis. On February 1, 2013, FERC staff issued its study determination (February 1 SPD) for 44 of the 58 studies, approving 31 studies as filed and 13 with modifications. RSP Section 12.7 was one of the 13 approved with modifications. In its February 1 SPD, FERC recommended the following: If the study is conducted during a “typical” flow year and winter season, the study results would likely provide adequate opportunities to observe and evaluate a range of flow and ice conditions that typically support or do not support recreation and transportation on the river. While a variety of factors may affect whether the study results are representative, the ILP provides a mechanism to require additional data if the study is conducted under anomalous conditions (e.g., severe flooding, fire, road closures, etc.). Similarly, if the initial results of instream flow, sediment transport, and ice processes studies suggest that project operation may affect flows downstream of Parks Highway Bridge, additional study may be warranted in the lower river. Requiring AEA to conduct multi-year field studies and flow-related studies in the lower Susitna River now would be premature and could cause AEA to expend resources needlessly. Therefore, we do not recommend modifying the study to include the lower river at this time. Much of the flow-dependent information to be gathered for the study would be done remotely (e.g., interviews and online surveys), although the study would also utilize data collected during the recreation intercept surveys to be conducted in the field as part of the Recreation Resources Study (study 12.6). At little additional cost ($20,000), AEA could add focus group discussions, as suggested by the NPS, that would substantially add to the information base for, and the analysis of, flow preferences for whitewater boating and ice conditions needed for motorized and non- motorized travel. Therefore, we recommend AEA modify the study plan to include at least one focus group discussion on whitewater boating and one on winter ice and snow travel in the river corridor for motorized and non-motorized users. Focus group participants would be identified by building on the executive interviews with commercial and noncommercial users of the river to include boating clubs, dogsled clubs, etc. Opportunities for online or teleconference participation should be provided for the focus group discussions. In accordance with the February 1 SPD, AEA addressed the recommended modifications in the Final Study Plan for Section 12.7. These modifications are also included in this Final Study Plan. FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-2 July2013 12.7.1. General Description of the Proposed Study This study incorporates and contributes to data and analysis conducted as part of the Recreation Resources Study (Section 12.5). In the overall recreation study, river recreation, boating uses, and river access points will be identified. Current and future use of the Susitna River by both motorized and non-motorized boat users will also be estimated. Because the Project will affect river flow regimes, including the inundation of about 39 miles of the river, and possible ice formation, and because changes in river flow regimes and ice formation may impact recreation activities on the river corridor, a specific methodology of recreational flow analysis is also proposed. The goals and objectives of the River Recreation and Access Study are to contribute data to the Recreation Resource Study concerning the relationship between river flows and river recreation opportunities and uses, by: • Documenting river recreation use and experience for the respective river recreation and transportation opportunities on three mainstem Susitna river reaches • Describing the potential effects of altered river flows on existing and potential boating activity and other river recreational uses of the Susitna River • Understanding river ice preferences for the respective river ice dependent winter recreation and transportation on the Susitna River Describing new boating or other flow-dependent recreational opportunities that may be created by Project construction and operation. 12.7.2. Existing Information and Need for Additional Information Existing recreation resources information was compiled in the Recreation Data Gap Analysis (AEA 2011a) and recreation resource descriptions and inventory presented in AEA’s PAD (AEA 2011b). A recreation study was conducted in 2012 to gather data to inform the 2013-2014 Study Plan, including the following elements: • Interviews with key representatives of agencies and organizations knowledgeable about river recreation in the Project area and state recreation management • Incidental Observation Survey Data (completed by field crews) • Geo-referenced mapping • Identification of future trends and issues • Description of the management framework • Compilation of existing baseline river recreation information and access • Hydrology data review • Field reconnaissance and photography • Identification of future trends and issues • Description of the management framework and special river designations Information from 2012 data collection has been used to develop the Revised Study Plan. The FERC scoping process, Technical Workgroup meetings, and licensing participant recommendations have also been used in development of the 2013-2014 Study Plan. FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-3 July2013 12.7.3. Study Area During the 2012 recreation study, three distinct river recreation reaches were identified on the Susitna River, shown in Figure 12.7-1, for gathering baseline river recreation information on the Susitna River. The three river recreation reach breaks are described as follows: River Recreation Reach 1) the section of river from the Susitna River bridge (RM 291) on the Denali Highway to Fog Creek (RM 177); River Recreation Reach 2) Fog Creek to the confluence with Portage Creek (RM 149) downstream of Devils Canyon; and River Recreation Reach 3) Portage Creek to the confluence with the George Parks Highway Bridge (aka Sunshine) downstream of the confluence with the Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers (RM 83). The three river recreation reach designations overlap other reach breaks delineated for other resource studies. The pertinent information from these other disciplines will be summarized for the river recreation reaches as warranted. River Recreation Reach 1—Denali Highway Susitna River Bridge (RM 291) to Fog Creek (RM 177): This section of the Susitna River contains 140 miles of remote Class I to II moving water with broad views of the surrounding mountain ranges. River Recreation Reach 1 includes the location of the proposed Watana Dam and reservoir. This section of the river is suitable for motorized (jet boats and air boats) and non-motorized (rafts, canoes, kayaks and packrafts). This section of river offers single day (motorized users) or multi-day river trip opportunities. River campsites are available on islands and bars. User groups may include river recreationists, hunters, anglers, adventure racers, and adventure schools. Motor vehicle access is generally limited to the Susitna River Bridge on the Denali Highway. The current site has an unimproved access that does not have a launch for trailered boats. Access to the river may also be gained through private or commercial air taxis. River users may also float into the mainstem Susitna via tributaries using float planes to headwater lakes and/or overland travel. Non-motorized boaters lacking the expert skills to negotiate the Class V whitewater in Devils Canyon must arrange an exit from the Susitna River prior to entering this more difficult whitewater section. The exit options in this remote section of the Susitna River include air taxi, motorboat pick-up, overland routes or a combination thereof. One route using a 17B trail was described by Embick (1994) and Jettmar (2008) connecting the Susitna to the Talkeetna via Stephan Lake and Prairie Creek. River Recreation Reach 2—Fog Creek (RM 177) to Portage Creek (RM 149): This section of the Susitna River contains Class III to V+ whitewater. Recreation use is primarily limited to a few expert whitewater boaters in kayaks although there are reports of users with other watercraft. Recreation users may use other watercraft such as packrafts on short stretches of the mainstem upstream of the Devils Canyon section to link up overland routes or tributaries. River Recreation Reach 3—Portage Creek (RM 149) to the George Parks Highway Susitna River Bridge (RM 83): The Susitna River from Portage Creek to the George Parks Highway Bridge, near Sunshine, contains Class I-II water. This reach is suitable for a variety of motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Commercial and non-commercial users utilize various sections of River Recreation Reach 3. Commercial uses include jet boat tours, river rafting, and guided fishing trips. Non-commercial uses include motorized (jet boats and air boats) and non- motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, inflatable kayaks, rafts, and packrafts). River access is FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-4 July2013 available at multiple locations via the train to Gold Creek. For launching points further upstream, a motorized boat shuttle is required. Motorized and non-motorized trips range from single to multi-day with numerous river campsites on islands, tributary confluences and gravel bars. Some recreational boaters, particularly packrafters, may utilize tributaries such as Portage or Gold Creek to float into the main-stem Susitna. If 2013 study results from other resource studies including ice processes, hydrology, and geomorphology, indicate that the Project may affect river flows in a way that changes the way recreationists currently use that reach of the river, the 2014 Project survey effort and impact analysis may extend further downstream of the confluence with the Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers. The flow preferences for respective river recreation opportunities observed in River Recreation Reach 3 will likely be applicable to river uses downstream. Recreation use data collected through intercept and resident surveys described in Section 12.5 for downstream locations will be used to analyze Project effects on recreation frequency, timing, and quality. 12.7.4. Study Methods This Study is designed to document the range of flows for a variety of motorized and non- motorized watercraft using the Susitna River for recreation as well as a transportation corridor. Likewise, the Study is designed to document river ice dependent recreation and transportation activities during the winter period. River ice variables likely include temporal and spatial extent for channel bridging, and longitudinal length for transportation. The methods and analysis will use practices and survey techniques for recreational flow study design, as described in Whittaker et al. (1993) and Whittaker et al. (2005). River Recreation Surveys The River Recreation and Access Survey (Attachment 12-1) will be used to gather information on river recreation uses, location, frequency, seasonal patterns, primary trip purpose, secondary activities, access, campsites and river recreation quality relative to trip flow evaluation. The survey will be posted on the internet and will serve as the primary means for gathering information from river users. Utilizing the internet for the survey tool will help geographically expand the collection of responses on dispersed river recreation use. The expansive study area, remote location, dispersed access points, and anticipated low number of annual user days would normally be cost prohibitive for an on-site intercept survey. Furthermore, the electronic survey provides a means for capturing both past and current recreation use. Survey participation will be solicited by advertising the river recreation survey electronically through a multitude of forums including but not limited to national and regional whitewater groups, forums for outdoor recreation including adventure races, fishing, hunting, motorized and non-motorized user groups, message boards, commercial outfitters and guides, adventure schools and transportation services to the study area. Posters will also be delivered at key locations such as outdoor retail shops, key convenience stores in the study area, and train station and commercial transportation service locations for the study area. Postcards will also be distributed at key access points and staging areas. Hardcopy surveys identical to the internet survey will be administered in the field for chance encounters. For the internet surveys, the platform allows for restriction of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for entry, therefore unique responses can be identified. FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-5 July2013 Whitewater organizations at the national and regional level serve as a portal for disseminating information to the paddling community through websites, journal articles, and electronic communication. The internet link for the Susitna whitewater survey will be forwarded to the national and regional paddling groups as well as whitewater message boards in Alaska. In addition, efforts will be made to identify boaters known to have paddled Devils Canyon about the whitewater survey available on the internet. A fairly comprehensive list of paddlers that have attempted or completed runs on the Devils Canyon stretch dating back to the 1970s was assembled as part of the 2012 field reconnaissance efforts. Individuals on this list will be contacted for interviews and directed to the internet survey. Formal and informal interviews will be conducted to supplement the internet survey data as well as gather additional information about user groups, trip purposes, use patterns, access, flows and other recreation information. A set of pre-established executive interview questions (Attachment 12-2) will be asked in each interview. A form will be completed for each interview including the name of the interviewee, date, name of individual being interviewed, responses to interview questions and additional comments and discussion in the interview. Recreation use information obtained through the interviews will be summarized for respective recreation opportunities including primary purpose, secondary activities, flow preferences, seasonal use patterns, frequency of use, access points, campsites, trip length, comparisons with recreation opportunities on other Alaska rivers, and recreation quality on the Susitna. Identifying and contacting individuals that have recreated on the Susitna River will be challenging for some of the recreational users that tend not to be part of organized groups such as trappers, hunters, and cabin owners. Recreation contact lists will be generated through outreach to recreation groups, resource agency land managers, and commercial providers such as air taxis, lodges, hunting outfitters, rental shops, rafting companies, jet boat companies, tourism services, and adventure schools. Although the commercial operators currently utilize the Susitna River, resource agency staff as well as owners and employees of commercial companies may have personal experience on this reach of the Susitna or provide names of individuals that have recreated. Non-commercial contacts will include paddling clubs, university recreation centers, adventure racers, outdoor clubs, as well as area residents potentially using the river corridor for recreation and/or transportation purposes. River recreation use information obtained through the interviews will be summarized for respective recreation opportunities including primary trip purpose, secondary activities, flow levels necessary for navigation, transportation and recreation for respective watercraft types, seasonal use patterns, frequency of use, access points, campsites, trip length, comparisons with recreation opportunities on other Alaska rivers, and recreation quality on the Susitna. Data analysis and reporting will include summaries of the internet survey data and interviews. River recreation use information obtained through the electronic internet survey and interviews will be summarized for respective recreation opportunities including primary purpose, secondary activities, demographics of the respective recreational user groups, flow preferences, seasonal use patterns, frequency of use, access points, campsites, trip length, comparisons with recreation opportunities on other Alaska rivers and quality of experience. The intercept survey and incidental observations described in Section 12.5 will be used to supplement data obtained through the internet survey and interviews. Likewise, information gathered through the River Recreation and Access Survey will supplement the analysis of recreation activities described in Section 12.5. FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-6 July2013 The report will include an analysis of the potential effects of Project construction and operation on existing river recreation opportunities, attributes, and access. The annual number of days under the baseline hydrologic record will be summarized by month for respective river recreation opportunities based on the range of flows during which use was observed and compared to the annual days available under the proposed Project operations. The analysis will include changes in the area of the proposed reservoir from a riverine to lacustrine system. The report will also include an inventory of the reservoir recreation opportunities for various operating alternatives. River Ice Dependent Winter Recreation The Susitna River during the winter ice period provides motorized and non-motorized winter recreation opportunities and serves as a transportation corridor for residents along the Susitna. Construction and operation of the Project could alter the timing and longitudinal extent of ice formation, and impact such uses. The study area for the River Ice Dependent Winter Recreation investigation will be partitioned using the same reach breaks as described for the River Recreation and Access Study. The three reaches are described as follows: River Recreation Reach 1) the section of river from the Susitna River bridge (RM 291) on the Denali Highway to Fog Creek (RM 177); River Recreation Reach 2) Fog Creek to the confluence with Portage Creek (RM 149) downstream of Devils Canyon; and River Recreation Reach 3) Portage Creek to the confluence with the George Parks Highway Bridge (aka Sunshine) downstream of the confluence with the Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers (RM 83). Information on winter recreation activities and transportation on the ice covered Susitna River will be obtained through interviews with regional officials, winter recreation users, event organizers, event participants, and other knowledgeable area residents. Contact lists will also be initiated in a similar fashion to that described for river recreation. Commercial providers such as lodges, snowmobile service and rental shops, and winter recreation vendors will be contacted. If possible, trappers using the river corridor will be interviewed. A few winter residents in cabins upstream of Talkeetna will be queried relative to their use patterns on the river corridor. Periodic aerial flights during periods of ice cover as part of the ice processes study will be used, in part to map areas of winter recreation and transportation activity through aerial observations of tracks on the snow. Winter recreation activities will be documented during monthly winter site visits. Efforts will be made to time visits with winter festival events that may occur in the area. A set of pre-established winter recreation and transportation questions will be asked in each interview. Interview questions will be tailored specifically to activities associated with winter ice conditions on the Susitna. Questions will focus on timing, frequency and location of activities, type of activity, ice thickness, trip lengths, trip purpose, crossing river channel vs. using river corridor as a route, alternative transportation routes, and alternative winter recreation locations. The draft interview questions will be circulated for review and comment by agencies prior to finalizing in early 2013. A form will be completed for each interview including the name of the interviewer, date, name of individual being interviewed, responses to interview questions and additional comments and discussion in the interview. River ice dependent winter recreation and transportation information obtained through the interviews will be summarized for respective recreation opportunities including primary purpose, FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-7 July2013 secondary activities, ice thickness required, need for ice bridges verses longitudinal ice cover, seasonal use patterns, frequency of use, access points, duration of trip (days), campsites, trip length, comparisons with winter recreation opportunities on other frozen Alaska rivers and winter recreation quality on the Susitna. Information obtained from interviews will be supplemented with data obtained from the intercept survey described in section 12.5. Focus Group Discussions The River Recreation and Flow Access Study will include two focus group discussions: (1) whitewater boating and (2) winter ice and snow travel in the river corridor for motorized and non-motorized users. Focus group participants will be identified by building on the executive interviews with commercial and noncommercial users of the river (for example, to include boating clubs and dogsled clubs). Opportunities for online or teleconference participation will be provided for the focus group discussions. Desired outcomes of this study process include the following: • A physical description of each River Recreation Reach including length, put-ins and take- outs (i.e., access points), river difficulty, character, portage requirements, river campsites, and type of experiences • Summary of motorized and non-motorized boating opportunities and associated attributes including distinctions between commercial and non-commercial uses for the three river reaches • Summary of river recreation opportunities on Susitna tributaries in the three study reaches • Summary of existing river access points, modes of transportation to the river and costs for the three study reaches under existing conditions as well as project alternatives allowing public access to the reservoir and project transportation corridor • Flow ranges observed for respective river recreation opportunities on the three river reaches • Annual frequency and timing (number of days per month) for respective recreation opportunities under baseline flow conditions and potential alternative flow regimes 12.7.5. Consistency with Generally Accepted Scientific Practice The methods and work efforts outlined in this Study Plan are the same or consistent with analyses used by applicants and licensees and relied upon by FERC in other hydroelectric licensing proceedings. The proposed methodology is often used in analysis for development of hydroelectric License Applications to fulfill the FERC’s Exhibit E requirements for documentation and development of mitigation measures for flow dependent recreation. The methods and analysis will use survey techniques and practices for recreational flow study design, as described in Whittaker et al. (1993) and Whittaker et al. (2005). 12.7.6. Schedule Upon implementation, the term of the River Recreation and Access Study, including the River Ice Dependent Winter Recreation component, will be two years. Table 12-7.1 lists the schedule for the River Recreation Flow and Access Study. In 2014 and 2015, licensing participants will FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-8 July2013 have opportunities to review and comment on the study reports (Initial Study Report in early February 2014 and Updated Study Report in early 2015). Updates on the study progress will be provided during Technical Workgroup meetings which will be held quarterly in 2013 and 2014. 12.7.7. Relationship with Other Studies Interdisciplinary coordination will be an essential component of the Recreation River Flow Study across all seasons and will result in efficient collection and analyses of data common between studies for the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project. Coordination will occur with other Project studies focused on instream flow (Section 8.6), hydrology (Section 7.0) (including ice processes) (Section 7.6), geomorphology (Section 6.5), recreation (Section 12.5), and project engineering feasibility studies. Data collected by other studies will inform the approach to and eventual development of the Initial Study Report (early February 2014) and Updated Study Report (early 2015). Information collected on river recreation use and experience will be coordinated with hydrologic data including flows, water quality, and ice formation timing and extent collected through other studies to refine current river use characteristics. As described in Section 12.5.4, the Hydrology study will provide data on potential changes to the hydrologic regime, including water timing, quantity, and quality (Section 7.0). Data will be used to understand aquatic reservoir conditions and potential water-dependent recreation uses, and will inform eventual development of a Recreation Management Plan. The Fish and Aquatics Instream Flow Study will provide hydraulic routing model data to estimate water surface elevations and average water velocity under alternative operational scenarios. This information will provide data on potential changes in channel, sandbar and floodplain formation that may result from operation of the proposed project, and will be used to asses potential changes in river-based recreation access and use (Q4 2014). Additional data inputs will be gathered from the geomorphology study (Section 6.0). This study will provide data describing the extent to which geomorphological processes of the river could change under operational flows. Coordination will focus on those attributes most relevant to river-based recreation, such as beaches, sandbars, and islands (Q1 2013 – Q4 2014). Coordination with the ice processes study (Section 7.6) will provide information about expected changes in the type, distribution, and seasonality of ice cover on the Susitna River, downriver of the proposed dam (Q4 2013). These data will provide baseline data, and inform the impact assessment for ice dependent river recreation (Section 12.7.4). Results from the ice processes modeling will also be used to determine the longitudinal extent of downriver impacts to winter recreation, and inform the decision of whether to expand winter river ice-dependent recreation studies to areas located downriver of the Parks Highway Bridge (Q1 2014). Anticipated coordination is graphically depicted in Figure 12.7-2. 12.7.8. Level of Effort and Cost The estimated cost of the two-year River Recreation and Access Study is $643,000. FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-9 July2013 12.7.9. Literature Cited AEA (Alaska Energy Authority). 2011a. Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project, Socioeconomic, Recreation, Air Quality and Transportation Data Gap Analysis. Prepared by HDR, Inc., Anchorage. —. 2011b. Pre-application Document: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241. December 2011. Prepared for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC. Embick. A. 1994. Fast and cold, a guide to Alaska whitewater. Valdez Alpine Books, Valdez, Alaska. Jettmar, K. 2008. The Alaska river guide: canoeing, kayaking, and rafting in the last frontier. Menasha Ridge Press. 3rd edition Whittaker, D., B. Shelby, W. Jackson. 1993. Instream flows for recreation: a handbook on concepts and research methods. U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service Rivers and Trails Conservation Program, Oregon State University, and National Park Service. Water Resources Division. Whittaker, D., B. Shelby, and J. Gangemi. 2005. Flows and recreation: a guide to studies for river professionals. Report for Hydropower Reform Coalition and National Park Service – Hydropower Recreation Assistance. 12.7.10. Tables Table 12.7-1. Recreational Boating / River Access Study Schedule. Activity 2012 2013 2014 2015 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Q 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Q 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Q 1 Q Baseline Data Collection Field Studies Analysis Impact Analysis Initial Study Report Δ Updated Study Report ▲ Legend: Planned Activity Follow up activity (as needed) Δ Initial Study Report (February 2014) ▲ Updated Study Report (February 2015) FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-10 July 2013 12.7.11. Figures Figure 12.7-1 River Recreation - Reaches Study Area. FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW AND ACCESS STUDY 12.7 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-11 July 2013 Figure 12.7-2 Recreation River Flow Study Interdependencies FINAL STUDY PLAN RIVER RECREATION FLOW Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-12 ATTACHMENT 12-1 RIVER RECREATION AND ACCESS SURVEY INSTRUMENT (DRAFT) Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-13 Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project River Recreation and Access Survey Instrument (DRAFT) Please read this introductory section before starting the survey. This survey is part of a study to determine river recreation opportunities, use patterns, access and quality of experiences for three river reaches on the Susitna River. The Alaska Energy Authority is studying the feasibility of building the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project. The proposed Project would be located on the Susitna River roughly 86 river miles upstream from Talkeetna and approximately 34 miles upstream of the Devils Canyon rapids. As currently envisioned, the project would include a roughly 750-foot tall dam located below Watana Creek and would result in a 23,500 acre, 42-mile long reservoir. The proposed project would have an installed capacity of 600MW. Project construction and operation will alter river flows in the Susitna downstream. The dam and reservoir will alter downstream navigation and access. When completed, the project would produce nearly 50 percent of the Railbelt’s electrical demand, or an annual average of 2,800,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy generation. This survey is designed to collect information on existing motorized and non-motorized river recreation opportunities using a variety of watercraft. Please complete this form if you are using the Susitna for recreation or for transportation purposes. The river has been divided into three distinct reaches (see map below). The survey will direct you to questions specific to reaches 1, 2 and 3. If you have completed multiple trips using different watercraft and/or river reaches please complete a new survey for each trip and reach. Your participation in this survey is important to the study’s success. Please base responses on your direct experience from your trip rather than guidebooks, group opinions or historic flow preferences. Advances in boat design have expanded the range of suitable flows on many rivers. Lastly, please encourage fellow boaters to participate in this study. If you have friends that recreate on the Susitna, please refer them to this webpage. The more responses we get the more useful our results will be. Alaska Energy Authority will publish the results of this study. Click "Next" to view map of the Susitna River Recreation Reaches for the survey. Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-14 River Recreation Reaches 1, 2 and 3 on the Susitna River Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-15 Susitna River Recreation and Access Study Section 1: Background Information 1. As part of this study, we are interviewing recreational users to gain additional information about recreation opportunities on the Susitna. Would you like to participate in an interview? ___Yes ___No 2. If you answered yes to Question 1, please provide contact information for a phone interview. Phone Number: ___-___-____ 3. Please specify your gender. ___Female ___ Male 4. What is your age? _______yrs 5. Are you an Alaska resident? ___Yes ___No 6. Are you using the Susitna as a member of a commercial (guided) trip or a non-commercial (private) trip? ____Commercial trip ____Non-Commercial trip 7. Please provide the start and end date for this trip on the Susitna River (MM/DD/YYYY): Start Date: ____/____/_____ End Date: ____/____/_____ 8. Do you typically check flow conditions prior to doing a trip? ___Yes ___No 8a. If yes to the previous question, how do you obtain flow information prior to doing a trip? 1. Internet gage for the river where I’ll be recreating 2. Internet gage for representative river a. Visually check a river staff gage b. Observe the river firsthand c. Contact friends with local knowledge d. Rely on weather patterns to predict flows e. Other (name) ______________________ 9. Rank in numerical order (1 through 5) the importance of the following factors for determining if you do a river trip? Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-16 ___suitable river flow conditions ___weather ___vacation time scheduled ___hunting/fishing season ___time with family/friends 10. Is this the first time you have participated in the Susitna River Recreation survey? ___Yes ___No 11. Prior to this trip, how many times have you recreated on the Susitna River (select one)? ___0 times ___1 time ___2 to 5 times ___6 to 10 times ___11 to 20 times ___More than 20 times 12. What type of craft did you use for this trip? Non-Motorized ___Hardshell kayak ___Cataraft ___Inflatable kayak ___Raft ___Open canoe ___Closed-deck canoe ___Packraft Motorized ___Jetboat ___Airboat ___Prop boat ___Aircraft (floats) on Susitna ___Aircraft (wheeled) on Susitna gravel bar ___Other (specify) ______________________ __ Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-17 13. How many years have you been using this type of craft? _______yrs 14. How would you rate your skill level with this type of craft? ___Novice ___ Intermediate ___ Advanced ___Expert 15. In general, how many days a year do you spend using this craft? ___1 day ___2-5 days ___6-10 days ___11-20 days ___21-30 days ___31-50 days ___>50 days Susitna River Recreation and Access Study Section 2: Information About this River Trip 16. What reach did you recreate on (select all that apply)? ___Reach 1 (Denali HWY Bridge to Fog Creek--RM 290 to 177) ___Reach 2 (Fog CK to Portage Ck including Devils Canyon--RM 177 to 149) ___Reach 3 (Portage CK to George Parks HWY--RM 149 to 86) 17. Some people come to the Susitna for recreation while others use it as a transportation corridor. What was the primary purpose of this trip on the Susitna? (select one) ___Scenic trip ___Camping ___Whitewater ___Transportation corridor ___Hunting ___Wilderness/solitude ___River floating ___Fishing ___Other (specify) ________________________ 18. What were the secondary activities of this trip on the Susitna? (select all that apply) ___Scenic trip ___Whitewater ___Hunting Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-18 ___River floating ___Fishing ___Camping ___Wilderness/solitude ___Transportation corridor ___Other (specify) ________________________ 19. Did you use a commercial shuttle service to access the river at the put-in or the take-out? Access Yes No Put-in? Take- out? 20. Please check the box that represents the transportation you used to reach the put-in. Reach Car/Truck ATV Motorized boat Hike Snowmobile Train Float Plane Wheeled Plane Helicopter Reach 1 Reach 2 Reach 3 21. Please check the box that represents the transportation used to exit the river at the take-out. Reach Car/Truck ATV Motorized boat Hike Snowmobile Train Float Plane Wheeled Plane Helicopter Reach 1 Reach 2 Reach 3 22. If you were on Reach 1, please place a check mark for the put-in and take-out location. Please identify approximate River Mile for put-in and take-out or Tributary floated or trail hiked to access mainstem Susitna. Put-in Take-out ___Float in from upstream of Denali Hwy ___Denali Highway Bridge ___Denali Highway Bridge Pick-up by Air (specify RM_______) Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-19 Put-in Take-out Drop off by Air (specify RM_______) ___Wheeled Plane ___Wheeled Plane ___Float Plane ___Float Plane ___Helicopter ___Helicopter ___Hike out (specify RM__________) ___Hike in (specify RM__________) ___Float through to Reach 2 ___Access via tributary float (specify stream name_______________________________) ___Exit via tributary (specify stream name_______________________________) 23. If you were on Reach 2, please place a check mark for the put-in and take-out location. Please identify approximate River Mile for put-in and take-out or Tributary floated or trail hiked to access mainstem Susitna. Put-in Take-out ___Float in from Reach 1 ___Denali Highway Bridge Drop off by Air (specify RM_______) Pick-up by Air (specify RM_______) ___Wheeled Plane ___Wheeled Plane ___Float Plane ___Float Plane ___Helicopter ___Helicopter ___Hike in (specify RM__________) ___Hike out (specify RM__________) ___Access via tributary float (specify stream name_______________________________) ___Float through to Reach 3 ___Exit via tributary (specify stream name_______________________________) Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-20 24. If you were on Reach 3, please place a check mark for the put-in and take-out location. Please identify approximate River Mile for put-in and take-out or Tributary floated or trail hiked to access mainstem Susitna. Put-in Take-out ___Float in from Reach 2 ___Float through to Reach to lower Susitna Drop off by Air (specify RM_______) Pick-up by Air (specify RM_______) ___Wheeled Plane ___Wheeled Plane ___Float Plane ___Float Plane ___Helicopter ___Helicopter ___Hike in (specify RM__________) ___Hike out (specify RM__________) ___Jet Boat or ___Train (specify location below) ___Jet Boat or ___Train (specify location below) ___Portage Creek ___Portage Creek ___Gold Creek ___Gold Creek ___Indian Creek ___Indian Creek ___Curry ___Curry ___Sherman ___Sherman ___Other (RM_______) ___Other (RM_______) ___Talkeetna ___Talkeetna ___Susitna Highway Bridge (aka Sunshine) ___Susitna Highway Bridge (aka Sunshine) ___Access via tributary float (specify stream name_______________________________) ___Exit via tributary (specify stream name_______________________________) Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-21 Susitna River Recreation and Access Study Section 3: Evaluating this River Trip 25. Please rate the flows for this trip for each trip purpose that applies to your recreation activity. Consider your trip purpose, watercraft and skill level for each of the trip attributes. (check one for each row). Trip purpose 1. Flow too low 2. Flow neither too low or too high 3. Flow too high NA River transportation corridor Motorized boating Non-motorized boating Multi-Day River Trip Whitewater boating Technical boating Powerful hydraulics Whitewater play areas Number of portages River Safety Flow Aesthetics Speed of travel River Camping Bank fishing River fishing Overall rating 26. For the previous question, please identify the primary reach for which you were evaluating flows. (select all that apply) ___Reach 1 (Denali HWY Bridge to Fog Creek--RM 290 to 177) ___Reach 2 (Fog CK to Portage Ck including Devils Canyon--RM 177 to 149) Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12.7-22 ___Reach 3 (Portage CK to George Parks HWY--RM 149 to 86) 27. In general, would you prefer a flow that was lower, higher or about the same as this flow? ___Much lower flow ___Slightly lower flow ___About the same flow ___Higher flow ___Much higher flow 28. Would you return to boat the flow you just rated in the future? ___Yes ___No 29. Please estimate the number of hits, stops, boat drags and portages you had on this run. Number of times I hit rocks and other obstacles (but did not stop):___________ Number of times I was stopped after hitting rocks or other obstacles (but did not have to get out of my boat to continue upstream or downstream):________ Number of times I had to get out to drag or pull my boat off rocks or other obstacles:_______ I had to abandon trip due to boat running aground:_______ Number of times I had to portage around unnavigable sections, log jams, or other obstacles:______ 30. Was water clarity a contributing factor to the hits, stops, drags and boat running aground? ___Yes ___No 31. Was your trip length (upstream or downstream) reduced because flows were.....? Flow No Yes Not applicable Flows too high Flows too low Final Study Plan 32. Reach 1 river recreation opportunities on the Susitna River are ....? Please respond for each row. Please respond “NA” if you don’t know. Region NA Below Average Average Above Average Among the best Compared to other rivers in a 200 mile radius Compared to other rivers in Alaska Compared to other rivers in the Pacific Northwest and Canada Compared to other rivers in the U.S. 33. Reach 2 river recreation opportunities on the Susitna River are ....? Please respond for each row. Please respond “NA” if you don’t know. Region NA Below Average Average Above Average Among the best Compared to other rivers in a 200 mile radius Compared to other rivers in Alaska Compared to other rivers in the Pacific Northwest and Canada Compared to other rivers in the U.S. Final Study Plan 34. Reach 3 river recreation opportunities on the Susitna River are ....? Please respond for each row. Please respond “NA” if you don’t know. Region NA Below Average Average Above Average Among the best Compared to other rivers in a 200 mile radius Compared to other rivers in Alaska Compared to other rivers in the Pacific Northwest and Canada Compared to other rivers in the U.S. 35. Are you likely to use the Susitna River more often if river recreation reaches are more accessible in the future? Please respond for each row. Reach Less More No Effect Reach 1 Reach 2 Reach 3 36. What is your opinion on Susitna River access? Please respond for each row. Reach No opinion In favor of improvements to access river Current access is sufficient Oppose additional access Reach 1 Reach 2 Reach 3 37. Do you have other comments you would like to make about river recreation on the Susitna River? Final Study Plan Thank you for your participation! Please forward this survey link to individuals recreating on the Susitna River. Final Study Plan ATTACHMENT 12-2 RIVER RECREATION AND ACCESS 2013 EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW PROTOCOL (DRAFT) Final Study Plan Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project River Recreation and Access 2013 Executive Interview Protocol (DRAFT) (revised DRAFT 10/10/2012) Introduction: Hi I’m _____________with OASIS ERM, a consulting firm located in Anchorage. We are working for the Alaska Energy Authority on the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project studying river recreation resources in the Susitna River area. We are contacting agencies, commercial providers, organizations, and individual users to get a better sense of river recreation use patterns on the Susitna River. We would like to conduct an interview with you. Is now a good time or can I schedule a time that is more convenient? Before we start I would like to read you a brief description of the project. This survey is part of a study to determine river recreation use patterns, access and flow preferences for three river reaches on the Susitna River. The Alaska Energy Authority is studying the feasibility of building the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project. The proposed Project would be located on the Susitna River roughly 86 river miles upstream from Talkeetna and approximately 34 miles upstream of the Devils Canyon rapids. As currently envisioned, the project would include a roughly 750-foot tall dam located below Watana Creek and would result in a 23,546 acre, 42.5-mile long reservoir. Project construction and operation will alter river flows in the Susitna downstream. The dam and reservoir could alter downstream navigation and access. When completed, the project would produce nearly 50 percent of the Railbelt’s electrical demand, or an annual average of 2,800,000 Megawatt Hours (MWh) of renewable energy generation. This survey is designed to collect information on existing motorized and non-motorized river recreation opportunities using a variety of watercraft. The river has been divided into three distinct reaches: Reach 1, Denali Highway bridge to Fog Creek (RM 290 to 177); Reach 2, Fog Creek to Portage including Devils Canyon (RM 177 to 149); and Reach 3, Portage Creek to the George Parks Highway Bridge (RM 149 to 86). 1. First of all, can you please describe your business/organization /agency or individual? a. Areas of operation/activity relative to the three river recreation reaches b. Years in business/doing activity c. Services/tours provided d. Clien t / membership base – Anchorage? Fairbanks? Non-residents? Local area residents? e. Other infor mation Final Study Plan 2) Do you or your [organization / business/agency] have any [kno wledge/or use] of river recreation activities on t he three river recreation reaches on the Susitna River? Can you please provi de me wi t h some backgroun d on the following? a) Types of river recreation use by river reach/location b) Type of watercraft c) Time of year the river is used d) Frequency of use e) Level of use (ex. heavy, ligh t , etc.) –[look for hard nu mbers] f) Any ot her informat ion? 3) For your river recreation trips on the Susitna River what is the….? a) Primary trip purpose b) Secondary activities associated with trip c) Type of watercraft d) Trip length (days and miles) e) Time of year the river is used f) Frequency of use g) For commercial providers--Client / membership base – Anchorage? Fairbanks? Non-residents? Local area residents? h) Any ot her informat ion? 4) Please describe the flow levels when you participate or observe river use for: a) Transportation b) Recreation c) Whitewater 5) Relative to river flows, what flow related factors most influence your decision to initiate a trip on the Susitna River? Please elaborate for each factor that applies and identify high and low flow levels that trigger you to initiate vs. cancel a trip. a) river safety b) speed of travel c) navigation d) access to river camps e) portages (lack thereof or access to river-level portages around difficult rapids) f) whitewater opportunities: challenging rapids, powerful hydraulics, play spots g) access for fixed wing aircraft on floats or wheels (specify) h) Other 6) How do you estimate the flow levels in the River? a) Internet b) Direct observation c) Communication with other river users d) Other e) Do not check flow levels 7) How and where do you access the river? Final Study Plan a) Access locations for respective river reaches b) Modes of transportation to access each location c) Approximate cost for each mode of transportation to the river 8) Are you no ticing any trends in recreational use of t he area? a) Seasonal Changes? b) Is use and in terest gro wi ng? c) Lessening? d) About t he same? e) Is the m ix of recreation al use changing? 9) W hat t ypes of new infrastructure might help im prove river access? Would you prefer river access no t be i mproved? [If yes] W hy? 10) Are there any ot her issues regarding river recreation use or access t hat we should be aware of? 11) Would you consider this area a unique set tin g for river recreation use in Alaska? Why or why no t?