Development And Evaluation Of Habitat Suitability Criteria For Use In The Instream Flow Incremental Methodology

The Delphi technique is one method used for combining the knowledge and opinions of a group of experts. The primary characteristic of Delphi is anonymity; correspondece is the communication mode normally used. The concept is based on the premises that opinions of experts are justified as input to decisionmaking where absolute answers are unknown, and a consensus of experts will provide a more accurate response to a question than a single expert. The guidelines presented are for using the Delphi technique to develop habitat Suitability Index (SI) curves. SI curves are often used with the Habitat Evaluation Procedures and are necessary components of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology. The Delphi technique is not a replacement for scientific methods traditionally used to gather information for SI curve development, but it offers an option that should be considered when SI curves or data for developing needed SI curves are unavailable.

Environmental Analysis reviews information gathered during NEPA assessments, summarizes the state of the art in methods and approaches, and defines future opportunities and new approaches required to link high-quality science to the decision-making process. Individual chapters address the process itself, present examples of recent experience with ecological impact assessment, evaluate social impact assessment and the important role the public must play, discuss the difficult challenge of assessing cumulative effects of multiple impacts, consider the regional and global implications of NEPA, and examine the important role of follow-up studies in the process. The authors of the 59 individual papers comprising this book represent the major sectors that have been key participants in the decision-making process from the beginning. These sectors include academia, national laboratories, federal agencies, state agencies, private industry, and foreign nations. Environmental Analysis will be interesting reading for environmental scientists, engineers, policy makers, and lawyers in government and academia; private consultants; and non-government environmental organizations.