A Review of the Use of Science and Adaptive Management in California's Draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan

The report determines that the plan is incomplete in a number of important areas and takes this opportunity to identify key scientific and structural gaps that, if addressed, could lead to a more successful and comprehensive final BDCP.

The plan is missing the type of structure usually associated with current planning methods in which the goals and objectives are specified, alternative measure for achieving the objectives are introduced and analyzed, and a course of action in identified based on analytical optimization of economic, social, and environmental factors.

Contents
Summary
1 INTRODUCTION
2 BACKGROUND
3 CRITICAL GAPS IN THE SCOPE OF THE DRAFT BDCP
The Lack of an Effects Analysis
The Lack of Clarity as to the BDCP’s Purpose
4 USE OF SCIENCE IN THE BDCP
Incorporating Risk Analysis
Integration of Climate Change Analysis
A Framework for Linking Drivers and Effects
Significant Environmental Factors Affecting Listed Species
Synthesis
The Relationship of the BDCP to Other Scientific Efforts
5 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT IN THE BDCP
6 MANAGEMENT FRAGMENTATION AND A LACK OF COHERENCE
7 IN CONCLUSION
References
Appendix A Statement of Task
Appendix B BDCP Steering Committee Members and Planning Agreement Signature Dates
Appendix C BDCP Proposed Covered Species and Associated Habitats
Appendix D Possible Causal Connections in Suppression of Populations of Endangered Suckers in Upper Klamath Lake
Appendix E BDCP Adaptive Management Process Framework.
Appendix F Water Science and Technology Board
Appendix G Ocean Studies Board
Appendix H Panel Biographical Information