Operating Plan for the Upper Mississippi River System LTRMP U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Operating Plan for the Upper Mississippi River System Long Term Resource Monitoring Program. Environmental Management Technical Center, Onalaska, Wisconsin, Revised September 1993. EMTC 91-P002R. 179 pp. (NTIS # PB94-160199) ABSTRACT This Operating Plan establishes a framework and schedule for the completion of a comprehensive Long Term Resource Monitoring and Computerized Inventory and Analysis Program for the Upper Mississippi River System. This Program has been designed to collect scientifically valid and statistically sound data over time to detect site-specific and/or system-wide changes. The data base will be helpful in evaluating various impacts on the system and will serve as a reliable information source for management agencies. It also will support and be integrated with specific navigation impact assessments being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In addition, a Computerized Inventory and Analysis System is needed to assimilate and store historical data as well as to manage data generated through the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP). A computerized information transfer system will provide resource managers with site-specific and system-wide data, using standardized and state-of-the-art methodologies. Several organizations or groups provide input and guidance to the LTRMP. The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) is composed of the five basin states and representatives from the participating Federal agencies. The UMBRA serves as a clearinghouse for all components of the Environmental Management Program, directs Program policy, and facilitates coordination and cooperation among Program participants. KEYWORDS Mississippi River, Illinois River, resource management, long-term data, river research, spatial data analysis, GIS