Dear_____________,

    I am writing to ask you to help improve the U.S. Geological Survey's streamgaging program by supporting the National Streamflow Information Program.  Signficantly increased funding is needed to prevent the continued loss of streamgages.

    With the recent increase in the frequency and magnitude of major flooding events, and the human costs that result from such events, the importance of a well-maintained and improved USGS streamgaging network should be well known.

    What is not as well known is the importance of the USGS streamgaging network to outdoor recreation safety.  Canoeists, kayakers, fishermen, and even backpackers rely on streamgage information when planning an outing.  The system is extremely important to campground owners, who are responsible for the lives of their campers and rely on data from the system to know when to evacuate, and to the tourism industry as a whole.

    Despite the importance these streamgages play in the lives of so many Americans, the USGS's efforts to keep existing gages operational and to improve the overall streamgaging network are severely under funded.  Frequently, reductions in state and local funding for streamgages results in streamgages being lost forever.  It is important to the public that the USGS's National Streamflow Information Program have the financial ability to fill these gaps, when appropriate, to maintain the network's viability.  The safety of our neighbors and visitors depends on this network.

    At a time when increased funding is desperately needed, any cuts in funding for the USGS streamgaging network and National Streamflow Information Program would be disastrous--resulting in hundreds of streamgages being lost.  Please help USGS ensure that streamgages critical to the national interest are kept in operation.

    I would like to know your position on this matter and what steps, if any, you plan to take to ensure that an adequate level of funding for the National Streamflow Information Program will be included in the FY 2003 budget and beyond.

    Thank you for your consideration.

                    Sincerely,