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1-12 Population viability analysis concepts may prove useful in developing recovery objectives and criteria. Studies to determine probable population viability, and the optimum number and spatial arrangement of populations, may be specified as tasks in the plan. Although determining the appropriate spatial arrangement and number of populations might require further research, some preliminary targets should be identified. Populations should be defined and located so that a single event, however catastrophic, would be unlikely to eliminate more than one population. Delisting would generally require more viable populations than would be required for downlisting. It might not be necessary for recovery criteria to match any historical population level, if a lower level will ensure the long-term survival of the species as a natural component, of its ecosystem. There may be cases where not enough habitat remains to support a population that meets viability criteria. In these cases, full recovery is clearly not achievable, and the plan should clearly state why delisting is not a practical objective. In some cases, evaluating the ability of the ecosystem to support viable populations can be a recovery task. All plans should state that the reclassification criteria are preliminary, and that they may be revised on the basis of new information (including research specified as recovery tasks). j ~ B. Narrative Outline for Recoverv Actions Addressinq Threats This section should be concise and action-oriented. Actions not known to be required for recovery, even though possibly beneficial, may be included. Though most of the tasks included in the outline should be those that are expected to be carried out in the near future, all tasks necessary to achieve full recovery of the species should be identified. Limiting the Narrative Outline to tasks that are expected to be carried out in the near future will sacrifice long-term planning for short-term goals and will not give an accurate assessment of what is necessary to achieve the stated recovery objective. If all tasks known are outlined, time frames can be set as "to be determined" if they are dependent on the out~ome of earlier planned tasks. A stepdown outline is not required; however, plan preparers should be familiar with the stepdown process because it may be a useful tool in task definition. Regional Directors may include stepdown outlines in plans at their discretion. The narrative outline should step down recovery needs as far as is necessary to reach the task level. Tasks are items that can be funded or permitted independently. For example, under "Gather life history information on Species X," do not list "Study diet" and "Study social OS/25/90