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<br />2.2.4 Annual Water Management Plan <br /> <br />Once water has been acquiretl by the Program for endangered species habitat, and if it can be <br />regulated, it will be allocated on an annual basis to meet the highest priority. The criteria for <br />determining pressing needs may include such factors as: <br />1. Projected natural runoff available to the habitat area. <br />2. Availability of acquired water. <br />3. Priorities for species needs, such as habitat condition, population status, availability of <br />forage, etc. <br />A complete list of criteria for allocating water available to the Program wili be developed as part <br />r' of the Program. 2.3 RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT <br />Well-defineri research, monitoring, and data management operations will be an integral part of <br />the Program and will constitute the technical basis of every habitat management activity. <br />Research will identify criteria for habitat recovery, test the effectiveness of management actions, <br />and evaluate the needs of Platte River endangered species. Monitoring will track habitat status <br />and trends and will define the overall success of the Program. A data management system will <br />provide timely analysis of research and monitoring data and will be an informational resource <br />for managing habitat recovery activities. <br />2.3.1 Research <br />Research needs and priorities will be developed by an ad hoc committee established by the <br />Conservation Committee, who will approve all research activities recommended by the ad hoc <br />research committee. Criteria will be developed for reviewing, approving, and implementing <br />research actions. Research will be implemented on a contractual basis between the Program and <br />appropriately qualified research entities, and detailed study plans will be prepared for each <br />research activity. <br />15