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developed, but have yet to have a plan initiated, have been listed longer than 3 years. The 7% constitutes the actual recovery plan backlog in the Fish and Wildlife Service. Most of the species considered to be improving are mammals, birds, or plants. A significant majority of them are recovering from very low num- bers, with the benefit of intensive, hands-on management. Bird and fish species represent the taxa considered to be the most stable. The unknown component is most pronounced in invertebrates, reflecting a need for additional studies. Three-fourths of the prominent declining status of in- vertebrates are freshwater mussels. Species with approved recovery plans have a higher percentage of improv- ing status designations than those without plans (14% versus 3%). Implementation of recovery plan tasks provide significant gains towards positive species recovery ef- forts. The most significant recovery status difference between the species with and without approved recovery plans is the number of "unknowns- for those species without recovery plans (25% "unknowns" without plans versus 16 % with plans). Recovery plans also outline research efforts needed to assess a species' sta- tus and begin the downward trend reversal. Four hundred and thirty-nine of the 581 species (76%) have less than 25% of their recovery objectives achieved. The high percentage includes all species listed within the last three years. In addition, it indi- cates the long-term nature of listed species recovery. Summary The Service has placed increased em- phasis on recovery planning. A pro- cess has been developed to reduce the backlog of species without recovery plans. Target timeframes have been established to guide the development of draft and final plan preparation. Both an overall trend towards recov- ery and the time dimensions of that trend have been evaluated. Species listed longer appear to have a better chance of becoming stable or improving. A commitment to endangered species recovery is needed for a long time to allow for noticeable results. Long- term planning is needed to address the program objectives. Though the timeframe involved may be perceived as long, recovery can and does hap- pen. A serious commitment of both personnel and money is important to ensure the stabilization and recovery of listed species, and the longterm support of biodiversity. Vii