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A. Species Experts <br />The FWS originally identified 28 species experts for the four target species that the <br />subcontractor should contact for their participation in developing species objectives. <br />Five additional species experts were later added and participated in the process. The <br />purpose was to select a manageable number of experts (approximately 8 to 10 per <br />species) that were very knowledgeable of the biology and needs of the species within <br />their entire ranges and/or on the Platte River. A list of species experts identified by the <br />FWS is in Appendix A. <br />B. Technical Workshops <br />B.I. September 26-27,2000 Workshop <br />B.1.1. Procedures <br />A major contribution to this report was a workshop of species experts for all <br />four target species that was conducted on September 26 -27, 2000 at the Platte <br />River Whooping Crane Habitat Maintenance Trust facility near Wood River, <br />Nebraska. Sessions were held with all participants together, however the <br />participants spent most of their time in three separate species groups <br />(whooping crane, pallid sturgeon, and least tern/piping plover). Each species <br />group selected a group leader and a recorder and established ground rules on <br />how the group would operate. All three groups operated by consensus, with <br />minority and majority opinions recorded. The groups used the best available <br />scientific data, knowledge and judgements in their deliberations. Members of <br />each species group presented pertinent information regarding the species <br />recovery efforts, work on recovery plans, updates on species status, research, <br />etc. It was stressed that, to the extent possible, objectives needed to be <br />quantifiable and measurable. The species groups were urged to consider <br />establishing criteria (such as targets for minimum population levels, number of <br />populations, population mortality rates, population reproductive rates, <br />establishment of new colonies, number of nesting pairs, fledge rates, etc.) in <br />developing objectives. Therefore, the recommendations and information in <br />this report are based on the discussions and conclusions among the participants <br />at the workshop, the technical scientific information that was presented, and <br />collaboration with the FWS. <br />B.1.2. Attendees and Minutes of Workshop <br />There were 34 individuals that participated in all or part of the workshop <br />(Appendix B). The complete minutes of the workshop and data presented <br />and/or handed out at the workshop are on file with the FWS.1 There were <br />I December 15, 2000, Minutes of Workshop to Develop Species Recovery Objectives for <br />Four Target Species in the Central and Lower Platte River (Whooping Crane, Least Tern, <br />Piping Plover, Pallid Sturgeon), September 26 -27, 2000. <br />3 <br />