Species Recovery Objectives for Four Target Species in the Central and Lower Platte River

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fledglings per pair in 2000 and 1.40 in 2001. The same methodology estimated 0.32 tern fledglings per pair at sand pits along the lower Platte River in 2000 and 0.52 in 200145 The fledge rate recommended in the FWS biological opinion for the Missouri River is 0.70 chicks fledged per pair for a 3 -year running average.46 Based on the biological opinion, other references cited, and the discussion at the September workshop, 0.70 fledglings per pair is recommended as the fledge rate for least terns on the central Platte River. At the September 26 -27, 2000 workshop, some biologists voiced minority opinions regarding some of these objectives, because they had reservations about trying to attract terns and plovers to the central Platte River. Their view was that the central Platte River is no longer capable of sustaining either species on naturally occurring habitat on the river, unless significant high flows occur several years in a row to create habitat, which is unlikely. Terns and plovers may nest on intensively managed habitats, such as cleared islands or dredged islands. The recommendations in this report are based primarily on the majority views and recommendations among the species experts identified by the FWS. A.6. Other Recommendations A.6.1. Sand Pits and Riverine Habitats In recent years, at least since the 1980's, the central Platte River proper has not provided the habitat necessary for successful tern and plover nesting. Natural sandbar habitat available for successful nesting is scarce or non - existent due to changes in flow regimes of the river. It would likely take significant clearing of vegetation along with high flows on a semi - frequent basis for the river to regain desirable habitat for successful nesting. Although, intensively managed habitat, such as cleared existing river islands or established dredged islands, may produce habitat for successful nesting. Natural sandbar habitat is relatively more plentiful in the lower Platte River, and significant tern and plover production occurs along that segment of the river. 45 Marcus, J. F., C. E. Grell, and S. L. Finkbeiner. 2000. Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership, Year 2000 Final Report. Unpublished report submitted to the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. 21 pp. and data for 2001 surveys provided by Jeff Marcus to Jim Lutey on December 4, 2001. 46 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Opinion on the Operation of the Missouri River Main Stem Reservoir System, Operation and Maintenance of the Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project, and Operation of the Kansas River Reservoir System. Submitted November 30, 2000, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6, Denver, Colorado and Region 3, Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwest Division, Portland, Oregon. 286 pp. + appendices. 15