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

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) believes it is important to know more specifically the number of individuals or other measurable biological responses that could be supported by the central Platte River and contribute to the recovery of the least tern, piping plover, and whooping crane and that could be supported by the lower Platte River and contribute to the recovery of the pallid sturgeon. Pursuant to its responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), the FWS initiated an effort to determine if species recovery objectives specific to the Platte River could be developed. Establishing species recovery objectives is not being done as part of the Platte River Cooperative Agreement (CA) process. This report identifies recovery objectives, to the extent possible, and makes other recommendations for the least tern, piping plover, and whooping crane in the central Platte River and for the pallid sturgeon in the lower Platte River. Achieving recovery objectives alone, however, does not determine species recovery. "Recovery" only occurs when the reasons for listing the species (e.g., threats) have been removed. The information and recommendations in this report can be used by the FWS and others in focusing recovery activities for these species along the Platte River, including future monitoring and research activities and long -term planning efforts. This report can also be utilized by the respective species recovery teams when preparing future amendments to species recovery plans. Information and recommendations in this report are based on pooled expert opinion and are subject to modification when new information indicates that change is appropriate. The FWS identified a number of individuals who possess broad knowledge and expertise about the four target species, and the subcontractor conducted workshops to gather expert opinion and data in developing species objectives. The purpose was to select a manageable number of experts (approximately eight to ten per species) that were very knowledgeable of the biology and needs of the species throughout their entire ranges and/or on the Platte River. The subcontractor used the workshop results, scientific data, and collaboration with the FWS in preparing this report and its recommendations. A major contribution to this report was a workshop of species experts for all four target species that was conducted on September 26 -27, 2000, at the Platte River Whooping Crane Habitat Maintenance Trust facility near Wood River, Nebraska. Sessions were held with three separate species groups (whooping crane, pallid sturgeon, and least tern/piping plover). All three groups operated by consensus, with minority and majority opinions recorded. The groups used the best available scientific data, knowledge and judgements in their deliberations. There were 34 individuals who participated in all or part of the workshop. There were eight species experts that were unable to attend the workshop.