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II <br />interdependent with the proposed federal action and the cumulative <br />impacts of future groundwater development. <br />3 <br />' The proposed action may adversely affect but is not likely to jeopardize <br />the continued existence of the bald eagle, Eskimo curlew, American <br />tburying beetle, and the western prairie fringed orchid. <br />• The effects associated with the Commission's proposed action are likely <br />to jeopardize the continued existence of the sturgeon chub. The <br />sturgeon chub is currently designated as a candidate species, but is <br />expected to soon be proposed for federal listing. This information is <br />' being provided to assist the Commission and the applicants in <br />identifying and resolving potential conflicts at an early stage (50 CFR <br />§ 402.10). Impacts of the proposed federal action on the sturgeon chub <br />' are described, and advisory recommendations on ways to minimize and <br />avoid adverse effects to the sturgeon chub are provided. <br />' Based on the biological analysis discussed in this document, the Service has <br />developed an RPA that would avoid the likelihood of jeopardizing the continued <br />existence of the whooping crane, least tern, piping plover, and the pallid <br />sturgeon, and avoid the likelihood of destruction or adverse modification of <br />designated critical habitat for the whooping crane. The Service also has <br />' concluded, based on the information included in this biological opinion, that <br />the RPA is economically and technologically feasible. <br />CONSULTATION HISTORY <br />The whooping crane, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and Eskimo curlew were all <br />federally listed as endangered in 1967. Critical habitat for the whooping <br />crane along the central Platte River was designated in 1978 (50 CFR § 17.95). <br />Five additional species in the affected area have been federally listed as <br />threatened or endangered. The species and years of listing are: least tern <br />(1985); piping plover (1986); the western prairie fringed orchid and American <br />burying beetle (1989); and the pallid sturgeon (1990). Additionally, the <br />sturgeon chub is now a candidate for federal listing. The regal fritillary <br />butterfly (Speyeria ida7ia) is classified as a species of concern. <br />The original licenses issued by the Federal Power Commission for Project Nos. <br />1835 and 1417 expired on June 30, 1987, and July 29, 1987, respectively. <br />Before and after the permit expirations, the Service, Commission, and the <br />Districts participated in informal and ongoing formal consultation on the <br />projects pertaining to federally listed species and designated critical <br />