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losses resulting from implementation of the recovery program and relationships with local <br />landowners). <br />utilize an adaptive management approach, using monitoring and research results. An <br />Integrated Research and Monitoring Program has been drafted which includes various <br />research measures to investigate channel stability issues. <br />The Cooperative Agreement sets forth a long -range objective of protecting 29,000 total habitat <br />acres. Included in this 29,000 acres are 10,000 acres to be acquired during the first increment, <br />and 9,000 acres currently protected and managed by the Platte River Whooping Crane Trust, the <br />National Audubon Society, and the Nature Conservancy within the Central Platte Valley. <br />The period prescribed in the Cooperative Agreement for development of the recovery program <br />was three years. However, in December 2000, this was extended to June 30, 2003, in order to <br />allow the three States, the Department, and the other members of the 10 member Governance <br />Committee to complete the necessary work. <br />How Does this Process Work? <br />First, the Cooperative Agreement established a Governance Committee to review, direct, develop <br />policies, and oversee the development of the Proposed Program. The Governance Committee <br />consists of ten members, plus their alternates. Members include one representative per state <br />selected by the Governors; two Federal members including Reclamation and the Service; two <br />members representing conservation organizations; and the final three members representing <br />water users in the three States who have a federal nexus and are subject to ESA consultation. <br />The Governance Committee, which operates on a consensus basis, generally meets on a monthly <br />basis to conduct official business and /or participate in technical sessions covering major <br />components of the Proposed Program. <br />The Governance Committee hired Dale Strickland as the Executive Director. Mr. Strickland <br />