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reasons noted above, the Service believes there is a need for a preliminary quantification of those <br />habitat parameters considered necessary to the target species. An attempt has been made to <br />summarize observed measurements of those parameters in the tables of the suitable habitat <br />document. <br />With this background in mind, would you please address the following items in your review. <br />1) Are the questions listed in the species- specific outline of the Draft R3 -1 Document sufficient <br />to address the effects of the Program as described on the listed species? Based on your <br />experience, what concerns or other questions (i.e., not included in this document) related to the <br />effects of Platte River depletions on these species should be included? Do the data needs <br />outlined in the tables adequately address the questions? If not, what data needs should be <br />included? <br />2) The Service's goal is to acquire the data required to adequately evaluate Program effects. <br />Given fiscal realities, are there questions and/or data needs included in the R3 -1 document that <br />you feel could be removed? <br />3) Regarding the suitable habitat document, do you believe the parameters identified in the <br />document and table are the most relevant to the species in question? Are there others? <br />4) Do you feel there is sufficient information available (not necessarily included in this <br />document) to quantify suitable habitat parameters relevant to these species? If so, how would <br />you quantitatively describe suitable habitat for the species with which you are most familiar? <br />For example, it is generally believed that whooping cranes require wide, unobstructed river <br />channels when roosting in riverine habitat. Greater than or equal to what channel width is <br />"suitable ?" <br />It is very important that the Service develops a scientifically complete R3 -1 Document to guide <br />Program monitoring and research, and enable the evaluation of Program effects on the species at <br />the end of the first Program increment. We believe your expert review of the attached documents <br />is a critical step in accomplishing this task. To complete Milestone R3 -1 in a timely manner, we <br />would appreciate your comments by March 22. If you have questions or need further <br />information, please contact Martha Tacha of my staff, at (308) 382 -6468, ext 19; or via E -mail at <br />Martha—Tacha@fws.gov. <br />Enclosures <br />Sincerely, <br />Sharon Whitmore <br />Acting Nebraska Field Supervisor <br />