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2. A preliminary habitat baseline based on current knowledge (Rl -1) will be developed. The <br />baseline is currently being generated by the Service with input from the TC. Anticipated <br />components include, but may not be limited to, the 1998 central Platte River GIS developed by <br />the Service and Bureau of Reclamation, aerial photos on which the GIS was based, maps of <br />Private Lands Program activities, and various models, including the sediment/vegetation model. <br />3. Data needs and parameters to be measured via the Integrated Monitoring and Research <br />Component (IMRC) of the proposed Program will be determined. This step, the primary focus <br />of the remainder of this document; ensures the Program will collect, during the first increment, <br />the information needed by the Service to evaluate the effectiveness of the Program at the end of <br />that period. The data needs are based on the Program goals agreed to by the CA signatories and <br />the current knowledge of species habitat characteristics and riverine processes. It is anticipated <br />that additional data may need to be gathered as Program- sponsored or other research provides <br />further information on species habitat characteristics or other factors affecting species use and <br />status in the Program area. <br />4. Long -range species recovery objectives for the Program will be developed. This is an internal <br />task of the Service, that the Service believes is required to assess the significance of the <br />progress made during the first increment and aid in development of milestones for subsequent <br />increments of the Program. The long -range objectives will be developed with input from a <br />variety of species experts, including people involved in the development of the species recovery <br />plans. <br />At the end of the First Increment: <br />As noted previously, the Service is obligated pursuant to the ESA to use the best scientific information <br />available when evaluating impacts to endangered or threatened species. Therefore, if information <br />collected during the first increment alters the current understanding of species habitat use or <br />requirements, or riverine system processes, then that information and/or new or revised models based <br />on the most current information, will be used in the evaluation of Program effects. The results of the <br />evaluation will be used in establishing Program goals for the second increment. The Service's <br />evaluation of Program effects will consider: <br />► Changes from baseline conditions and trends in quantity, quality, and distribution of species <br />habitat and species habitat use <br />► Sustainability of improvements in quantity, quality and distribution of species habitat <br />► Comparison of species/habitat condition and long -range species recovery objectives ( #4, above) <br />► The fulfillment of the purposes of the Program, as stated in the CA. <br />Rationale for Determining Data Needs <br />The CA arose from concerns about the effects of water development in the Platte River basin on <br />federally listed threatened/endangered species and designated critical habitat. The Service has <br />determined (pursuant to Section 7a(2) of the ESA) that federal activities resulting in existing and <br />