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species, and efforts being made to offset those impacts. The following section identifies, by <br />species, the questions needing resolution. (i.e., the basis for the Service's evaluation of Program <br />impacts). The questions are consistent with and supported by elements of the recovery plans for <br />the target species, elements of the species listing determinations, elements of the critical habitat <br />designation, the general factors of species listing /delisting expressed by Service policies, Platte <br />River biological opinions, and laws and Department of the Interior and Service regulations and <br />policy guidance pertaining to environmental planning. Species - specific tables are also attached, <br />which identify data needs correlated to the questions, and include potential sources of that data, <br />potential methods of analysis, and the time frame of data collection during the first increment. <br />I. Whooping Crane <br />A. Channel Roost Habitat: Constituent Element of Designated Critical Habitat <br />1) How do Program changes in river flow management affect the immediate (i.e., <br />daily) quantity and quality of aquatic roosting habitat during migration periods? <br />2) How do Program changes in land and river flow management affect the amount, <br />quality, and spatial distribution of open - channel roosting habitat? <br />3) What effects do Program changes in river flow management (e.g., elements of the <br />Program that protect existing flows, sources and methods of water replacement, <br />EA operation) and land management have on the sustainability of channel <br />habitat? The Service will consider related questions such as: <br />a) Is the river morphology sustainable based on the available sediment <br />supply? <br />(1) What is the long -term effect of program water management on <br />availability and transport of sediment? <br />(2) Is sediment supply in dynamic equilibrium? <br />b) How does Program water management affect riparian vegetation <br />encroachment? <br />(1) <br />What flow regime maximizes number and areas of unobstructive <br />bare substrate? <br />(2) <br />Can EA releases contribute effectively to maintenance of <br />unobstructive bare substrate? <br />(3) <br />Do measurements of discharge, sediment, vegetation and channel <br />morphology support the sediment /vegetation model? <br />C) What are the effects of land management practices on sustainability of <br />roost <br />habitat? <br />(1) <br />What are the short- and long -term effects of channel widening on <br />channel morphology (on site and downstream)? <br />(2) <br />What are the short- and long -term effects of island leveling on <br />channel morphology (on site and downstream)? <br />(3) <br />How does tree/brush removal affect short and long -term quantity <br />