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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
BIN REPORT
TITLE: The Missouri River: Planning, Protection, Rehabilitation, and Management
SUBMITTING BUREAU: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Originating Office: Regional Office, Regions 3 and 6
BIN NUMBER: FWS01CR99
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: Information on habitat conditions; species occurrence, distribution, and viability; and ecosystem dynamics is needed to develop cooperative, comprehensive management plans that will enable the Fish and Wildlife Service, other Federal agencies, and State resource management agencies to protect, rehabilitate, and manage the Missouri River riparian ecosystem. Understanding the status and trends of resident species and the importance of
various specific habitats to these species, as well as, the habitat needs of migratory species, is critical to developing effective management plans and maintaining the long-term viability of species that depend on the river and the riparian areas associated with it. Identification and/or development of management alternatives to stabilize existing critical habitats and for restoring or rehabilitating habitats that have been lost to river development projects (e.g. dam construction, channelization, channel stabilization) are needed. Methods for predicting the effects of various strategies and plans are also needed, as are decision support systems that can access, analyze, and help interpret existing sources of data and/or non-quantitative information.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: The Missouri River has been severely modified,
from its headwaters near Yellowstone National Park to its confluence with the Mississippi River. Dams and various channel maintenance structures are the most common modifications. In most cases, these modifications were put in place with little attention to the long-term viability of the species occupying the riverine and riparian habitats of the river. As a result, many species dependent on the habitats that were destroyed or severely modified, have declined drastically in numbers and some have been identified as needing protection under provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Existing management strategies and plans, often based on incomplete information, have failed to ensure long-term sustainability of species dependent upon the Missouri River. New strategies and plans that can function within the contexts and constraints imposed by the other mandated priority uses of the river (e.g. flood control, navigation, hydropower, recreation) are needed.
BUREAU CONTACT:
Skip Ladd, R-6, GARD for MT, WY, ND, SD
Joe Webster, R-6, GARD for UT, CO, NB, KS
Sean Kelly, R-3, Research Coordinator, 612/713-5470
John Nickum, R-6, Regional Science Officer, 303/236-7917, ext 409
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: CERC
BRD CENTER CONTACT: Bill Mauck
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY00):
The Columbia Environmental Research Center has been actively involved in Missouri River issues since 1994 with the initiation of the Lower Missouri Ecosystem Initiative. The Columbia Environmental Research Center has worked to consolidate databases, provide data visualization through state-of-the-art GIS information dissemination, identify information gaps, and conduct research on the biological resources and river corridor dynamics of the lower Missouri River. CERC has developed Missouri River InfoLink as a tool that uses an integrated, multi-media approach to provide information on the Missouri River to those making management decisions about the river. InfoLink continues to add resources to its database and is currently developing local place-based map projects in the Manitou Bluffs Region, Missouri and in the Garrison Reach, North Dakota. CERC is also working with the USGS/BRD Cooperative Research Units and the Montana Department of Fish, Game, and Parks to evaluate benthic fish populations in the Missouri River system. This project is focusing on effects of channelization and impoundment of the river on these benthic species. In another project, scientists from CERC are studying habitat dynamics in the lower Missouri River from Gavins Point dam at Yankton, South Dakota to St. Louis Missouri. Hydrological and physical characteristics of the river are being documented. Historical channel maps have also being generated for areas in the river; this information can be used with other spatial data including land cover, public ownership, and placement of levees. The Center is working with others to develop a monitoring plan for the Missouri River that will provide managers with the information and tools to manage the system in a sound ecological manner. CERC pursues work on the Missouri River in cooperation with many partners and actively promotes communication on issues related to this river system. Since 1997, CERC has participated with other agencies in the Missouri River Natural Resources Conference to share information on the river. This year=s conference will be held in Bismarck, North Dakota in May.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: March 13, 2000
PREPARED BY: Susan Finger and Bill Mauck, CERC
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY99): This BIN was received too late in the process to be considered for redirection in FY 99 and no report has been prepared. However, the BRD center identified is actively addressing this important issue.
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
BIN REPORT
TITLE: Status, Trends, and Population Viability of Native Great Plains Fishes
SUBMITTING BUREAU: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Originating Office: Regional Office, Region 6, Lakewood, CO, Region 2,
Albuquerque, NM; Region 3, Fort Snelling/Twin Cities, MN
BIN NUMBER: FWS02CR99
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: Information on current distribution, population size, and population viability for native fishes inhabiting streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs in the Great Plains is needed to accurately determine whether or not individual species should be protected under provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Information on basic life histories, including strategies for survival under the harsh and variable aquatic environmental conditions that prevail on the Great Plains, is needed for many species. Understanding the status and trends of native species, their habitat requirements, and their survival strategies is critical to the development of scientifically valid infomation for listing decisions, and the development of effective managment or recovery plans. Identification and/or devlopment of management alternatives to stabilize or restore existing populations and their critical habitats are dependent upon accurate information on the requirements and current status of these species. Predictive models concerning both the functional and structural requirements of aquatic ecosystems on the Great Plains are needed to develop long-term managment strategies.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: Aquatic environments on the Great Plains have
always been harsh and variable. Long-term survival of fishes inhabiting the waters of the Great Plains has required evolutionary strategies different from those demonstrated by fishes found in more stable environments. In addition, the rivers and streams of the Great Plains have been severely altered by human activities, especially, agriculture practices and development of transportaiton corridors. The absence of historical records on the occurrence and requirements of Great Plains fishes further complicates accurate assessment of their current status and prediction of requirements needed for long -term viability of each species. Existing appraisals of status, trends, and viability of Great Plains fishes are often highly subjective and do not provide a scientific basis for management strategies and plans. New strategies and plans that can function within the contexts and constraints imposed by irreversible changes within the Great Plains region, are needed.
BUREAU CONTACT: Joe Webster, R-6, GARD for CO, KS, NB, UT
Skip Ladd, R-6, GARD for ND, SD, WY, MT
Susan Baker, R-6, PARD-Fisheries
Kathy Granillo, R-2, Research Coordinator, 505/248-6818
Sean Kelly, R-3, Research Coordinator, 612/713-5470
John Nickum, R-6, Regional Science Officer, 303/236-7917, ext 409
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: CERC
BRD CENTER CONTACT: Mark Wildhaber
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY00):
Scientists at CERC are conducting a study to define habitat requirements necessary for the reproductive success of the endangered Neosho madtom. The project is designed to provide information to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Army Corps of Engineers on the influence of flow, habitat availability, and gravel mining operations in the Neosho-Cottonwood River ecosystem. The study is providing information necessary to improve recovery potential for this native fish species and has documented alternations in habitat, water quality, and hydrology of the Neosho River resulting from the John Redmond Reservoir. Relationships between the Neosho madtom population and river hydrology underscore the importance of maintaining a minimum flow to increase Neosho madtom survival. CERC is also working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the effects of dam removal in the Neosho River on native fish species. The approach used in this study can be applied to evaluating the status, habitat requirements, and reproductive success of other native fish species in other midwestern river systems.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: March 13, 2000
PREPARED BY: Mark Wildhaber, CERC
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY99): This BIN was received too late in the process to be considered for redirection in FY 99 and no report has been prepared. However, the BRD center identified is actively addressing this important issue.
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
BIN REPORT
TITLE: Survey, Management, and Restoration of Western Cutthroat Trout
SUBMITTING PARTNER BUREAU: U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceBIN NUMBER: FWS10CR98
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: Many species of western cutthroat trout are exhibiting decline (Rio Grande, Colorado, Lahanton, Redband, West Slope, and Greenback) and need a thorough status inventory, as well as identification of management and restoration techniques evaluating causes (nonnatives, habitat change, diseases) that are affecting their decline in numbers and distribution. Management and restoration techniques which can be implemented by the Service, other land management agencies, and our State partners are needed to assist in restoration of populations to secure status.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: Some cutthroat species are presently listed under the ESA; others are high priority candidate species. Many States want to develop conservation agreements to avoid listing, and status and management information would help greatly in identifying current threats and priority as well as methods to return them to secure sport fishing status.
BUREAU CONTACT: Larry Shanks (303)-236-7398
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: Columbia Environmental Research Center
BRD CENTER CONTACT: Dan Woodward and Aida Farag
BUREAU CONTACT: Larry Shanks
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY00):
CERC has completed the study on winter habitat utilization of Snake River cutthroat. Radiotelemetry techniques used to track adult trout revealed that fish selected locations where multiple types of habitat were available and used shelf ice as protective cover. Fish were not displaced immediately following fall flow reductions from Jackson Lake dam. However, migration up to 7 km downstream occurred following several frazil ice events (small disc or needle-shaped ice crystals that can fatally plug the mouths and gills of trout). Fish moved back upstream in response to increased flows from Jackson Lake dam. It is likely that Snake River cutthroat trout may migrate longer distances than those observed in this study in response to more severe winter conditions resulting in decreased availability of winter habitat.
CERC continues its involvement with the health of the western trout species. Specifically, studies on streams affected by historic mining practices in Montana are evaluating health and potential injury to trout species in Boulder River basin. These studies are addressing the status and health of the adult trout population as well as the probability of survival of larval fish. This work is being conducted in cooperation with individuals from other USGS disciplines who are providing critical information on the hydrological and geological conditions in the basin that will be used to assess the quality of habitat in the basin. Partners in this work included the State of Montana, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management, but information generated through this work will directly address issues identified through this BIN.
Efforts are continuing through CERC=s Jackson Wyoming Research Station to identify funding opportunities to address issues critical to restoration of western cutthroat. Scientists at CERC are actively involved in the Department of Interior=s Natural Resource Damage Assessment Program and participate in numerous cases that will result in habitat improvement and restoration activities for western trout populations.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: March 13, 2000
PREPARED BY: Susan Finger, Dan Woodward, and Aida Farag
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY99):
Issues in this BIN relate to loss of critical habitat for these species and the need to understand management options that will result in population restoration. BRD is currently completing a multi-year study of the winter habitat utilization of Snake river cutthroat trout in the Upper Snake River, Wyoming, and will be able to provide a summary of these results within this fiscal year. Results are providing guidance for habitat improvement projects for this species; this project provides information directly addressing this BIN. In general, discussions with FWS indicate that this BIN covers a wide range of studies concerning health, restoration, and management of western trout species to help fill information gaps. In addition to the Snake River studies, CERC scientists are evaluating the health and survival of trout in the Boulder River in Montana associated with the on-going Abandoned Mine Land Initiative. CERC has also provided critical documentation of biological injury to trout in studies on the Clark Fork River, Montana and in the Coeur d=Alene basin, Idaho. Efforts are continually made through CERC's Jackson Wyoming Research Station to identify funding opportunities to address issues critical to restoration of western cutthroat.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Susan Finger/Dan Woodward
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY98): Issues included in this BIN largely relate to loss of critical habitat for these species and the need to better understand the management options that will result in population restoration. Interests of the Service focus on the importance of habitat restoration in the protection of cutthroat throat. This interest is not species specific and is being addressed at some level by several research centers in BRD. A variety of ongoing projects were discussed with Larry Shanks. For example, the Jackson Research Station of ECRC is currently studying the movement patterns and habitat use of Snake River cutthroat in the Upper Snake River, Wyoming. This study will provide information on the effects of winter conditions and low stream flows on habitat availability and behavior of this species. Results will provide guidance for habitat improvement projects for this species. Studies such as this one address issues directly identified in this BIN. Shanks was also interested in information from ECRC toxicity studies comparing the response of endangered and threatened cutthroats with standard laboratory species such as the fathead minnow. At his request, information available on this subject was forwarded to him.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: February 28, 1997
PREPARED BY: Susan Finger
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
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