A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERIOR LEAST TERN MONITORING PROGRAM (Dr. Jon Bart, USGS)

ERDC TN-DOER-E17

September 2004

many specific river reaches have not yet been met. There is a need to develop a comprehensive,

range-wide, and scientifically defensible monitoring protocol to determine the status and popula-

tion trends of the interior population of the Least Tern. Numerous federal, state, and non-

governmental organizations are involved in monitoring federally endangered Interior Least

Terns. At present, however, the various monitoring efforts are not organized or coordinated. As a

result, survey methods vary, data storage is not centralized, and comprehensive analyses are

rarely performed. In addition, preliminary surveys on reaches of the Red, Canadian, and Cimar-

ron Rivers suggest that some populations, perhaps including as many as 2,000 birds, are not

regularly surveyed at all. The lack of a comprehensive monitoring plan with mechanisms for data

storage and regular analyses limits opportunities to increase management flexibility through

negotiations with the USFWS and progress towards delisting is slower than it might otherwise

be.

Proposed action items from the Corps' 2002 Tulsa meeting to assist in remedying these problems

included:

Hosting a national workshop consisting of professionals directly involved in managing

ILT populations.

Creating a team of ILT experts to identify research needs pertaining to ILT ecology and

management.

Addressing issues concerning monitoring methodologies (e.g., protocol development)

needed to determine range-wide distribution and long-term status of ILT populations.

The April 2004 workshop constituted the first phase of these actions, and represented a collabo-

rative effort among the Corps, USFWS, ABC, and USGS. The primary focus was to begin the

process of developing a comprehensive monitoring protocol for ILT populations. The monitoring

plan will allow for regular and scientifically credible assessments of the status and trends of ILT

populations.

Other research needs that might facilitate improved management of tern populations were also

discussed. Specific issues concerning the current federal listing and the status of the ILT Recov-

ery Plan were not on the agenda. The workshop revolved around several guest speakers who dis-

cussed specific topics pertinent to management and conservation of ILTs, followed by group dis-

cussions. This document provides brief synopses of presented talks, and outlines important ideas,

issues, and action items addressed in the group discussions.

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERIOR LEAST

TERN MONITORING PROGRAM (Dr. Jon Bart, USGS): The approach of the North

American Coordinated Bird Monitoring (CBM) Plan provides a basis for developing a compre-

hensive monitoring program applicable for the ILT. Regional CBM plans are comprehensive,

efficient, and well coordinated among states, conservation groups, and federal agencies. The

process involves identifying management issues, clearly stating survey objectives, establishing

rigorous methods of data collection, and developing a plan of action to initiate the monitoring

effort. Several examples were outlined, including:

Evaluation of riparian restoration projects in Nevada.

Importance of Aspen forests in the west.

Identification of important forest areas for mid-Atlantic bird communities.