Location of Habitat Important to Federally Listed Bird Species on the Missouri National Recreational River

Authors

Kent Kennlyne, U. S. Fish and Wildllfe Service
Jim Ruwaldt, U. S. Fish and Wildllfe Service
Frank Howe, U. S. Fish and Wildllfe Service
Steve Riley, U. S. Fish and Wildllfe Service
David Gilbraith, U. S. Fish and Wildllfe Service

Date of this Version

1986

Comments

Compiled by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service South Dakota Field Dffice, Ecological Services for the U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers under contract No. 2544 (1986) 1-22

Abstract

Literature reviews, field observations, and personal contacts were used to identify areas important to inter lor least terns (Sterna antillarum athalassos), piping plovers (Charadrius melodus), and bald eagles (Aaliaeetus leucocephalus) on the 58-mlle-long Mlssouri National Recreational Rlver. Areas were prioritized according to suitability of habitat and recorded use by these species. Thirty-nlne miles were classified as Priority I least tern and piping plover nesting habitat; three miles were classified as Priority II and 16 miles as Priority III habitat. Bald eagle habitat was considered separately on both sides of the river (116 miles total), 41 miles of Priority I, 35 miles of Priority II, and 40 miles of Priority III habitat were classified. Suggestions are made for: 1) acqulsition (including easement) of important habitat areas, 2) land management, enhancement, and protection measures of important habitat areas, and 3) public relatlons and education stategies related to the aquisition and management of those areas. Recommendations are made for further study of endangered and threatened species and their habitats on the MNRR.