The article discusses the need for a systematic adaptive management approach for the Missouri River’s ecosystem and resources. Key requirements include:
– A sustained commitment to monitoring, scientific research, and stakeholder engagement.
– Establishing performance objectives linked to ecological variables to assess the impact on endangered species.
– Moving beyond simple metrics like “acres created” in mitigation projects to indicators connected to endangered species’ life cycles.
– Developing conceptual ecological models for the three endangered species to evaluate factors affecting their survival.
– Ensuring ecosystem monitoring is hypothesis-driven and informs future management strategies.
– Strengthening the connection between past monitoring efforts and evaluations to ensure management goals are met, particularly regarding the 2000/03 Biological Opinion objectives.
– Continuous management of sediment and nutrient issues under the MRRP’s compliance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines.
The article emphasizes the importance of thorough monitoring and refined strategies to support ecosystem restoration effectively.
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