Characterization and Monitoring Data for Evaluating Constructed Emergent Sandbar Habitat in the Missouri River Mainstem

Duberstein, Corey A. ; Downs, Janelle L.

关键词: BIRDS;    ENDANGERED SPECIES;    HABITAT;    RESOURCE MANAGEMENT;    MISSOURI RIVER;    MONITORING;    SAND;    ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS;    CONSTRUCTION Endangered species;    Missouri River;    Sandbar;    Habitat;   

DOI  :  10.2172/963599
RP-ID  :  PNNL-17272
PID  :  OSTI ID: 963599
Others  :  Other: 400403209
Others  :  TRN: US200918%%189

学科分类：环境科学（综合）

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

Emergent sandbar habitat (ESH) in the Missouri River Mainstem System is a critical habitat element for several federally listed bird species: the endangered interior least tern (Sterna antillarum) and the threatened Northern Great Plains piping plover (Charadrius melodus). The Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) provides the primary operational management of the Missouri River and is responsible under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to take actions within its authorities to conserve listed species. To comply with the 2000 USFWS BiOp and the 2003 amended USFWS BiOp, the Corps has created habitats below Gavins Point Dam using mechanical means. Initial monitoring indicates that constructed sandbars provide suitable habitat features for nesting and foraging least terns and piping plovers. Terns and plovers are using constructed sandbars and successfully reproducing at or above levels stipulated in the BiOp. However, whether such positive impacts will persist cannot yet be adequately assessed at this time.