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• 61. [Image] Klamath Project : hearing before the Subcommittee on Water and Power of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventh Congress, first session to discuss Klamath Project operations and implementation of Public Law 106-498, March 21, 2001

  	CONTENTS STATEMENTS Page Craig, Hon. Larry E., U.S. Senator from Idaho 2693 Crawford, John, Farmer, on behalf of Klamath Water Users Association, Klamath Falls, OR 26951 Foreman, Allen, Chairman, Klamath ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Project : hearing before the Subcommittee on Water and Power of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventh Congress, first session to discuss Klamath Project operations and implementation of Public Law 106-498, March 21, 2001 Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Subcommittee on Water and Power Year: 2001, 2005, 2000 CONTENTS STATEMENTS Page Craig, Hon. Larry E., U.S. Senator from Idaho 2693 Crawford, John, Farmer, on behalf of Klamath Water Users Association, Klamath Falls, OR 26951 Foreman, Allen, Chairman, Klamath Indian Tribes, Chiloquin, OR 26923 Home, Alex J., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley 26955 Marbut, Reed, Intergovernmental Coordinator, Oregon Water Resources De partment, Salem, OR 26931 McDonald, J. William, Acting Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Depart ment of the Interior 2697 Nicholson, Roger, President, Resource Conservancy, Fort Klamath, OR 26939 Smith, Hon. Gordon, U.S. Senator from Oregon 2691 Spain, Glen H., Northwest Regional Director, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations, Eugene, OR 26940 Walden, Hon. Greg, U.S. Representative from Oregon 2693 Wyden, Hon. Ron, U.S. Senator from Oregon 2692 Title: Klamath Project : hearing before the Subcommittee on Water and Power of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventh Congress, first session to discuss Klamath Project operations and implementation of Public Law 106-498, March 21, 2001 Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Subcommittee on Water and Power Year: 2001, 2005, 2000 CONTENTS STATEMENTS Page Craig, Hon. Larry E., U.S. Senator from Idaho 2693 Crawford, John, Farmer, on behalf of Klamath Water Users Association, Klamath Falls, OR 26951 Foreman, Allen, Chairman, Klamath Indian Tribes, Chiloquin, OR 26923 Home, Alex J., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley 26955 Marbut, Reed, Intergovernmental Coordinator, Oregon Water Resources De partment, Salem, OR 26931 McDonald, J. William, Acting Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation, Depart ment of the Interior 2697 Nicholson, Roger, President, Resource Conservancy, Fort Klamath, OR 26939 Smith, Hon. Gordon, U.S. Senator from Oregon 2691 Spain, Glen H., Northwest Regional Director, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations, Eugene, OR 26940 Walden, Hon. Greg, U.S. Representative from Oregon 2693 Wyden, Hon. Ron, U.S. Senator from Oregon 2692 Close

• 62. [Image] Recovery plan for the native fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin : Warner sucker (threatened) Catostomus warnerensis, Hutton tui chub (threatened) Gila bicolor ssp. Foskett speckled dace (threatened) Rhinichthys osculus ssp

  	"April 1998"--P. [4] of cover; Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-66)
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recovery plan for the native fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin : Warner sucker (threatened) Catostomus warnerensis, Hutton tui chub (threatened) Gila bicolor ssp. Foskett speckled dace (threatened) Rhinichthys osculus ssp Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Oregon State Office Year: 1998, 2004 "April 1998"--P. [4] of cover; Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-66) Title: Recovery plan for the native fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin : Warner sucker (threatened) Catostomus warnerensis, Hutton tui chub (threatened) Gila bicolor ssp. Foskett speckled dace (threatened) Rhinichthys osculus ssp Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Oregon State Office Year: 1998, 2004 "April 1998"--P. [4] of cover; Includes bibliographical references (p. 57-66) Close

• 63. [Image] Reproductive biology and demographics of endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon

  	We analyzed the reproductive biology and demographics of the Lost River sucker Deltistes luxatus and shortnose sucker Chasmistes brevirostris, two endangered species endemic to the upper Klamath Basin ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Reproductive biology and demographics of endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon Author: Perkins, David L.; Scoppettone, Gary; Buettner, Mark Year: 2000, 2005 We analyzed the reproductive biology and demographics of the Lost River sucker Deltistes luxatus and shortnose sucker Chasmistes brevirostris, two endangered species endemic to the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California, from 1984-1997. Lost River suckers had distinct river and lake shoreline spawning stocks, and individuals of both species commonly spawned in consecutive years. In the Williamson River and lower Sprague River, spawning migration by both species occurred mainly during a 5-week period that started within the first three weeks of April and peaked between mid April and early May, although a separate, earlier (mid March) run of Lost River suckers may also spawn in the upper Sprague River. Migration of both species was several times higher at dawn (0500-0730 h) and evening (1800-2200 h) than other times of the day. Peak migrations almost always corresponded to peaks in water temperature, usually at 10-15°C. Lost River suckers were captured at springs along the east shore of the lake from late February through mid May, with peak spawning usually in mid March to mid April. Shortnose suckers were generally captured at the springs from late March through late May, but the time of peak spawning was not determined. Size and age at maturity was determined by recruitment from a strong year class (1991). Male Lost River suckers began recruitment into the adult population at age 4+ (375-475 mm). Substantial recruitment of females did not begin until age 7+ (510-560 mm). Male and female shortnose suckers began recruitment at age 4+, with the majority offish recruited by age 5+. Males recruited at 270-370 mm; females recruited at 325-425 mm. Fecundity estimates were quite variable ranging from 44,000-236,000 eggs per female Lost River sucker and 18,000-72,000 eggs per female shortnose sucker. In 1984 and 1985, the spawning populations of both species were dominated by large, old individuals, with little indication of recent adult recruitment. In the next 13 years, only one strong year class (1991) recruited into the spawning populations of both species. This year class temporarily boosted population numbers, but annual fish kills from 1995 to 1997 eliminated most adults of both species. Associated with poor water quality caused by the proliferation and decay of blue-green algae Aphanizomenonflos-aquae, these fish kills raise concern that alterations to the lake ecosystem over the past several decades have Perkins et al. Lost River and shortnose suckers 5 increased the magnitude and frequency of poor water quality. As a result, mortality rates of all life stages may have increased, thereby disrupting the species' life history pattern and potentially decreasing long-term population viability. Introduction The Lost River sucker Deltistes luxatus and shortnose sucker Chasmistes brevirostris are large, long-lived suckers endemic to the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California. Both species are typically lake dwelling but migrate to tributaries or shoreline springs to spawn (Moyle 1976, Scoppettone and Vinyard 1991). Once extremely abundant (Cope 1884, Gilbert 1898), both species have experienced severe population declines and were federally listed as endangered in 1988 (USFWS 1988). Much of the original habitat of these suckers has been destroyed or altered by conversion of lake areas to agriculture, dams, instream flow diversions, and water quality problems associated with timber harvest, loss of riparian vegetation, livestock grazing, and agricultural practices (USFWS 1988). Knowledge of the life history of Lost River and shortnose suckers is fundamental to recovery of these species. The objective of this report was to present the results of studies conducted from 1987-1998 on the reproductive biology and demographics of Lost River and shortnose suckers, and to compare these results with earlier unpublished data. Study Sites Studies were conducted on Upper Klamath Lake and the lower Williamson-Sprague river system (Figure 1). These waters form the upper portion of the Klamath River Basin in south-central Oregon and represent most remaining native habitat of Lost River and shortnose suckers. Upper Klamath Lake is a remnant of pluvial Lake Modoc that included eight major basins and encompassed 2,839 km2 (Dicken 1980). Today, Upper Klamath Lake serves as a storage reservoir that provides water for agricultural irrigation, waterfowl refuges, instream flow requirements of anadromous fish, and hydroelectric power generation. At full capacity, the lake covers approximately 360 km2 and has an average depth of 2.4 m. Most deeper water (3-12 m) is restricted to narrow trenches along the western shore. Lake elevation is controlled at the outlet by Link River Title: Reproductive biology and demographics of endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon Author: Perkins, David L.; Scoppettone, Gary; Buettner, Mark Year: 2000, 2005 We analyzed the reproductive biology and demographics of the Lost River sucker Deltistes luxatus and shortnose sucker Chasmistes brevirostris, two endangered species endemic to the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California, from 1984-1997. Lost River suckers had distinct river and lake shoreline spawning stocks, and individuals of both species commonly spawned in consecutive years. In the Williamson River and lower Sprague River, spawning migration by both species occurred mainly during a 5-week period that started within the first three weeks of April and peaked between mid April and early May, although a separate, earlier (mid March) run of Lost River suckers may also spawn in the upper Sprague River. Migration of both species was several times higher at dawn (0500-0730 h) and evening (1800-2200 h) than other times of the day. Peak migrations almost always corresponded to peaks in water temperature, usually at 10-15°C. Lost River suckers were captured at springs along the east shore of the lake from late February through mid May, with peak spawning usually in mid March to mid April. Shortnose suckers were generally captured at the springs from late March through late May, but the time of peak spawning was not determined. Size and age at maturity was determined by recruitment from a strong year class (1991). Male Lost River suckers began recruitment into the adult population at age 4+ (375-475 mm). Substantial recruitment of females did not begin until age 7+ (510-560 mm). Male and female shortnose suckers began recruitment at age 4+, with the majority offish recruited by age 5+. Males recruited at 270-370 mm; females recruited at 325-425 mm. Fecundity estimates were quite variable ranging from 44,000-236,000 eggs per female Lost River sucker and 18,000-72,000 eggs per female shortnose sucker. In 1984 and 1985, the spawning populations of both species were dominated by large, old individuals, with little indication of recent adult recruitment. In the next 13 years, only one strong year class (1991) recruited into the spawning populations of both species. This year class temporarily boosted population numbers, but annual fish kills from 1995 to 1997 eliminated most adults of both species. Associated with poor water quality caused by the proliferation and decay of blue-green algae Aphanizomenonflos-aquae, these fish kills raise concern that alterations to the lake ecosystem over the past several decades have Perkins et al. Lost River and shortnose suckers 5 increased the magnitude and frequency of poor water quality. As a result, mortality rates of all life stages may have increased, thereby disrupting the species' life history pattern and potentially decreasing long-term population viability. Introduction The Lost River sucker Deltistes luxatus and shortnose sucker Chasmistes brevirostris are large, long-lived suckers endemic to the upper Klamath Basin of Oregon and California. Both species are typically lake dwelling but migrate to tributaries or shoreline springs to spawn (Moyle 1976, Scoppettone and Vinyard 1991). Once extremely abundant (Cope 1884, Gilbert 1898), both species have experienced severe population declines and were federally listed as endangered in 1988 (USFWS 1988). Much of the original habitat of these suckers has been destroyed or altered by conversion of lake areas to agriculture, dams, instream flow diversions, and water quality problems associated with timber harvest, loss of riparian vegetation, livestock grazing, and agricultural practices (USFWS 1988). Knowledge of the life history of Lost River and shortnose suckers is fundamental to recovery of these species. The objective of this report was to present the results of studies conducted from 1987-1998 on the reproductive biology and demographics of Lost River and shortnose suckers, and to compare these results with earlier unpublished data. Study Sites Studies were conducted on Upper Klamath Lake and the lower Williamson-Sprague river system (Figure 1). These waters form the upper portion of the Klamath River Basin in south-central Oregon and represent most remaining native habitat of Lost River and shortnose suckers. Upper Klamath Lake is a remnant of pluvial Lake Modoc that included eight major basins and encompassed 2,839 km2 (Dicken 1980). Today, Upper Klamath Lake serves as a storage reservoir that provides water for agricultural irrigation, waterfowl refuges, instream flow requirements of anadromous fish, and hydroelectric power generation. At full capacity, the lake covers approximately 360 km2 and has an average depth of 2.4 m. Most deeper water (3-12 m) is restricted to narrow trenches along the western shore. Lake elevation is controlled at the outlet by Link River Close

• 64. [Image] Recovery strategy for California Coho salmon : report to the California Fish and Game Commission

  	"February 2004."
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recovery strategy for California Coho salmon : report to the California Fish and Game Commission Author: California. Dept. of Fish and Game Year: 2004, 2005 "February 2004." Title: Recovery strategy for California Coho salmon : report to the California Fish and Game Commission Author: California. Dept. of Fish and Game Year: 2004, 2005 "February 2004." Close

• 65. [Image] Draft upper Klamath River management plan environmental impact statement and resource management plan amendments. Volume 2 - Appendices

  	"BLM/OR/WA/PL-02/038+1792"--P. [2] of cover; Cover title; Includes bibliographical references (v. 2, p. 219-228) and index
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Draft upper Klamath River management plan environmental impact statement and resource management plan amendments. Volume 2 - Appendices Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Klamath Falls Resource Area Office Year: 2003, 2004 "BLM/OR/WA/PL-02/038+1792"--P. [2] of cover; Cover title; Includes bibliographical references (v. 2, p. 219-228) and index Title: Draft upper Klamath River management plan environmental impact statement and resource management plan amendments. Volume 2 - Appendices Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Klamath Falls Resource Area Office Year: 2003, 2004 "BLM/OR/WA/PL-02/038+1792"--P. [2] of cover; Cover title; Includes bibliographical references (v. 2, p. 219-228) and index Close

• 66. [Image] Nitrogen and phosphorus loading from drained wetlands adjacent to Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes, Oregon

  	Two maps digitized separately; Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-49)
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Nitrogen and phosphorus loading from drained wetlands adjacent to Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes, Oregon Author: Snyder, Daniel T. Year: 1997, 2005, 2004 Two maps digitized separately; Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-49) Title: Nitrogen and phosphorus loading from drained wetlands adjacent to Upper Klamath and Agency Lakes, Oregon Author: Snyder, Daniel T. Year: 1997, 2005, 2004 Two maps digitized separately; Includes bibliographical references (p. 44-49) Close

• 67. [Image] Klamath Indian Forest

  	CONTENTS Page S. 3594 1 Department reports: Agriculture 2 Interior 1 STATEMENTS Crow, John O., Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Indian Affairs, ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Indian Forest Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. Subcommittee on Public Lands Year: 1972, 2008, 2006 CONTENTS Page S. 3594 1 Department reports: Agriculture 2 Interior 1 STATEMENTS Crow, John O., Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Depart ment of the Interior 14 Dellenback, Hon. John, a U.S. Representative in Congress from the State of Oregon 11 Hatfield, Hon. Mark, a U.S. Senator from the State of Oregon 3 McGuire, John R., Chief, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture 16 Packwood, Hon. Bob, a U.S. Senator from the State of Oregon 4 COMMUNICATIONS Tupiing, W. Lloyd, Washington representative, Sierra Club: Letter to Senator Jackson, June 21, 1972 21 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION "Budget Choppers Loose in Forest," by Bill Robertson, Journal corre spondent, from the Oregonian, Portland (Oreg.), May 17, 1972 9 "Klamath Forest Now Seems Lost to Developers Unless Public Starts 1 Sounding Off," by Phil Cogswell, of the Oregonian staff, from the Oregonian, Portland (Oreg.), April 26, 1972 6 Proposed purchase of the Klamath Indian Forest __ 20 "Rape of the Land," from the Eugene Register-Guard, Eugene (Oreg.), April 26, 1972 8 "State Congressmen Enter Forest Bill," by Phil Cogswell, of the Oregonian staff, from the Oregonian, Portland (Oreg.), May 9, 1972 9 "U.S. Urged To Buy Klamath Lands," by Phil Cogswell, of the Oregonian staff, from the Oregonian, Portland (Oreg.), April 27, 1972 8 "White House Says 'No'," by A. Robert Smith, Washington correspond ent, from the Oregon Statesman, Salem (Oreg.), April 22, 1972 6 (III) Title: Klamath Indian Forest Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. Subcommittee on Public Lands Year: 1972, 2008, 2006 CONTENTS Page S. 3594 1 Department reports: Agriculture 2 Interior 1 STATEMENTS Crow, John O., Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Depart ment of the Interior 14 Dellenback, Hon. John, a U.S. Representative in Congress from the State of Oregon 11 Hatfield, Hon. Mark, a U.S. Senator from the State of Oregon 3 McGuire, John R., Chief, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture 16 Packwood, Hon. Bob, a U.S. Senator from the State of Oregon 4 COMMUNICATIONS Tupiing, W. Lloyd, Washington representative, Sierra Club: Letter to Senator Jackson, June 21, 1972 21 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION "Budget Choppers Loose in Forest," by Bill Robertson, Journal corre spondent, from the Oregonian, Portland (Oreg.), May 17, 1972 9 "Klamath Forest Now Seems Lost to Developers Unless Public Starts 1 Sounding Off," by Phil Cogswell, of the Oregonian staff, from the Oregonian, Portland (Oreg.), April 26, 1972 6 Proposed purchase of the Klamath Indian Forest __ 20 "Rape of the Land," from the Eugene Register-Guard, Eugene (Oreg.), April 26, 1972 8 "State Congressmen Enter Forest Bill," by Phil Cogswell, of the Oregonian staff, from the Oregonian, Portland (Oreg.), May 9, 1972 9 "U.S. Urged To Buy Klamath Lands," by Phil Cogswell, of the Oregonian staff, from the Oregonian, Portland (Oreg.), April 27, 1972 8 "White House Says 'No'," by A. Robert Smith, Washington correspond ent, from the Oregon Statesman, Salem (Oreg.), April 22, 1972 6 (III) Close

• 68. [Image] Handbook for developing watershed plans to restore and protect our waters

  	Draft; Title from title screen (viewed on Mar. 17, 2006); "October 2005."; "EPA 841-B-05-005."; Includes bibliographical references
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Handbook for developing watershed plans to restore and protect our waters Author: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Year: 2005, 2008, 2006 Draft; Title from title screen (viewed on Mar. 17, 2006); "October 2005."; "EPA 841-B-05-005."; Includes bibliographical references Title: Handbook for developing watershed plans to restore and protect our waters Author: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Year: 2005, 2008, 2006 Draft; Title from title screen (viewed on Mar. 17, 2006); "October 2005."; "EPA 841-B-05-005."; Includes bibliographical references Close

• 69. [Image] Klamath and Trinity River basins : hearing before the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth Congress, second session, on H.R. 4712 ... July 16, 1986

  	Serial no. 99-54 (United States. Congress. House. Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries)
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath and Trinity River basins : hearing before the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth Congress, second session, on H.R. 4712 ... July 16, 1986 Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment Year: 1986, 2005 Serial no. 99-54 (United States. Congress. House. Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries) Title: Klamath and Trinity River basins : hearing before the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, House of Representatives, Ninety-ninth Congress, second session, on H.R. 4712 ... July 16, 1986 Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment Year: 1986, 2005 Serial no. 99-54 (United States. Congress. House. Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries) Close

• 70. [Image] Implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Report to the House Committee on Resources)

  	I. Executive Summary There is increasing recognition from most quarters that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) needs to be improved. Exactly what those improvements should be is less uniform. ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Report to the House Committee on Resources) Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Resources Year: 2005, 2007 I. Executive Summary There is increasing recognition from most quarters that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) needs to be improved. Exactly what those improvements should be is less uniform. This report examines the implementation of selected aspects of the endangered species program relying predominately on information provided by the primary implementing agencies, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and offers some recommendations for possible improvements to the program. Debate over the ESA has traditionally been highly polarized. For example, compensating landowners for takings or reductions in property value has been opposed by some who argue updating the law to address this is not necessary. While consensus on other issues such as the need for increasing conservation incentives and the role states play in endangered species conservation has begun to emerge, one of the most debated aspects of ESA implementation continues to be whether the ESA is effectively conserving endangered and threatened species. While there have been significant strides in conserving individual species such as the whooping crane, red-cockaded woodpecker and gray wolf, few species have been delisted (removed from the endangered list) or downlisted (changed in status from endangered to threatened) because of successful ESA conservation efforts. Some argue that the number of recovered species is an unfair measure, asserting that the three decades the ESA has been in existence is an insufficient amount of time for the lengthy process of species recovery and point to listed species that have not gone extinct as evidence the ESA 'saves' species. From the opposing perspective, while recovery to the point of delisting may require a substantial amount of time for many species, after three decades more progress should be demonstrable through species that have recovered and been delisted. Even if a species has increased in numbers or distribution or the threats facing the species have been reduced, if it has not been delisted on the basis of recovery, the ESA's prohibitions and regulations remain applicable and the ESA should not be a 'one way street.' Of 40 total species removed from the list, 10 domestic species were delisted because of "recovery". Of 33 reclassified species, 10 domestic downlistings (a change from endangered to threatened status) reflected a reduced threat assessment which also allowed more flexibility in management. The FWS's most recent report to Congress (Fiscal years 2001-2002) shows that 77 percent of listed species fall in the 0 to 25 percent recovery achieved bracket and 2 percent fall in the 76 to 100 percent recovery achieved bracket. 39 percent of the FWS managed species are of uncertain status. Of those with an assessed trend, at one end of the spectrum are 3 percent possibly extinct, 1 percent occurring only in captivity and 21 percent declining and at the other end are 30 percent stable and 6 percent improving. These assessments however are subjective. Additionally, the assessment that a species is improving or stable may reflect, for example, a reduction in perceived threats or corrections to inaccurate threat assessments that stemmed from erroneous data rather than actual changes in species' trends that are demonstrated by improved numbers, distribution or other such measurements. Consequently, a meaningful assessment of conservation trends under the ESA using these data is not possible. The data used to list a number of species has been subsequently determined to be erroneous and species that likely do not merit classification as endangered or threatened remain listed. This can consume resources that could be directed to species that do merit listing. The assignment of recovery priorities appears highly skewed and the recovery priority for some species seems questionable. A meaningful distinction between endangered status and threatened status has been blurred as has been the framework for the mechanism of critical habitat. Expenditure reporting has improved but presents an incomplete picture of financial resources dedicated to endangered species. Workloads for litigation regarding activities such as consultation and listing under the ESA's complex structure compete for resources that could otherwise be directed at recovery efforts. The demands associated with ESA Section 4 determinations in combination with the pace of species listings and delistings, the number of possible future additions to the list and the economic impact of listings likely indicate that the current program is not sustainable. Title: Implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Report to the House Committee on Resources) Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Resources Year: 2005, 2007 I. Executive Summary There is increasing recognition from most quarters that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) needs to be improved. Exactly what those improvements should be is less uniform. This report examines the implementation of selected aspects of the endangered species program relying predominately on information provided by the primary implementing agencies, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and offers some recommendations for possible improvements to the program. Debate over the ESA has traditionally been highly polarized. For example, compensating landowners for takings or reductions in property value has been opposed by some who argue updating the law to address this is not necessary. While consensus on other issues such as the need for increasing conservation incentives and the role states play in endangered species conservation has begun to emerge, one of the most debated aspects of ESA implementation continues to be whether the ESA is effectively conserving endangered and threatened species. While there have been significant strides in conserving individual species such as the whooping crane, red-cockaded woodpecker and gray wolf, few species have been delisted (removed from the endangered list) or downlisted (changed in status from endangered to threatened) because of successful ESA conservation efforts. Some argue that the number of recovered species is an unfair measure, asserting that the three decades the ESA has been in existence is an insufficient amount of time for the lengthy process of species recovery and point to listed species that have not gone extinct as evidence the ESA 'saves' species. From the opposing perspective, while recovery to the point of delisting may require a substantial amount of time for many species, after three decades more progress should be demonstrable through species that have recovered and been delisted. Even if a species has increased in numbers or distribution or the threats facing the species have been reduced, if it has not been delisted on the basis of recovery, the ESA's prohibitions and regulations remain applicable and the ESA should not be a 'one way street.' Of 40 total species removed from the list, 10 domestic species were delisted because of "recovery". Of 33 reclassified species, 10 domestic downlistings (a change from endangered to threatened status) reflected a reduced threat assessment which also allowed more flexibility in management. The FWS's most recent report to Congress (Fiscal years 2001-2002) shows that 77 percent of listed species fall in the 0 to 25 percent recovery achieved bracket and 2 percent fall in the 76 to 100 percent recovery achieved bracket. 39 percent of the FWS managed species are of uncertain status. Of those with an assessed trend, at one end of the spectrum are 3 percent possibly extinct, 1 percent occurring only in captivity and 21 percent declining and at the other end are 30 percent stable and 6 percent improving. These assessments however are subjective. Additionally, the assessment that a species is improving or stable may reflect, for example, a reduction in perceived threats or corrections to inaccurate threat assessments that stemmed from erroneous data rather than actual changes in species' trends that are demonstrated by improved numbers, distribution or other such measurements. Consequently, a meaningful assessment of conservation trends under the ESA using these data is not possible. The data used to list a number of species has been subsequently determined to be erroneous and species that likely do not merit classification as endangered or threatened remain listed. This can consume resources that could be directed to species that do merit listing. The assignment of recovery priorities appears highly skewed and the recovery priority for some species seems questionable. A meaningful distinction between endangered status and threatened status has been blurred as has been the framework for the mechanism of critical habitat. Expenditure reporting has improved but presents an incomplete picture of financial resources dedicated to endangered species. Workloads for litigation regarding activities such as consultation and listing under the ESA's complex structure compete for resources that could otherwise be directed at recovery efforts. The demands associated with ESA Section 4 determinations in combination with the pace of species listings and delistings, the number of possible future additions to the list and the economic impact of listings likely indicate that the current program is not sustainable. Close