National Fish Habitat Action Plan

Cooperation

■ Investment

■ Stewardship Cover photo: Mountain Visions. NATIONAL FISH HABITAT ACTION PLAN [ 3 ]

A Case for Action

Healthy waterways and robust fish populations are vital to the well-being of our society. They provide clean water and sustainable fisheries. They also are vital for less tangible reasons, as anyone who has fished wild waters or canoed a tranquil

stream can attest. Unfortunately, in many waters around the country, fish and JAMIE WILKINSON/B.A.S.S. the habitats on which they depend are in decline. This is of huge concern to the 44 million anglers who pursue fish recreationally and countless others who depend on them for subsistence and commerce. The contribution of recreational and commercial fisheries alone surpassed $116 billion in 2003.1

The value of fish habitat—freshwater and marine—goes well beyond angling for and harvesting of fish. The biological diversity of America’s aquatic habitats is astonishing, while the ecological importance of water supply and flood NATIONAL FISH HABITAT control are incalculable in value—a fact brought into sharp relief by storm ACTION PLAN ATTRIBUTES 2 and hurricane devastation to the Gulf Coast in 2005. 3 Action oriented.

3 Science based. A tremendous amount of work has been undertaken to protect, restore 3 Identify priority needs and enhance these aquatic habitats. Since 1970, regulatory programs have and acknowledge gaps. reduced pollution and slowed the physical degradation of aquatic habitats. 3 Identify and achieve measurable outcomes. Thousands of river rehabilitations, reservoir enhancements, salt-marsh 3 Build on existing collaborative efforts. protection efforts and other conservation projects have been conducted 3 Focus resources and funding from the Great Lakes to the Laguna Madre, from the Everglades to where they will make a Alaska’s Bristol Bay. Although significant gains have been made, they have measurable difference. not kept pace with impacts resulting from population growth and land-use 3 Encourage public-private partnerships. changes. Finally, given the diverse array of federal, state, tribal, local and 3 Monitor and private jurisdictions, the need never has been greater for increased action disseminate results. and improved coordination of fisheries conservation actions across 3 Don't stop until boundaries and jurisdictions. the job is done.

1 Sportfishing in America, American Sportfishing Association (2002). Commercial landings represent dockside values from Fisheries of the United States 2004, National Marine Fisheries Service, (Current Fisheries Statistics, #2004, November 2005). 2 For example, it is estimated that every radial mile of intact coastal wetlands reduces potential storm surge heights by 1 vertical foot (Source: GAO Report GAO-06-244T, Army Corps of Engineers: History of the Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity Hurricane Projection Project). www.fishhabitat.org [ 4 ] NATIONAL FISH HABITAT ACTION PLAN

A Strong Partnership 3 Monitor and be accountable for scientifi- Based on Experience cally sound and measurable results. Determined to reverse the declines of 3 Share information and knowledge America’s fish habitats, a growing number at all levels from local communities of fisheries professionals, state and federal to Congress. agencies, tribes, foundations, conservation Development of the plan began in 2001 and angling groups, businesses and when an ad hoc group of fisheries inter- industries have joined together in support ests, led by the Sport Fishing and Boating of the National Fish Habitat Action Partnership Council, explored the concept Plan (See Exhibit 1 for list of partners.). of developing a partnership for fish habitat similar to that undertaken for waterfowl C A S E S T U D Y and their habitat in the 1980s through the BLACKFOOT RIVER RECOVERY North American Waterfowl Management In 1992, Robert Redford put Norman Maclean’s classic “A River Runs Plan. (See Exhibit 2 for a history of the Through It” on film. Maclean centered his novel on the Blackfoot River of his initiative). Forged from past conservation youth in western Montana. But Redford was forced to shoot many fishing successes and failures, the National Fish sequences on the Gallatin, Boulder and Yellowstone rivers due to the poor Habitat Action Plan is built on a set of condition of the Blackfoot. Years of mining, grazing, timber harvest and water principles that are integral to its mission and goals. The plan is: withdrawals had taken their toll on the river and its fish. Individually, none of these actions were fatal to the river’s health, and none had been undertaken PARTNERSHIP-DRIVEN expressly to harm fisheries, but collectively they degraded the Blackfoot River. The plan works at federal, state, tribal and local levels to target new and existing National attention from the film spurred local interest in restoring the funding and technical resources for Blackfoot. With help from a wide variety of donors, a coalition of landowners fish habitat projects. and communities formed the Blackfoot Challenge. Twelve years later, barriers have been removed, providing fish access to 300 miles of habitat, 51 miles SCIENCE-BASED ON A of riparian habitat restored, and 54,500 acres of perpetual conservation LANDSCAPE SCALE easements secured. Pride in the river has been restored, as have the fish, The plan uses existing and emerging including cutthroat and bull trout. science-based tools to target priority areas and implement needed projects, In its design, the plan encompasses five address causative factors and use best important lessons that emerge from practices. Project outcomes will be America’s past efforts to protect and monitored and evaluated. restore fish habitat: NON-REGULATORY 3 Be strategic rather than merely The plan funds and supports projects that opportunistic. are developed voluntarily by willing part-

3 Address the causes of and processes ners and stakeholders. These voluntary behind ﬁsh habitat decline, rather projects will supplement the existing than the symptoms. foundation of regulatory programs that protect aquatic habitats from pollution 3 Provide increased and sustained invest- and degradation. ment to allow for long-term success.

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SUSTAINED & ACCOUNTABLE GOALS National Fish Habitat Board The plan recognizes the need to support 3 Protect and regional fish habitat initiatives on a long- maintain intact [ AC TIVITIES ] term, sustained basis. It also understands and healthy Coordination Funding Progress Help Establish the need to evaluate and report each aquatic systems. & Support Measurement New FHPs project’s performance and demonstrate 3 Prevent further overall results to Congress, partners and degradation the general public. of fish habi- Federal Agenciesncie Statetat F & W tats that have The plan offers an unprecedented oppor- National Industry tunity to meet the challenges of protecting, been adversely Fish affected. Tribese Habitat restoring and enhancing aquatic habitats on Partnerships AAccademia a national scale. The plan’s vision of healthy 3 Reverse declines (FHPs) habitats, healthy fish, healthy people and in the quality Landownersne Conseron vation Groups healthy economies will be achieved through and quantity of cooperation, investment and stewardship. aquatic habitats This vision will result in local actions to improve the Habitat Projects & Partners that yield measurable social, economic overall health and ecological benefits—and more fish! of fish and Social Ecological Benefits Benefits other aquatic Mission, Goals & Objectives organisms. 3 Increase the quality and quantity of DEFINITIONS MISSION fish habitats that support a broad The National Fish Habitat Action The mission of the National Fish Habitat natural diversity of fish and other Plan focuses on fish and their habitats as keystones for the Action Plan is to protect, restore and aquatic species. enhance the nation’s fish and aquatic com- full range of aquatic biodiversity munities through partnerships that foster OBJECTIVES and aquatic habitats in fish habitat conservation and improve the 3 Conduct a condition analysis of all fish the United States. quality of life for the American people. habitats within the United States by 2010. A focus on fish includes the pro- This mission will be achieved by: 3 Identify priority fish habitats and estab- tection, restoration and enhancement of freshwater and marine 3 Supporting existing fish habitat lish Fish Habitat Partnerships targeting species, including shellfish and partnerships and fostering new efforts. these habitats by 2010. crustaceans. 3 Mobilizing and focusing national and 3 Establish 12 or more Fish Habitat A focus on habitat encompasses local support for achieving fish habitat Partnerships throughout United States the protection, restoration and conservation goals. by 2010. enhancement of freshwater, 3 Setting national and regional fish habitat 3 Prepare a “Status of Fish Habitats in the estuarine and marine habitats. conservation goals. United States” report in 2010 and every five years thereafter. 3 Measuring and communicating the status and needs of fish habitats. 3 Protect all healthy and intact fish habitats by 2015. 3 Providing national leadership and coordination to conserve fish habitats. 3 Improve the condition of 90 percent of priority habitats and species targeted by Fish Habitat Partnerships by 2020.

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Implementation Strategy The plan will be implemented through four key activities. Together, these approaches CHRIS KENNEDY/USFWS will lead to actions that are strategically employed and results that can be mea- sured against protection, restoration and enhancement goals. The National Fish Habitat Action Plan will:

Support existing Fish Habitat Partnerships and foster new efforts. 3 Organize a system of regional Fish Habitat Partnerships around important aquatic habitats and species. Partnerships will be focused on efforts that engage Science & Data Strategy a wide range of partners to protect, The National Fish Habitat Action Plan’s restore and enhance fish habitats. science and data strategy is built on 3 Support Fish Habitat Partnerships in four associated activities conducted identifying priority habitat areas within cooperatively with plan partners: focus areas, developing action plans and 3 Identify causative factors for declining conservation strategies, and implement- fish populations in aquatic systems. ing projects. The plan will help local 3 Use an integrated landscape approach and regional efforts garner the necessary that includes the upstream/downstream resources and provide decision analysis linkages of large-scale habitat and other evaluation tools necessary condition factors. to succeed. Working with partnerships to demonstrate successful on-the-ground 3 Assess and classify the nation’s fish habitats. habitat improvement projects is recognized as critical to the success 3 Provide partners easy access to of the national effort. information to support their work. 3 Provide science-based methods and The plan will assist all partners in under- tools to help partnerships measure standing priorities for projects and how and demonstrate progress. Existing and to prevent and reverse declines in both established state, federal, tribal and local freshwater and marine systems. It will use agency monitoring programs will be an integrated landscape approach to link used to the greatest extent possible. upland and marine systems. It will further Mobilize and focus national and the ongoing effort to determine the local support for achieving fish habitat condition of the nation’s waters by classify- conservation goals. ing waters based on published landscape 3 Build strong grassroots support that classification systems. Please see Exhibit 3 places fish habitat conservation high for more information. on the public agenda. Partners at all levels—federal, tribal, state and local—will help bring new and sustained

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C A S E S T U D Y attention to the need for action and will mobilize diverse stakeholder groups to RESTORING BAHIA GRANDE advocate for fish habitat protection, Bahia Grande is an 11,000-acre complex of three estuarine basins on the Texas restoration and enhancement. coast that were once a highly productive shallow water system. In the 1930s, the 3 Increase funding for fish habitat conser- Port of Brownsville dredged the Brownsville ship channel, and the resulting spoil vation efforts at the national, regional banks cut off the water supply for this tidal system. Bahia Grande changed into and local levels by cultivating sufficient an arid ecosystem that no longer provides extensive aquatic nursery areas for public and private fund sources to diverse aquatic organisms and valuable fisheries. Instead, its drifting sands are achieve necessary action. National and the source of numerous health and industrial problems in the Brownsville area. regional fundraising campaigns, corpo- rate sponsorships, restitution and settle- The Bahia Grande Estuary Restoration project is bringing together a significant ment funding, and other approaches public-private coalition to support one of the largest restoration projects in the will be used to increase the amount United States. The wide array of partners and the various restoration techniques of funding available for cost-effective used to implement this project have made it noteworthy in the eyes of the fish habitat conservation. local community and the conservation community. Everyone is working toward the common goal of restoring a productive nursery for recreationally and 3 Focus existing resources to increase commercially important fish and shellfish species, birds and wildlife. effectiveness in achieving results. Act as a catalyst for increased cooperation As early as 2000, Ocean Trust began among federal, state, tribal and local NOAA working with federal partners agencies and increased collaboration to cut a system of channels and with conservation organizations, re-flood this estuary, returning it landowners and other stakeholders. to its natural state and relieving Measure and communicate the status Brownsville of its blowing dust. The and needs of aquatic habitats. first of several planned channels 3 Continue to refine quantitative metrics was opened in July 2005. In to track the progress toward improving addition, a plant nursery has been the nation’s fish habitats with a national constructed to provide native “Status of Fish Habitats” report issued vegetation, such as mangroves and every five years. marsh grasses, for the restoration effort. To date, 100 local community 3 Encourage and promote regional habitat members and students have planning guided by the best available volunteered more than 400 hours information and science. to plant mangroves. The planting events will be an ongoing effort once the 3 Enhance existing data networks for use channels are reopened and the location begins to return to an estuarine area by habitat conservation partners. Create abundant with fish and wildlife. linkages to share data, conservation approaches and other habitat informa- and replicated and less successful strate- tion among partners. gies to be improved upon or abandoned.

3 Assist partnerships in developing base- 3 Communicate project results and lessons lines, indicators and measures of success. learned. Enable and facilitate learning Promote objective and consistent assess- among all partners about aquatic ment of projects allowing successful and ecosystems and how to be good stewards cost-effective strategies to be repeated of aquatic resources.

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Provide national leadership and Fish Habitat Partnerships coordination to conserve ﬁsh habitats. Fish Habitat Partnerships are the primary 3 Work with states and the Association of work units of the National Fish Habitat Fish and Wildlife Agencies to identify, Action Plan. These partnerships are formed coordinate and focus incentives at the around important aquatic habitats and state level to protect, restore and enhance distinct geographic areas (e.g., Southeast aquatic habitat. Aquatic Resources Partnership,) “keystone”

3 Work with states and the Association of fish species (e.g., eastern brook trout and Fish and Wildlife Agencies to identify western native trout) or system types (e.g., large lakes, impoundments, estuaries.) CRAIG SPRINGER/USFWS and ensure linkages, consistency between plan-supported fish habitat efforts and Fish Habitat Partnerships: linkages with State Wildlife Action Plans 3 Provide leadership and help to develop and other similar programs. Specifically fish habitat projects at regional and use the National Fish Habitat Action Plan local levels. to leverage and implement appropriate fish habitat conservation programs out- 3 Work with other regional habitat conser- lined in the State Wildlife Action Plans vation programs to promote cooperation ACTION PLAN BENEFITS and other relevant programs. and coordination leading to the enhanced protection of fish habitats. 3 Clean and sufficient amounts 3 Work with other habitat conservation of water, a critical measure programs, such as North American 3 Engage the grassroots to build support of landscape health and the Wetlands Conservation Act Joint for fish habitat conservation. well-being of people. Ventures, to promote cooperation and 3 Involve diverse groups of public and 3 Healthy, resilient habitats that coordination leading to enhanced private partners and focus them on are critical to fish and wildlife, protection of fish habitats. conservation of fish habitat. water conservation, flood 3 Through a Federal Caucus, coordinate 3 control and people. Collaboratively develop a compelling existing federal program efforts to ben- strategic vision and implementation plan 3 Improved recreational, efit fish habitat. Federal agencies have an that is scientifically sound and achievable. commercial and subsistence important role as land, water and wildlife fishing, boating and other 3 Leverage National Fish Habitat Action managers through a wide array of federal uses of aquatic resources. Plan and other sources of funding by actions and responsibilities. Awareness of 3 Targeting of limited funding to building local and regional partnerships. fish habitat opportunities, coordination produce measurable benefits 3 of agency actions and follow-through on Use adaptive management principles. to fish and people. successful strategies will enable federal 3 Have the ability to develop appropriate 3 Improved understanding agencies to maximize program benefits regional habitat evaluation measures of habitat connectivity and for fish habitat. and criteria that are compatible with how aquatic systems function national measures. and are maintained. 3 Establish a National Fish Habitat Board to promote, support and coordinate 3 Address fish habitat conservation at a implementation of the plan. This board scale necessary to make a difference. will oversee action and follow through on all strategies of the plan.

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Governance 3 Conservation/science/academic members, Through the Association of Fish and including one representative from the Wildlife Agencies, the states led develop- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. ment of the National Fish Habitat Action 3 At-large members representing tribal Plan in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and governments, interstate management Wildlife Service (FWS), NOAA Fisheries agency representatives, industry (fishing, Service and other key partners. The two boating, ecotourism, etc.), elected officials federal agencies with lead fishery man- and other interests. TIM WAT TS agement responsibility, FWS and NOAA The initial Board will be appointed jointly Fisheries Service, served as the primary by the leadership of Association of Fish liaisons with other federal agencies and the and Wildlife Agencies in consultation with Federal Caucus. Federal, state and private FWS and NOAA Fisheries Service. A state organizations provided personnel to assist representative will serve as the chairper- in the development and implementation son. Terms, processes, succession and other of the plan. Tribal governments also were details will be laid out in bylaws developed invited to participate. by the Board and action plan partners. The adopted plan will serve as the basis for Roles of the Board include: implementation. A governing board and 3 Coordinate agency and stakeholder small staff will be established to provide involvement at the national level. the support structure necessary for 3 effective implementation of the plan at Develop appropriate policies and the national level. guidance for recognizing partnerships and criteria for allocating national GOVERNING BOARD funding and related resources. A National Fish Habitat Board (Board) 3 Work to establish national partnerships will be established with responsibility to that provide funding and other resources promote, oversee and coordinate imple- to the Fish Habitat Partnerships and other mentation of the plan. The Board will efforts of the plan. consist of up to 20 members drawn equally from the following stakeholder groups: 3 Develop processes to prioritize and deliver National Fish Habitat Action Plan 3 State/Association of Fish and funds to the partnerships. Wildlife Agencies representatives (regional and at-large). 3 Establish national measures of success and evaluation criteria guidelines for 3 Federal agency representatives. partnerships. (Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, 3 Report to Congress, states and other part- Environmental Protection Agency, ners on the status and accomplishments Department of the Interior) of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.

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C A S E S T U D Y STAFF SOUTHEAST AQUATIC RESOURCES PARTNERSHIP Core administrative staff from states The Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP) was initiated in 2001 (through the Association of Fish and to address issues related to the management of aquatic resources in the Wildlife Agencies), FWS and NOAA southeastern United States. These issues include significant threats to the Fisheries Service will be co-located and initially assist the Board in administering all aquatic resources and habitats of the Southeast, as illustrated by the fact that federal and related funds and implement- 34 percent of North American fish species and 90 percent of the native ing programs designed by the Fish Habitat mussel species designated as endangered, threatened or of special concern Partnerships. Additional federal agency staff are found in the Southeast. Given these realities, and the predicted increased will be provided to operate and maintain pressure on southeast aquatic resources in the future, SARP was established the Geographic Information System (GIS) with the following mission: and other data systems required to ensure With partners, protect, conserve and restore aquatic resources including proper plan implementation, the produc- habitats throughout the Southeast, for the continuing benefit, use and tion of “Status of Fish Habitat” reports enjoyment of the American people. (every five years,) the Conservation and Habitat Priorities Data Base, and to report This partnership on the success of the plan’s efforts. Staff builds on relationships will be supplemented by additional agency developed between and stakeholder representatives working state and federal through interagency personnel agreements. agencies, private Funding for these staff positions will be organizations, provided by federal appropriations and conservation partner contributions. groups and other stakeholders that FEDERAL CAUCUS extend beyond the The FWS chairs the Federal Caucus, traditional boundaries of aquatic resource management agencies and establish consisting of federal agencies with an a commitment to truly work together for the benefit of the resource. SARP is interest in contributing to development currently developing a regional aquatic habitat plan for the Southeast that will and implementation of the plan. The help guide the implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan efforts caucus provides a mechanism through on a regional scale. Pilot watershed conservation action plans already have which federal partners can: been developed for four major southeast river systems (Duck River, TN; Roanoke 3 Jointly identify strategies and resources River, NC; Altamaha River, GA; and Pascagoula River, MS) that detail specific to support actions under the plan. actions to improve and protect aquatic habitats and biological integrity in these 3 Ensure that the plan is responsive to systems. SARP actively seeks funding and local partners to implement specific resource priorities of the participating local actions that are prioritized on a regional and national scale. agencies.

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C A S E S T U D Y 3 Provide communication links among federal agencies cooperating under EASTERN BROOK TROUT JOINT VENTURE the plan. The Eastern Brook Trout The caucus also serves as a conduit for Joint Venture information flow between federal partners is another and the National Fish Habitat Board. (See Exhibit 4.) example of partnerships SCIENCE & DATA COMMITTEE associated with The role of the Science and Data the National Committee is to provide timely recom- Fish Habitat mendations to the Board and partnerships Action Plan. The on technical or science policies, processes, joint venture methodology or issues as requested by the was born out Board related to the plan. Chaired by a state of a common representative, membership will consist of concern, two state agency representatives, two federal agency representatives, two non-govern- from Georgia mental agency representatives, and two to Maine, for the health of numerous populations of the only native trout of academic representatives. All committee the eastern United States. Recognizing that many common threats existed members will have demonstrated knowl- across the range, state fishery managers joined together with federal agency edge of plan’s science foundation. Terms, representatives, private conservation groups and scientists to assess the processes, succession and other details will problem and plan action. be laid out in the committee’s Terms of Strong voluntary participation has been driven by the recognition of an Reference to be developed by the Board and excellent opportunity to share scientific resources, collaborate on corrective the Science and Data Committee within the strategies and work together to raise the public profile of this popular species, first year of establishment. which is an excellent indicator of healthy stream habitats. To date, the joint venture has developed the first ever range-wide assessment of eastern brook trout, initiated development of strategic action plans, and communicated its efforts to other partners.

The Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture is a great example of the power of collaborative Fish Habitat Partnerships. It brings together the collective scientific, management and communication resources of diverse agencies and organizations. Based on a careful scientific assessment of priority problems, partners are joining to develop strategic action plans that will be implemented at the local level and through regional work. Ultimately, by bringing together interested partners working on commonly agreed upon priorities, resources are leveraged and focused to maximize benefits on the ground for fish and people. The difference will be measurable.

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Exhibits

1: Sample of Partners Coalition Members JOHN NAUGHTON/NOAA

2: National Fish Habitat Action Plan Milestones

3: Science and Data Strategy

4: Strategies and Resources of Federal Agencies

5: National Fish Habitat Action Plan Leadership, Support and Report Authorship JOHN AND KAREN HOLLINGSWORTH/USFWS

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Exhibit 1: Sample of Partners Coalition Members as of April 2006**

FEDERAL/TRIBAL Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies American Heritage Rivers Initiative* Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Coastal America* California Resources Agency Confederated Tribes of the California State University Umatilla Indian Reservation Central Valley Project Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Chelan County Public Utility District (WA) Council on Environmental Quality Chickaloon Village, Alaska Department of Agriculture Colorado Division of Wildlife Farm Service Agency* Natural Resources Conservation Service* Colorado River Fish and Wildlife Council U.S. Forest Service* Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Defense* Connecticut Department of Department of Housing and Environmental Protection Urban Development* Connecticut River Joint Commissions Department of the Interior Cornell University Bureau of Land Management* Delaware Department of Natural Resources

Bureau of Reclamation* NOAA National Park Service* District of Columbia Environmental Health Oﬃce of Surface Mining* Administration U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service* Elkhart, Indiana, City of U.S. Geological Survey* Florida Fish & Wildlife Department of State Conservation Commission Department of Transportation Georgia Department of Natural Resources Federal Highway Administration* Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Environmental Protection Agency* Fishing and Conservation (PA) Federal Emergency Management Agency* Grant County Public Utilities District (WA) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Great Lakes Fishery Commission Klamath River Inter-Tribal Fish & Water Comm. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Lac Courte Oreilles Fisheries Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission National Oceanic and Atmospheric Hawaii Department of Land and Administration* Natural Resources National Marine Fisheries Service Holyoke Gas & Electric Department (MA) National Science Foundation* Idaho Department of Fish and Game Nisqually Tribe Illinois Department of Natural Resources Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission Illinois Natural History Survey Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Fisheries Indiana Department of Natural Resources U.S Army Corps of Engineers* Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne INTERSTATE/STATE/CITY/UNIVERSITY International Boundary & Alabama Department of Conservation Water Commission, US Section and Natural Resources Interstate Commission on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Potomac River Basin Alaska Resources Library & Information Services Iowa Department of Natural Resources Allegany Soil Conservation District Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Arizona Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit Kentucky Department of Fish and Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Resources Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Lake Champlain Basin Program

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries New York State Department of Environmental Louisiana Sea Grant College Program Conservation Maine Department of Inland North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Fisheries and Wildlife North Central Educational Service District (WA) Maryland Deptartment of Natural Resources North Dakota Game and Fish Department Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Northeast Association of Fish and Metro Wastewater Reclamation District (CO) Wildlife Agencies Michigan Deptartment of Environmental Quality Northwest Indian College Michigan State University Ohio Department of Natural Resources Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Michigan Department of Natural Resources Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Oregon State University Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board

NOAA Paciﬁc States Marine Fisheries Commission Penn State University Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Pennsylvania Game Commission Plattsburgh State University Potomac River Fisheries Commission Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management South Atlantic Fishery Management Council South Burlington High School, VT South Carolina Department of Natural Resources South Dakota Deptartment of Game, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Fish and Parks Mississippi Department of Wildlife, St. Croix International Waterway Commission Fisheries and Parks State University of New York Mississippi Interstate Resource Association Susquehanna River Basin Commission Missouri Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit Tehama County Resource Missouri Department of Conservation Conservation District (WA) Mono County (CA) Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Montana Department of Fish, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Wildlife and Parks Texas Wildlife Deptartment Montgomery County, Maryland Trinity Management Council (CA) Nebraska Game & Parks Commission University of Georgia Nevada Department of Wildlife University of Houston Clear Lake New England Fishery Management Council University of Kentucky New England Interstate Pollution University of Maine Control Commission University of Maryland Eastern Shore New Hampshire Fish and Game Department University of Massachusetts New Jersey Department of University of Minnesota Environmental Protection University of Rhode Island New Mexico Department of Game and Fish University of Southern Mississippi Utah Division of Wildlife Resources www.ﬁshhabitat.org NATIONAL FISH HABITAT ACTION PLAN [ 15 ]

Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife Catoctin Land Trust Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries CH2M HILL Inc. Virginia Marine Resources Commission Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Institute of Marine Science Clark-Skamania Flyfishers Virginia Tech Coastal Conservation Association Washington Association of Coldwater Heritage Partnership Program Conservation Districts Collegiate Bass Anglers Association Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Colorado Bass Federation Nation Washington Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Common Ground for Conservation Inc. Western Shasta Resource Conservation District Connecticut River Watershed Council Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Fisheries Inc. Wyoming Game & Fish Department The Conservation Fund Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association PRIVATE Crappie Unlimited Adams County Trout Unlimited Dauphin Wildlife Rescue Alabama B.A.S.S. Federation Denver Trout Unlimited Allegany Soil Conservation District Desert Fishes Council Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Ducks Unlimited Inc. American Fisheries Society Eastern Buckeye Crappie Club American Fly Fishing Trade Association Ecosystem Solutions Inc. American Land Conservancy ENSR American Rivers Federation of Fly Fishers American Sportfishing Association Federation of Fly Fishers, Mid-Atlantic Council Anglers Unlimited Fish America Foundation Ann Lake Sportsman’s Club Fisheries Forever Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited FoodSource Lure Corporation Association of Northwest Steelheaders Friends of Big Hunting Creek Atlantic Salmon Federation Friends of the Rappahannock Bass Anglers Sportsman Society Friends of the River B.A.S.S. Federation Nation of Virginia Inc. Friends of the Upper Mississippi B.A.S.S. Federation Nation of Washington Fishery Services Bass Pro Shops Front Range Anglers Bass Federation Nation of Washington G.Loomis Inc. The Bay Institute Garcia and Associates Beaver Creek Watershed Association (MD) Georgia Power Company Blackhawk Bassmasters God’s Green Earth Blue Hill Hydraulics Incorporated Gomez and Sullivan BOAT/U.S. Granite Ecological Services Botanical Developments Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council Brightwood Improvement Group HandMade in America Buckeye Angler Multimedia Hatchmatcher Guide Service Bucks County Chapter of Trout Unlimited HDR/LMS Engineering California BASS Federation Hoh River Trust California Trout Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group Canaan Valley Institute Horizons Engineering

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Hudson River Foundation Land Trust Alliance Icicle Creek Watershed Council Loftus Associates Idaho BASS Federation Luhr Jensen Idaho Conservation League Little Juniata River Association Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association Long Live The Kings Idaho Power Company Louisiana B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Idaho Rivers United Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center Idaho Salmon and Steelhead United Maine B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Illinois Smallmouth Alliance Maine Pulp & Paper Association Indianapolis Flycasters Maine Wood Products Association Inland Aquaculture Group LLC Management Systems International International Paper Marine Fish Conservation Network Maryland Saltwater Sportfisherman’s Association Maryland Waterman’s Association Michigan Natural Features Inventory Mid-Atlantic Council-Federation of Fly Fishers MOUNTAIN VISIONS Minnesota B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation Mississippi B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Moldy Chum Monocacy & Catoctin Watershed Alliance Montana B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Montana Council of Trout Unlimited Montana Watershed Coordination Council Muskies Inc. National Aquarium in Baltimore National Association of Conservation Districts National Audubon Society National Energy & Gas Transmission Inc. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Iowa BASS Federation National Marine Manufacturers Association Iowa Conservation Alliance National Wildlife Federation Izaak Walton League of America National Wild Turkey Federation James River Association Native American Fish & Wildlife Society Jersey Shore Trout Unlimited Native Fish Conservancy Kansas Bass Chapter Federation Native Fish Society Kaplan Associates The Nature Conservancy Katmai Fishing Adventures LLC The Nature Conservancy- Kenai River Sportfishing Eastern U.S. Freshwater Program Kimley-Horn The Nature Conservancy in Alaska Kinzua Fish & Wildlife Association The Nature Conservancy of Montana Knik River Watershed Group NatureServe Kooskooskie Commons (WA) NEIWPCC Lake Champlain Walleye Association New Hampshire Bass Federation Lake Gaston Striper Club Nooksak Salmon Enhancement Association Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Partnership Normandeau Associates Inc. www.fishhabitat.org NATIONAL FISH HABITAT ACTION PLAN [ 17 ]

Northeast Generation Services Simms Fishing Products Northeast Utilities Smith River Advisory Council

Northeast-Midwest Institute South Burlington High School, Vermont M. WEIMER/USFWS Northwest Power and Conservation Council South Dakota Bass Federation North American Lake Management Society Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership Northwest Marine Technology Inc. Southeast Watershed Forum Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association Southern Company Oklahoma B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Southwest Alaska Conservation Coalition Old Pueblo Trout Unlimited Southwest Walleye Anglers of Arizona The O’Neal School Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council O.N.E.W.I.L.D.W.O.R.L.D. Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited The Orvis Company Steward and Associates Outdoor Heritage Education Center Streamside Systems Inc. Outdoor Specialty Products St. Croix Rods Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Associations Texas Black Bass Unlimited Pacific Coast Joint Venture Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Pacific Rivers Council ThorpeWood The Pantagraph Trout Unlimited *Member agencies of the Patagonia Trout Unlimited, Arizona Chapter Federal Caucus Pennsylvania Bass Federation Trout Unlimited-Forks of the Pennsylvania Biodiversity Partnership Delaware Chapter 482 **Partners list as of April 4, 2006. Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs Trout Unlimited-Long Island This list provides an illustration of Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Chapter 069 Education Truckee Tahoe Trout Fund the variety of partners who pledge Pennsylvania League of Conservation Voters Trust for Public Land their interest and energy to the Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited Upper Nolichucky Watershed Alliance National Fish Habitat Action Plan. Pheasants Forever Inc. Utah BASS Federation This list is anticipated to grow Pizzo & Associates Ltd. Utah Council of Trout Unlimited into a large and diverse conserva- Potomac Fly Fishers Washington Trout tion coalition. PPL Corporation Waterbody Builders Professional Anglers Association WDawsons Inc. Pure Fishing West Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Pyramid Lake Fisheries (NV) Western Maryland RC&D QEA LLC Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Quail Unlimited Wild Fish Habitat Initiative REC Components Wildlife Forever Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Wildlife Management Institute Restore America’s Estuaries Wolftree Inc. Richmond Times-Dispatch World Wildlife Fund Sacramento River Discovery Center Samuel Tisdale Society Shenandoah Valley Pure Water Forum Sierra Club Silver Steep Partners

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Exhibit 2: National Fish Habitat Action Plan Milestones

The National Fish Habitat Initiative, attended regional meetings and unani- which preceded the National Fish Habitat mously supported action. Subsequently, Action Plan, began in 2001 when an ad hoc momentum for developing a National Fish group, initially led by the Sport Fishing Habitat Action Plan surged. Milestones and Boating Partnership Council, explored include:

the concept of developing a partner- 3 The Southeastern Aquatic Resources ship effort for ﬁsh habitat on the scale of Partnership begins work on developing what was done for waterfowl in the 1980s comprehensive habitat plans in 2001. through the North American Waterfowl Regional ﬁsh partnerships such as the White River Fisheries Partnership and Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture also begin to emerge at this time.

3 In 2004, Association of Fish and Wildlife MARK LISAC/USFWS Agencies (then the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies) votes to take the lead role in the initiative and applies for a multistate conservation grant to develop and begin implementation of the plan.

3 The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and private partners, such as Bass Pro Shops, pledge funds and align grant-making in support of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan to Management Plan. Since its creation in ensure that the plan’s conservation 1986, the waterfowl plan successfully has priorities and innovative approaches forged partnerships and invested more result in on-the-ground actions. than $3.2 billion to protect, restore and 3 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service con- enhance more than 13.1 million acres of venes a Federal Caucus comprised of waterfowl habitat. major federal agencies to coordinate By 2004, after a series of meetings around federal efforts to develop and implement the country, ﬁsheries professionals and the plan.

stakeholders were discussing a partner- 3 Beginning in 2004, the Sport Fishing ship-driven, non-regulatory, science-based, and Boating Partnership Council works landscape-scale ﬁsh habitat conservation with a variety of industry, conservation effort. Hundreds of individuals from the and agricultural groups to expand a ﬁsheries management community, conser- partnership coalition dedicated to vation organizations and angling groups helping develop and ensure the success of the plan.

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3 A website, www.ﬁshhabitat.org, 3 Plan approved for implementation by the provides a communication link between Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies plan working groups and a growing on March 24, 2006.

list of partners and stakeholders, 3 Plan endorsed by the secretaries of which currently numbers more than Commerce and Interior along with 250 organizations. Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 3 In 2005, the United States Geological leadership on April 24, 2006. Survey provides $100,000 to fund ﬁsh habitat data collection efforts at the IAFWA.

3 In 2005, ﬁve Multistate Conservation DAVE WITTING Grants are awarded to fund about $1.8 million for on-the-ground projects and continue development of the plan.

3 In 2005, IAFWA initiates the National Fish Habitat Initiative Project with multistate grant funds. The National Fish Habitat Initiative Core Work Group and supporting teams are created and charged with leading development of an action plan by March 2006.

3 Congress appropriates $1 million in FY 2006 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for five recognized pilot partnerships to implement fish habitat initiative projects and to further develop the plan. The five recognized pilot fish habitat partnerships are: Southeast Aquatic Resources Plan, Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, Western Native Trout Initiative, Midwest Driftless Area Restoration Effort, and Matanuska Susitna Basin Salmon Conservation Partnership.

3 The Bush Administration requests $3 million for the National Fish Habitat Action Plan in the President’s formal budget proposal to Congress for Fiscal Year 2007 to support ﬁsh habitat partnerships envisioned under the plan.

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Exhibit 3: Science & Data Strategy

The science and data strategy is built on 3 Riparian zone alteration that is the four associated activities conducted amount of land adjacent to our waters no cooperatively with partners: longer intact or in a natural state 3.

1. Identify causative factors for declining 3 Water quality alteration that is the change fish populations in aquatic systems. in key water quality parameters from 2. Utilize an integrated landscape approach system norms that result in reduced that includes the upstream/downstream aquatic productivity. These are all linkages of large-scale habitat condition process-level factors that are the factors. underpinning of most of the fisheries and habitat problems we see today but are and 3. Assess and classify the nation’s have been unable to address by just treat- fish habitats. ing local habitat conditions. 4. Provide partners easy access to science and data information. The plan will use an integrated landscape approach that will allow appropriate link- The plan will assist all partners in under- ages to occur between upland and marine standing the causative factors behind the systems. Thus, what happens upstream decline in fish and aquatic resources in connected systems will affect down- in both freshwater and marine systems. stream systems to the sea. To facilitate It will work with partners to focus on this approach, a map-based interactive process-level issues and work to reverse the data system will be built using web-based decline in fisheries and aquatic resources Geographic Information System (GIS) by directly addressing controlling factors. technology so any partner can see what the The key larger-scale causative agents that current status of their local waters is, what will be included are: is impairing their local waters, possible 3 Connectivity of habitats that can be approaches to improve their waters, who thought of as whether fish can reach all has similar restoration approaches so they of the habitats they need to complete can learn from them, and to learn how their their life cycle and maximize their waters are changing in response to activities production. of the plan.

3 Hydrologic alteration that refers to how To properly determine the condition of the the annual and daily flow cycles that nation’s waters, all waters will be classified many aquatic organisms key in on and into similar groups based on published need to maximize production have been landscape classification systems from The changed by our actions. Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Aquatic 3 Direct habitat alteration that examines GAP Programs for upland systems and from the amount of aquatic habitat that has the National Oceanic and Atmospheric been physically changed on a large scale Administration, TNC and NatureServe for by our actions.

3 The riparian zone protects aquatic systems from many impairments and when altered often result in lower ﬁsh and aquatic production. www.ﬁshhabitat.org NATIONAL FISH HABITAT ACTION PLAN [ 21 ]

marine systems. All waters will be assessed One key component of the plan’s data with respect to their habitat condition system will be to provide our partners using a suite of factors that address the ready access to existing conservation and process-level factors described above along habitat priorities. Information on exist- with some of the biotic indicators of eco- ing priorities can help guide partners in system stress. Waters within a particular designing projects. Examples are found in group will be compared on a the State Comprehensive Wildlife Action 100-point scale with the best possible score Plans, State Fisheries Management Plans, in their classiﬁed group and to the best Marine Fisheries Council Plans, Watershed current waters in their group so all waters Assessments and TNC Conservation Plans, USFWS have a target for our partners to achieve. to name a few. Much of this information All of the factors will have direct linkages to is currently unavailable to our partners, rehabilitation measures so improvements thus integrating these priorities into a from plan project activities should change GIS system will allow partners access to the score of the system. this information along with their source This method will allow for: materials. Plan partners can then

3 The direct and rapid assessment of the consider existing priorities as they design condition of the nation’s waters. their partnership action plans and associated projects, which will increase the 3 The evaluation of plan project success timeliness and effectiveness of their efforts. using a standardized approach.

3 The ability to compare and learn from Ensuring successful implementation of the activities of others on similar systems plan’s science and data system will require within their classiﬁed group. a detailed structural system design and computer system requirements. The data 3 The ability to integrate data from all

system is currently being designed to DAVE CROSS levels into one information system. The integrate distributed information and data plan will provide a mechanism to clas- systems into a single accessible gateway of sify all waters and grade all waters with National Fish Habitat Action Plan informa- respect to their condition, insights into tion, such as the state of ﬁsh habitat report, how to change the trajectory of their tracking of individual plan projects, access scores, provide options to address key to conservation priorities and information factors, and provide methods and mecha- about current habitat restoration projects. nisms to properly evaluate their projects along with summing these evaluations nationally as a scoring of the effectiveness of the plan as a whole.

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Exhibit 4: Strategies & Resources of Federal Agencies

BACKGROUND 3 Provide communication links among The National Fish Habitat Action Plan federal agencies cooperating under addresses cooperative conservation of the the plan. nation’s fish and aquatic communities and 3 Serve as a conduit for information flow the habitat that supports them. Many fed- between federal partners, the National eral agencies have direct or indirect respon- Fish Habitat Board, and other partners sibilities for aquatic habitat conservation. implementing the plan. These agencies have diverse missions and stakeholders. Conservation is not a primary The Federal Caucus also provided a goal of all agencies with a role in the plan; means for federal partners to offer input however, the benefits of effective conserva- to the Core Work Group as the plan tion contribute to the needs of each agency was drafted. and the American public they serve. FEDERAL CAUCUS MEMBERSHIP Since its inception, interest among Federal

USFWS Caucus agencies in the plan has been high. Agencies have contributed ideas for making aquatic habitat conservation more effective, and some have committed on-the-ground resources. The following agencies have participated, and others may join the caucus as it develops.

American Heritage Rivers Initiative Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Reclamation Coastal America Department of Defense Department of Housing and Urban Development Environmental Protection Agency Coordination among agencies to achieve Farm Service Agency common goals is a challenging task. Federal Emergency Management Agency To facilitate interactions among federal Federal Highway Administration agencies and with other partners, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the Federal Caucus was created to: National Park Service 3 Provide a mechanism through which National Science Foundation federal partners can jointly identify Natural Resources Conservation Service strategies and resources to support Oﬃce of Surface Mining the plan. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (chair) 3 Ensure that the plan provides beneﬁts to all agencies involved. U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Forest Service

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STRATEGIES & RESOURCES funds to partners that are matched

Federal Caucus participants will continue or leveraged. Under leveraging, stakehold- DAVE CROSS to jointly identify opportunities to contrib- ers agree to match a percentage of funds ute to the goals of the plan. Table 1 identi- received, either in direct financial resources fies strategies and resources that agencies or in-kind services. may commit. These do not necessarily 3 Example: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife represent new strategies or commitment Service was appropriated $1 million in of resources. Agency actions may already FY06 to conduct and support activities be contributing to aquatic habitat conser- under the National Fish Habitat Action vation; however, the Federal Caucus will Plan. The funding will help establish the seek ways to share common strategies and National Fish Habitat Board and conduct resources for maximum efficiency on-the-ground activities through Fish and effectiveness. Habitat Partnerships.

Contributions have been divided into sev- 3 Example: The National Oceanic and eral categories, listed below with examples. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Restoration Center has existing programs Funding (Actual / Encourage that fund fish habitat projects, and these Leveraging): An agency’s ability to provide programs can be expected to fund financial support to projects that contrib- projects under the identified by ute to meeting the goals of the plan. It Fish Habitat Partnerships. also includes an agency’s ability to provide

Table 1: Strategies and Resources Contributed by Federal Agencies to the National Fish Habitat Action Plan

Encourage local Committee Funding participation/ Monitoring participation Incorporate Conduct (Actual/ Data-sharing/ Identify of pilot (in addition into internal projects on Encourage data base partners projects/ to Federal strategic Technical federal Agency leveraging) development Education (non-federal) In-situ help Caucus) planning expertise lands

American Heritage Rivers Initiative 3 3 3 3 Bureau of Land Management 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Coastal America 3 3 3 Department of Defense 3 3 3 3 3 3 Department of Housing and Urban Development 3 3 Environmental Protection Agency 3 3 3 3 Farm Service Agency 3 3 Federal Emergency Management Agency 3 3 3 Federal Highway Administration 3 3 3 3 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 National Park Service 3 3 3 3 3 3 National Science Foundation 3 3 3 3 3 Oﬃce of Surface Mining 3 3 3 3 3 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 3 3 3 3 U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 3 3 3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 U.S. Forest Service 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 U.S. Geological Survey 3 3 3 3 3 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 3 3 3 3 3 3

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Data Sharing / Data Base Development: Education: Agencies will contribute to Agencies agree to share data they collect, the development of materials for students, where applicable and appropriate, relevant stakeholders and the general public to raise to assessing habitat conditions and out- awareness of the values of aquatic habitat comes of projects. Such data may be linked and the plan. Materials may include class- or combined in an integrated data base. room lesson plans, presentations, websites, Agencies may also contribute information and other instructional items.

technology expertise to build or integrate 3 Example: NOAA publishes numerous data bases. outreach and education documents 3 Example: The U.S. Geological Survey is a about the importance of ﬁsh and leader in the effort to establish a uniﬁed aquatic habitats.

national data base for aquatic habitat 3 Example: Coastal America will encourage conservation. Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers to 3 The Environmental Protection Agency share the plan message and themes. maintains a number of data bases related Encourage local participation / Identify to water quality, a key component of partners (non-federal): Federal agencies aquatic habitat health. will help identify partners who can bring ideas and capabilities to implementing the plan and encourage them to become active

USFWS in its implementation.

3 Example: The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has identiﬁed con- tacts in the agricultural community who could become valuable partners in implementing the plan.

3 Example: The Federal Highway Administration will help state depart- ments of transportation protect aquatic habitat through technical information and assistance.

Monitoring of pilot projects / in-situ help: Federal agencies with ﬁeld capabilities will consider participating in on-the-ground monitoring and evaluation of Fish Habitat Partnership projects.

3 Example: U.S. Forest Service has provided leadership and staff for the range-wide assessment of brook trout and is working on ﬁeld projects in support of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture.

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Committee participation: Federal agency staff agrees to serve on other plan teams in addition to the Federal Caucus.

3 Example: The U.S. Geological Survey chairs the Data Team, which has been critical in identifying opportunities to integrate data bases to assist with implementation of the plan.

Incorporate into strategic planning: Federal agencies will consider incorporat- ing the goals and objectives of the plan, not necessarily by name, into their strategic plans.

3 Example: The National Fish Habitat 3 Example: The Office of Surface Mining Action Plan arose, in part, as one means will contribute its knowledge to develop- through which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife ing projects with partners to effectively Service can address aquatic habitat address acid mine drainage. conservation and management in its 3 Example: The U.S. Army Corps of strategic plan. Engineers will contribute its design and 3 Example: The mission of the National construction expertise to rebuilding Fish Habitat Action Plan is reflected in aquatic habitats. the Strategic Plan of the NOAA Conduct projects on federal lands: To Fisheries Service. the extent possible, federal agencies will Technical expertise: Federal agencies con- support projects conducted under the Fish sider committing staff resources to develop- Habitat Partnerships that need to be carried ing processes to effectively implement the out on federally administered lands. plan. Such activities include, but are not 3 Example: The Bureau of Land limited to, working with project partners Management’s 264 million-acre land to identify best management practices and base includes a considerable amount techniques for aquatic habitat conservation, of impaired fish habitat. The agency conducting research needed to reach will work with plan partners to imple- plan goals, and analyzing data to evaluate ment fish habitat restoration projects project success. on its lands.

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Exhibit 5: National Fish Habitat Action Plan Leadership, Support & Report Authorship

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM Core Work Group Support Eric Schwaab, Association of Janet Tennyson, Private Contractor John Baughman, Executive Vice Provided By: Fish and Wildlife Agencies Larry Whiteley, Bass Pro Shops President, Association of Fish and Eric Schwaab, Association of Fish Mark P. Smith, The Nature Mary Jane Williamson, American Wildlife Agencies and Wildlife Agencies (Action Plan Conservancy Sportfishing Association AFWA Coordinator) John Cooper, President, Susan-Marie Stedman, Joshua Winchell, U.S. Fish and Association of Fish and Wildlife Andy Loftus, Loftus Consulting NOAA Fisheries Service Wildlife Service Agencies/Secretary, South Dakota Dave Case and staff, Mike Stone, Wyoming Game Game, Fish and Parks Department Tim Zink, Theodore Roosevelt DJ Case and Associates and Fish Department Conservation Partnership Dale Hall, Director, Whitney Tilt, Sonoran Institute Norm Stucky, Bass Pro Shops U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service DATA TEAM William Taylor, Michigan State Bill Hogarth, Assistant *Alternate: Doug Hobbs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service University Douglas Beard, Chair, Administrator, National U.S. Geological Survey Oceanographic and Atmospheric **Alternates: Greg Watson, Krystyna Wolniakowski, National Administration Fisheries Service MariLou Livingood and Liz Fish and Wildlife Foundation Stan Allen, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Madison, National Fish and Wildlife Gary Whelan, Michigan Department CORE WORK GROUP Foundation of Natural Resources Charles Bronte, U.S. Fish and Doug Austen, Chair, Pennsylvania Wildlife Service ACTION PLAN Whitney Tilt, Sonoran Institute Fish and Boat Commission Christopher Estes, CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS Douglas Beard, COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Alaska Department of Fish Doug Austen, Pennsylvania U.S. Geological Survey Laury Parramore, Chair, and Game Fish and Boat Commission Don Bonneau, Iowa Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Margarete Heber, Douglas Beard, of Natural Resources Beth Beard, American Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Geological Survey Tom Busiahn, U.S. Fish and Fisheries Society Jeff Kopaska, Iowa Department Hannibal Bolton, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hannibal Bolton, U.S. Fish and of Natural Resources Wildlife Service Christopher Estes, Alaska Wildlife Service Andy Loftus, Loftus Consulting Don Bonneau, Iowa Department Department of Fish and Game Rachel Brittin, Association of Kevin Madley, Florida Fish and of Natural Resources (Core Group National Coordinator) Fish and Wildlife Agencies Wildlife Conservation Commission Tom Busiahn, U.S. Fish and Jim Martin, Pure Fishing Dave Case, D.J. Case and Associates Dirk Miller, Wyoming Game Wildlife Service Stan Moberly, American Bob Clarke, U.S. Fish and and Fish Department Christopher Estes, Alaska Fisheries Society Wildlife Service Betsy Nightingale, Department of Fish and Game Laury Parramore, U.S. Fish Forbes Darby, NOAA The Nature Conservancy Jason Goldberg, U.S. Fish and and Wildlife Service Fisheries Service Andrea Ostroff, Association of Wildlife Service Bill Reeves, Tennessee Wildlife Cindy Delaney, Delaney Fish and Wildlife Agencies Brian Gratwicke, National Fish Resources Agency Meeting and Event Management Ryan Smith, and Wildlife Foundation Jeff Rester, Gulf States Marine Kirk Gillis, Recreational Boating The Nature Conservancy Doug Hobbs, U.S. Fish and Fisheries Commission and Fishing Foundation Jeff Waldon, Conservation Wildlife Service Larry Riley, Arizona Game and Doug Hobbs, U.S. Fish Management Institute, Andy Loftus, Loftus Consulting Fish Department and Wildlife Service Virginia Tech Jim Martin, Pure Fishing Gordon Robertson, American Stephanie Hunt, NOAA Gary Whelan, Michigan Sportfishing Association Phil Million, U.S. Fish and Fisheries Service Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Service Mark P. Smith, Jason Goldberg, U.S. Fish and Pace Wilber, National Oceanic and The Nature Conservancy Stan Moberly, American Wildlife Service Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Society Susan-Marie Stedman, MariLou Livingood, National DEVELOPMENT TEAM NOAA Fisheries Service Laury Parramore, U.S. Fish and Fish and Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Service Krystyna Wolniakowski, Mike Stone, Wyoming Game Phil Million, U.S. Fish and Chair, National Fish and Wildlife and Fish Department Bill Reeves, Tennessee Wildlife Wildlife Service Foundation Resources Agency Norm Stucky, Bass Pro Shops Laura Nelson, National Fish and MariLou Livingood, National Fish William Taylor*, Michigan Jeff Rester, Gulf States Marine Wildlife Foundation and Wildlife Foundation Fisheries Commission State University Patrick O’Rourke, American Liz Madison, National Fish and Krystyna Wolniakowski**, National Larry Riley, Arizona Game and Sportfishing Association Wildlife Foundation Fish Department Fish and Wildlife Foundation Robert Ramsay, American Fly Gary Whelan, Michigan Department Gordon Robertson, American Fishing Trade Association Sportfishing Association of Natural Resources Eric Schwaab, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies NATIONAL FISH HABITAT ACTION PLAN [ 27 ]

SCIENCE TEAM Fish and Wildlife Agencies Cindy Loeffler, TX PWD Gary Whelan, Chair, Michigan Mark P. Smith, The Nature Ronald R. Lukens, MS, GSMFC Department of Natural Resources Conservancy Catherine Martin, DE DFW Douglas Beard, Susan-Marie Stedman, Bruce Matthews, VA, RBFF U.S. Geological Survey NOAA Fisheries Stan Moberly, WA, NMTI Hal Beecher, Washington Mike Stone, Wyoming Game and Department of Game and Fish Fish Department Virgil Moore, ID DFG Zachary Bowen, Whitney Tilt, Sonoran Institute Gary T. Myers, TN WRA U.S. Geological Survey Kirk Nelson, NE GPC FEDERAL CAUCUS Mark Brouder, Doug Nygren, KS PWD U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (See page 22) Mamie Parker, DC, USFWS Christopher Estes, Alaska PARTNER COALITION Department of Fish and Game Ron Payer, MN DNR William Taylor, Chair, Sport Fishing Perry Gayaldo, NOAA Ray Petering, OH DOW and Boating Partnership Council/ Bill Provine, TX PWD Brian Gratwicke, National Fish Michigan State University and Wildlife Foundation Bill Reeves, TN WRA Doug Hobbs, Sport Fishing and Jonathan Higgins, Boating Partnership Council/ Larry Riley, AZ GFD The Nature Conservancy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Gordon Robertson, VA, ASA James McKenna Jr., Rudy Rosen, CA, DU U.S. Geological Survey AFWA FISHERIES AND WATER RESOURCES POLICY Larry B. Simpson, MS, GSMFC Douglas Norton, U.S. Environmental COMMITTEE Protection Agency Michael Sloane, NM GFD Doug Hansen, Chair, SD GFPD Andrea Ostroff, Association of Fish Kelley Smith, MI DNR Kelly Hepler, Vice Chair, AK DFG and Wildlife Agencies Mike Staggs, WI DNR Dave Allen, OR-USFWS Craig Paukert, U.S. Geological Doug Stang, NYSDEC Survey/Kansas Cooperative Fish & Mike Armstrong, AR GFC Wildlife Research Unit Susan-Marie Stedman, MD, NOAA, Doug Austen, PA FBC Fisheries Service Mark Peterson, University of Noreen Clough, AL, BASS Southern Mississippi Mike Stone, WY GFD Gordon C. Colvin, NYSDEC Paul Seelbach, Michigan Jim Tilmant, CO, NPS Department of Natural Resources Mike Conlin, IL DNR Ollie Torgerson, WI, MAFWA Stan Cook, AL DWFF Rod Wentworth, VT DFW WRITING TEAM Chuck Coomer, GA WRD Gary Whelan, MI DNR Norm Stucky, Chair, Bass Pro Shops Dave Cross, DC, USFS Doug Austen, Pennsylvania Fish and Eric Schwaab, Boat Commission Ron Dent, MO, DOC Committee Staff Contact Tom Busiahn, U.S. Fish and Walt Donaldson, UT, DWR Wildlife Service Steve Eder, MO, DOC Christopher Estes, Alaska Christopher Estes, AK DFG USFWS Department of Fish and Game Carol Forthman, VA, ASA Brian Gratwicke, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Mike Gibson, AR GFC Doug Hobbs, U.S. Fish and Ken Haddad, FL, FWCC Wildlife Service Bruce Hawkinson, MN, ASSOC Andy Loftus, Loftus Consulting Chris Hunter, MT DFWP Phil Million, U.S. Fish and Gary Isbell, OH DOW Wildlife Service William James, IN, DNR Stan Moberly, American Robin Knox, CO, DOW Fisheries Society Jarrad Kosa, DC, BLM Laury Parramore, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Johanna Laderman, VA, FAF Eric Schwaab, Association of Anne Lange, MD, NOAA-F Wayne Laroche, VT DFW c/o Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 444 North Capitol Street, Suite 725 Washington, D.C. 20001 202/624 7890 fishhabitat.org

April 24, 2006 www.ﬁshhabitat.org