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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Vision for a Healthy of Watershed

1 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

“Restoring the is not just a Gulf challenge. It is a challenge for our nation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service envisions a national solution.”

Dan Ashe, Director U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Cover photo: Panhandle (USFWS/Melody Ray-Culp) 2 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Contents

I. Purpose...... 4 II. Executive Summary...... 4 III. What’s at Stake...... 5 IV. An Unprecedented Response...... 6 V. Our Role...... 7 VI. Working with Others...... 8 VII. Our Approach: Identifying Priorities and Strategies...... 9 a. Use Science...... 9 b. Restore Resources Impacted by the DWH Oil Spill...... 9 c. Create a Network of Conservation Lands...... 9 d. Restore Wetland and Aquatic Ecosystems...... 10 e. Conserve Prairies and Forests...... 10 f. Protect and Restore Coastal Strand and Estuarine Habitats...... 10 g. Conserve Working Lands...... 11 h. Manage Lands and Waters for Fish, Wildlife and their Habitat...... 11 VIII. Focal Areas for Gulf Restoration ...... 12 a. Laguna Madre and Rio Grande (TX)...... 12 b. Coastal Bend (TX)...... 13 c. Austin’s Woods and Prairies (TX)...... 13 d. Chenier Plain (TX)...... 14 e. , Coastal Wetlands and Barrier (LA)...... 15 f. Atchafalaya River Basin (LA)...... 15 g. Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MS, LA, AR)...... 16 h. Northern Gulf (MS, AL)...... 17 i. Panhandle (AL, FL)...... 17 j. Panhandle Lands (FL)...... 18 k. Apalachicola River Watershed (FL)...... 19 l. Big Bend Watershed (FL)...... 19 m. Southwest Florida (FL)...... 20 n. Upper Mississippi River Watershed (IL, IA)...... 21 o. Rainwater Basin (NE)...... 22 p. Prairie Potholes (ND, SD)...... 22 IX. Next Steps...... 23 3 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Purpose Executive Summary

This document represents The Gulf of Mexico watershed is critically The conservation focal areas are, from important to the health and vitality of our west to east, are: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife nation’s natural and economic resources. This vast watershed provides rich n Laguna Madre and Rio Grande River Service’s Vision for a to feed the nation and oil and gas to Valley; Healthy Gulf of Mexico power it. The watershed is at the heart n Coastal Bend; of our nation’s outdoor legacy, where 40 Watershed. The scope percent of all North American migrating n Austin’s Woods and Prairies; waterfowl and shorebirds use the is broad rather than Mississippi Flyway. The Gulf Coast, from n Chenier Plain; detailed, and is intended Texas to Florida, is also home to more n Mississippi River Delta, Coastal than 130 federally protected species, most Wetlands and Barrier Islands; to serve as a catalyst for of which are endangered. Restoring this discussions with partners vital area will ensure America continues n Atchafalaya River Basin; to thrive well into and beyond the 21st on how and where to focus century. n Mississippi Alluvial Valley; n Northern Gulf Coast; our collective restoration The Service’s Vision for a Healthy Gulf efforts in the wake of of Mexico Watershed identifies eight n Panhandle Beaches; conservation strategies (the how we n Panhandle Lands; the largest oil spill in want to work with our partners) and 16 conservation focal areas (the where we n Apalachicola River Watershed; our nation’s history, want to work with our partners). which further devastated n Big Bend Watershed; an already degraded The conservation strategies are to: n Southwest Florida; ecosystem. This Vision n Use sound science; n Upper Mississippi River Watershed; n Restore resources impacted by the n Rainwater Basin; and articulates the Service’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill; n Prairie Potholes. science-based conservation n Create a network of public and private priorities in the Gulf, in conservation lands; These conservation strategies and focal order to better collaborate n Restore wetland and aquatic areas are meant to guide collaborative ecosystems; conservation planning and delivery for and find synergies with large-scale Gulf restoration with the n Conserve prairies and forests; states, local communities, other federal others. agencies and the entire conservation n Protect and restore coastal strand, network, in order to achieve the greatest and estuarine island and most immediate benefit to the A follow-up document habitats; public’s fish and wildlife resources. will provide the Service’s n Conserve working lands; and While this document describes examples blueprint for Gulf n Manage lands and waters for of restoration work that is needed, from restoration, offering more sustainable populations of fish and land acquisition to prescribed burns to wildlife. reconnecting wetlands to , it is only details and specific project a beginning. Specific project proposals will be developed in the coming months recommendations. as part of the Service’s Blueprint for a Healthy Gulf of Mexico Watershed.

4 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

What’s at Stake

Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife- Associated Recreation).

Over the last century, climate change, level rise, habitat conversion and fragmentation, decreasing water quality and quantity, and invasive species have diminished the resiliency of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.

Most alarming is the fate of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. Every 38 minutes, another football field of wetlands disappears into the sea, taking with it nature’s best storm protection and water filter, as well as the cradle for sea life in the world’s third largest delta. Natural disasters like hurricanes and manmade disasters like oil spills exacerbate these impacts. As a result, native fish and wildlife populations and their habitats are in decline, imperiling the very fabric that supports the Gulf Coast’s vibrant economy.

A major threat to recreational and commercial fish species in the Gulf of What’s needed to restore the Gulf — Restoring the Gulf of Mexico requires Mexico is the influx of from conservation actions throughout its watershed illustrated above by the major rivers the upper parts of the watershed. More that drain into the Gulf. Some of the major threats to commercial and recreational than 40 percent of the nitrogen entering fish and other resources originate in the Midwest where, for example, more than 40 the Gulf of Mexico originates above percent of the nitrogen entering the Gulf originates above the southern tip of Illinois. the southern tip of Illinois. Nitrogen, which is used to grow crops, can lead to The Gulf of Mexico is a large and diverse songbirds and contains the most diverse hypoxic conditions, or lack of oxygen, in landscape, ecologically rich as a result collection of fish species in the northern Gulf waters. Most game and commercial of coastal , climate hemisphere. fish species, such as grouper, red drum and hydrology, and its connection to a and red snapper, avoid waters that are productive marine environment. This These fish and wildlife resources are hypoxic. landscape is also rich in culture and supported by an array of some of the history as evidenced by flourishing world’s most biologically diverse habitats To achieve a healthy Gulf of Mexico, the ports and coastal communities, trade, spanning bottomland hardwood forests, Service recognizes that a large-scale agriculture, seafood harvest, energy cypress swamps, coastal marshes, watershed approach to conservation must production and tourism. and barrier islands. occur throughout the greater Gulf of Mexico. More than half of the continental Few places on the globe match the The natural resources in the five Gulf drains into the Gulf of Gulf of Mexico’s coast in abundance states are the foundation of a multi-billion Mexico, therefore a national investment and variety of wildlife. It is home to dollar economic engine that employs toward a sustainable Gulf will be at 132 federally listed species, 95 of which more than 8 million people, produces risk if we restore the coastal region and are endangered. They include some more than half of America’s crude oil and fail to address the causes of the water of America’s most beloved and iconic natural gas, and accounts for the majority pollution, dead zones, invasive species, species, from the Florida manatee, an of the nation’s annual shrimp and oyster and fragmented wildlife habitat that aquatic relative of the elephant, to the harvest. Hunting, fishing, bird watching threatens it. whooping crane, North America’s tallest and other wildlife-dependent recreation bird. The Gulf region provides habitat contributes more than $25 billion annually for millions of waterfowl, shorebirds, and to the region’s economy (2011 National 5 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

An Unprecedented Response The catastrophic Deepwater Horizon (DWH) event on April 20, 2010 drew international attention to the Gulf of Mexico. Eleven lives were lost, and the tragedy resulted in direct and immediate repercussions to people and the economic and ecological resources along the Gulf Coast and across the U.S. There is no doubt the effects will be felt for decades.

One consequence of the disaster is legislative and judicial actions that direct civil and criminal settlement funds into Gulf of Mexico restoration. This presents the conservation community with a transcendent opportunity to implement significant restoration and conservation of the lands, waters and wildlife of the Gulf region over the next decade and beyond.

The total amount of funding that will be made available under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf States Act (RESTORE Act) and through criminal settlements will not be known until all the legal cases are settled or adjudicated by the courts. These newly established funding sources and the ongoing Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) process come with legal limitations, a diverse set of administrative entities and different allocation processes and purposes.

There will be challenges and opportunities to integrating these funding sources into a comprehensive approach to restoring the Gulf of Mexico, rather than funding separate, discrete conservation actions. The Service is committed to work collaboratively with our partners to achieve a sustainable Gulf Coast, one that is capable of supporting flourishing Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling unit (U.S. Coast Guard) communities and abundant natural resources for generations to come.

6 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Our Role

The Service is uniquely positioned to be a strong partner in the restoration of the Gulf of Mexico and its watershed. Our mission — to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people — compels us to address the Gulf of Mexico’s most convoluted challenges. It is also our obligation as the steward of America’s national wildlife refuges, the lead federal agency for the protection of migratory birds and anadromous fish, and the co- lead for recovery of federally threatened and endangered species, including marine mammals.

The Service is also working with the states and others to proactively conserve hundreds more species in the Gulf region, many of which are fish, amphibians, and other aquatic species, in the hopes they will not require federal protection.

With 233 national wildlife refuges in the U.S.-based Gulf of Mexico watershed, the National Wildlife Refuge System is the backbone for a network of conservation lands dedicated to supporting fish and wildlife populations. Along the coast, the Service manages millions of acres on 45 national wildlife refuges from the Florida Keys to the horn of Texas.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1931 to provide winter habitat for migratory birds, is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, and includes about 43 miles of north Florida’s Gulf Coast (USFWS/Cindy Dohner).

Additionally, the Service has field and The Service understands that conserving regional representation in all 31 states in habitat and maintaining functioning the Gulf of Mexico watershed, crossing landscapes not only benefits fish and five Service regions in the Southeast, wildlife, it also benefits our society in the Southwest, Midwest, - form of ecosystem services that support Prairie, and Northeast. Throughout healthy and resilient communities and the watershed, the Service provides a economies. The need for fresh water, combination of conservation planning storm protection, attenuation, and on-the-ground contributions climate change adaptation and mitigation, through various programs such as environmental education, fishing, hunting Whooping cranes our wildlife and sportfish restoration and other outdoor recreation, as well as (USFWS/Volunteer Steve Sykes) grants, refuge management, endangered other natural services are shared across species recovery work, environmental communities and are essential for long- contaminants response, fisheries, term resiliency. migratory birds and law enforcement activities. 7 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Working with Others

As the federal fish and wildlife agency, the Service has a responsibility to the public, including our partners, to ensure meaningful conservation outcomes for our shared fish and wildlife goals. It is essential that we not only engage with partners, but support and bridge our common efforts. While the conservation needs of the Gulf of Mexico are daunting, collectively we have the potential to significantly advance Gulf restoration and provide ecological and economic benefits to the American public.

Actions supporting collaborative science, planning, and implementation side- by-side with our partners are woven throughout this Vision document.

The Service’s promise to our Partners installing an oyster in the City of Mobile’s Helen Wood Park in south partners — and the nation — to provide important aquatic habitat, protect the shoreline from , is to develop and implement and act as a natural filter to improve water quality (USFWS). a partnership approach to The national network of Landscape a concentration of low dissolved oxygen Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) in the water) and wetland restoration landscape conservation that provides a partner-driven, science-based through ongoing efforts such as the Gulf collaborative that can inform and focus of Mexico Alliance and the Mississippi is strategic, science-driven, all of our efforts to achieve broader River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient collaborative, adaptive, and landscape-level conservation goals. The (Hypoxia) Task Force. From the federal LCCs facilitate the SHC model for Gulf level to the field, DOI helps ensure understandable. restoration within regional landscapes comprehensive Gulf-wide projects are to sustain populations of fish and wildlife complementary, efficient and effective in We are committed to using a landscape- and functioning natural systems, while conserving lands and wildlife. level approach that the Service has supporting healthy communities. These termed Strategic Habitat Conservation, self-driven partnerships are already Close relationships with the state fish and or SHC. This adaptive management established across the Gulf of Mexico wildlife agencies, other federal agencies, model is used to measure progress watershed and include the states, regional and local governments, non- toward desired biological or ecological many federal agencies, universities, governmental organizations (NGOs), conditions. The Service relies on our non-governmental organizations and private landowners, industries and science partnerships to ensure the other partners. They can help ensure other partners across the Gulf of Mexico appropriate conservation design, we minimize duplication, use the best watershed are central to the Service’s monitoring, and supporting adaptive science in planning projects, and assist Vision. Ultimately, the level of success management frameworks are in place in monitoring protocols and adaptive we reach in restoring the waters of the for projects across the Gulf of Mexico management as we learn more about the Gulf of Mexico will be directly related watershed. dynamics of Gulf restoration. to how well we coordinate our efforts. If we choose to work independently, we In addition, the Service, which is part will miss the opportunity to accomplish of the U.S. Department of the Interior something greater than any of us could (DOI) that includes the Bureau of achieve alone. Energy Management, , and the U.S. Geological Survey, has a long-standing working relationship with many partners in the Gulf of Mexico watershed to address hypoxia (defined as 8 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Our Approach: Identifying Priorities and Strategies

The opportunity afforded to the The conservation strategies are meant amount and type of restoration needed conservation community, state and local to serve as guidelines for the Service’s to compensate the public for injuries to governments, federal agencies, academic work in the Gulf, informing our planning natural resources. institutions and others is a chance to efforts, while the focal areas for Gulf coalesce around a shared vision and restoration begin to delineate the needs The NRDAR Trustee Council will take change the status quo of independent we want to address first, directing our into account restoration projects along conservation actions into a coordinated, conservation science and delivery. the northern Gulf coast open water watershed-scale plan for Gulf restoration. and nearshore habitats. Ultimately, To achieve this, our collective investments The conservation strategies the Trustee Council will consider must be scientifically sound to sustain a implementing restoration actions broad range of ecosystem services that the Service identified are: providing services to injured migratory will achieve the maximum benefit for Use Sound Science resources elsewhere (e.g., breeding the public’s fish and wildlife resources Restoring the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem grounds). that ultimately support vibrant coastal and its greater watershed must be communities and their economies. based in sound science. The Service is engaged on local and regional levels To that end, the Service’s Vision for with partners to collaboratively conduct a Healthy Gulf of Mexico Watershed science to further issues including water is offered as an invitation to work quality, community resilience, and habitat collaboratively with the many partners restoration. engaged in this work. The Vision is consistent with the five overarching goals To get the science right across the Gulf identified in 2011 and 2013 by the Gulf watershed — and in the context of energy Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force development, climate change, habitat and RESTORE Council, respectively. conversion, habitat fragmentation and These goals, which also align with the other landscape-wide changes — will Service’s mission, are to: require collaboration at local, regional and national levels. The partners working n Restore and conserve habitat; on Gulf restoration will need to develop and implement monitoring plans that inform the adaptive management process, n Restore water quality; Oiled Kemp’s Ridley (NOAA) evaluate performance and provide a transparent communication mechanism n Replenish and protect living coastal and Create a Network for decision makers and the public. marine species; of Conservation Lands While conserving existing high quality n Enhance community resilience; and Restore Resources Impacted habitat is a priority, connecting existing by the DWH Oil Spill federal, state, local, and private n Restore and revitalize the Gulf High priority will be placed on effectively conservation lands is equally important economy. compensating the loss to the public for sustaining fish and wildlife species. from the oil spill for natural resources Starting from this foundation, the Service including pelicans and other wading The National Wildlife Refuge System assessed our unique responsibilities, birds, waterfowl, sea turtles, Gulf is a critical component of conservation critical resource needs and capacity to sturgeon and other anadromous fish, and lands across the Gulf of Mexico and its define eight conservation strategies for publicly owned lands. watershed, and is the only network of Gulf restoration. These strategies will lands with a primary mission of fish and guide how we work with partners to Natural Resource Damage Assessment wildlife conservation. These lands are restore the Gulf. We then identified 16 and Restoration (NRDAR) is the formal complemented by state parks and wildlife focal areas for Gulf restoration where the legal process that determines injury and management areas, national parks, U.S. Service believes immediate efforts are the compensation needed to return the Forest Service land, military bases and needed to sustain fish, wildlife and their environment to pre-spill conditions. The other Department of Defense lands, habitats. NRDAR effort will determine the type local governmental parklands, and lands and magnitude of injury caused by the conserved by private landowners and oil spill to natural resources, as well as NGOs. the human use of those resources and the

9 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

By using the National Wildlife Refuges as key ecological links in connecting existing conservation lands, larger landscapes, buffer areas and corridors, we can provide fish and wildlife species the ability to migrate and move across the landscape, enhance coordination and cooperation between conservation entities, improve recreational opportunities, and minimize isolated habitats.

Tools for land conservation include voluntary management agreements with landowners, permanent conservation easements and fee title acquisition. Restore Wetland and Aquatic Ecosystems The Gulf of Mexico’s coastal zone and Oil and gas infrastructure dots the coast of Louisiana (USFWS/Chris Pease) its interior watershed contain the most productive aquatic and wetland Conserve Prairies and Forests Recovery of these forests and prairies habitats in North America. These Forests and prairies in the Gulf will restore ecological processes such as aquatic habitats include a complex array watershed, along with their associated nutrient cycling, forest regeneration, and of marshes, swamps, rivers, seagrass wetland habitats mentioned above, breeding opportunities for large river beds and open-water habitats that are provide the food, shelter and nesting fish, wading birds, and other critically important to meet the life cycle habitat needed for waterfowl, prairie dependent species. This will also improve requirements of many fish and wildlife birds, black bears and many other species ecosystem services for human use, such species that reside, winter or migrate to meet their full life-cycle requirements. as flood protection, water filtration, throughout the Gulf watershed. However, many floodplain forests along recreation, and carbon retention. the length of the Mississippi River Recovery of these ecosystems continues and most of the Gulf tributaries were Protect and Restore Coastal to be limited by diversions for water cleared for agriculture, leveed for flood Strand, Barrier Island and use, reservoirs, drainage improvements control, and fell prey to invasive species. and navigation channels; conversion to Fire, a natural and needed part of the Estuarine Island Habitats other land uses such as agriculture and ecological system for species such as Coastal strand habitats include beaches, infrastructure development; and altered gopher tortoises and bobwhite quail, was , scrub, and maritime forests and nutrient loading, which suppressed. found on barrier islands, either oversupply or starve aquatic and mainland beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. The areas also include bayside ecosystems. Restoration and conservation An example of the impact of forest habitat features such as tidal flats, of these ecosystems is needed to sustain conversion is the longleaf pine forest, flats, algal , mangroves, and recover fish and wildlife such as which once covered 90 million acres from islands, oyster reefs, and sea grass tarpon, red drum, striped bass and other Texas to Florida, and north to . beds. Fish and wildlife resources rely sportfish; oysters, shrimp, blue crab and Less than five percent still remains, and on the full spectrum of these habitats in other commercially important aquatic it supports 170 of the 290 amphibians and order to successfully breed, overwinter species; mottled duck, green-winged teal reptiles that occur in the Southeast. and other waterfowl; and sea turtles, the and migrate through the Gulf and its prehistoric Gulf sturgeon, piping plover watershed. People rely on barrier islands and other federally endangered and and their associated habitats too, for threatened species. As we restore and protection from hurricanes and storm conserve these aquatic habitats, improved surges. water quality and supply, reduced storm risks, more recreational opportunities and other public benefits will follow.

10 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Conserve Working Lands Manage Lands and Waters Ranches, commercial forests, farmland for Sustainable Populations and other working lands secure the nation’s food supply, provide a boon of Fish and Wildlife Simply establishing networks of to local economies, reduce flood and conservation lands through methods storm risk, clean our air and water, and such as supporting working landscapes, provide valuable habitat for fish and conservation easements and acquisitions wildlife. In fact, the full spectrum of will not ensure sustainable future habitats throughout the Gulf watershed landscapes for fish and wildlife is present on private lands. By working resources. That is because ecosystems more effectively and in concert with have always been modified by natural the stewards of these lands through forces and manmade processes such as voluntary agreements, we will be able fire suppression, water withdrawals, to maintain the public’s fish and wildlife and cutting off sediment supplies by populations long into the future. channeling and damming rivers. In order to maintain the integrity and functionality The Service’s goal is to help keep of ecosystems, natural processes must be working lands working, to ensure replicated through active management. continued benefits for fish, wildlife and This can be achieved through activities their habitats, as well as for human such as prescribed fire; managing communities. Given the multiple benefits sediment supplies to enhance shorelines that these lands provide, the Service and marshes; restoring and monitoring is a proponent of private landowner water flows in rivers, bays, and on the incentives such as conservation landscape; and controlling invasive easements and other available and species. proven voluntary conservation tools for landowners.

Service Fire Ecologist Sue Wilder uses a drip torch during a prescribed fire at Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge in coastal Mississippi and Alabama (USFWS).

Over time, human dependency on the coastal environment has led to landscape modifications, changing sediment supply and hydrologic regimes. An important component of ecologically sound management of these areas include supporting or reinstating natural dynamic processes that form habitat features ideal for fish and wildlife species dependent upon this myriad of system features.

Snow geese on Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana (USFWS/Diane Borden-Billiott) 11 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Focal Areas for Gulf Restoration The Gulf of Mexico Laguna The primary conservation challenges in south Texas revolve around invasive watershed is a large and Madre and species and habitat fragmentation as the diverse ecosystem containing Lower Rio region continues to grow and develop Grande hydrologic modifications. The Lower habitats and sub-ecosystems River Rio Grande Valley and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuges, Texas Parks ranging from to Valley and Wildlife Department and their deep Gulf waters and The Laguna many public and private partners have Madre and been working to establish and restore alpine meadows to sub- the Rio wildlife corridors as well as meeting other tropical forests. Restoring Grande River public needs in the region. However, the Valley are network of conservation areas the functional aspects of the intersecting and resource management options are ecosystem will take many ecosystems that dominate the south Texas not sufficient to meet the region’s future coast. The Laguna Madre is one of only needs for public recreation, sustainable decades of effort by many six hypersaline in the world and fish and wildlife populations and other engaged partners. This is protected on its Gulf side by Padre public services conservation lands Island, the longest barrier island in the provide. section identifies what the world. To the south lies the Rio Grande River, the border between the U.S. and Service views as today’s Examples of high priority conservation Mexico. Within this matrix of south Texas actions in this focal area include: most time critical focal geomorphology lie important fish and wildlife resources that are unique to the n Restore and conserve agricultural and areas for conservation. The Nation, including endangered species like working ranchlands that compliment Service believes these areas the ocelot and Aplomado falcon. and support the connectivity of land, invasive species control, and water need immediate attention This area is also home to common species conservation efforts. to reverse decline or secure like the redhead duck and western sandpiper, which may have 80% of their n Enhance the existing network of future protection. winter population in the Laguna Madre. conservation lands linking the Rio The area is internationally known for its Grande River Valley and the South The conservation needs identified in birding and nature viewing with several Texas coastal ecosystem to ensure each focal area represent foundational World Birding Center sites and birding that fish and wildlife resources are actions that are essential to ensure festivals. sustainable. that fish and wildlife resources and n Reconnect their associated benefits are available hydrology and to the public into the future. Partners watershed have already identified many of these diversions such focal areas and conservation actions as in the as priorities or objectives for Gulf Grande to restoration. Among the factors the restore wetlands Service considered in choosing these focal and aquatic areas and suggested conservation actions habitat for fish were unique ecological features, regional and other aquatic conditions and trends, existing plans and and wetland collaborative efforts, and available local dependent or regional expertise. The actions are not species. exclusive of other conservation needs. The Services does, however, believe they are elemental, in that there is limited time for these conservation actions to be effective and support future and related efforts to achieve a healthy Gulf of Mexico. Laguna Madre ecosystem in coastal Texas(USFWS) 12 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

to Texas’ move towards independence. Most of the area between the two large river systems is the Brazos River alluvial floodplain valley bisected by the San Bernard River and other streams. These waterways flow into extensive estuarine marsh systems and provide active deltaic forming processes and associated bays and estuarine habitats. The alluvial valley has a mix of extremely wet bottomland forests, mesic hardwood forests, and Austin’s Woods and Prairies ecosystems in Texas(USFWS/Woody Woodrow) expansive segments of Coastal Prairie and its associated wetlands. The Examples of high priority conservation forests represent the western extent actions in this focal area include: of the southeastern deciduous forest. Barrier island habitat is represented n Support water-sharing efforts that by Matagorda along West account for the needs of people and Matagorda Bay. their natural resources, including These suites of habitats are commercially significant fisheries and internationally renowned for their culturally important species like the diversity and abundance of bird species whooping crane. throughout the year. Significant to the region are the Big Boggy, San Bernard, n Coastal Bend Manage exotic species, reintroduce Brazoria, and Attwater’s Prairie Chicken The Texas Coastal Bend turns slowly native plants, restore natural drainage National Wildlife Refuges. Several Texas toward the east and from the Nueces to features and use frequent prescribed state parks, including Galveston Island the River includes the Aransas, fire to restore grassland savannahs and Brazos Bend State Parks, and state San Antonio, Guadalupe, Lavaca Navidad and prairies on former farmland and wildlife management areas such as Rivers and their associated estuaries; working ranchlands. These efforts Nannie Stringfellow and Justin Hurst Corpus Christi, Aransas, San Antonio, will benefit species like the Attwater’s Wildlife Management Areas, provide Espiritu Santo, and Matagorda Bays. prairie chicken, game species like the significant recreational opportunities. Associated barrier islands include bobwhite quail and Eastern Mustang, St. Joseph, and Matagorda as well as grassland-dependent Examples of high priority conservation Island, and Matagorda Peninsula. species that are in decline such as the actions in this focal area include: LeConte’s sparrow. The habitats associated with the Coastal n Protect critical bottomland habitat Bend Ecosystem include the barrier n Create a conservation network of lands which represents significant stopover island complexes, estuarine lagoons with through conservation easements or destinations and staging areas for submerged seagrass beds, sand flats and acquisition of grassland savannah and millions of songbirds and landbirds marshes. The mainland habitats have prairies, woodlands, and riparian areas. during their migration across the Gulf important marshes and small estuarine of Mexico. embayments, riparian woodlands, oak Austin’s and brush savannahs and some of the Woods and n Restore coastal prairie in its historic last remaining coastal tall grass prairies. upland and wetland complex on former Anchors for conservation include the Prairies rice cultivation fields to support Aransas and Matagorda Island National Austin’s Woods pollinators, grassland and wetland Wildlife Refuges, as well as Texas State and Prairies dependent species like the mottled duck Parks and Wildlife Management Areas, ecosystem lies bobwhite quail, as well as wintering and private conservation lands such as between the waterfowl, waterbirds and shorebirds. Mad Island Preserve and Rob and Bessie Colorado and n Reconnect hydrology and watershed Welder Wildlife Foundation. Brazos Rivers and was the diversions to restore and enhance historic area wetlands and aquatic habitats to settled by enhance fisheries and habitat for colonists led by Stephen F. Austin prior wetland dependent species. 13 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Black skimmers in a shipping near Galveston Island, Texas (USFWS/Woody Woodrow) Chenier The estuarine marshes are extremely Examples of high priority conservation productive nurseries for recreational actions in this focal area include: Plain and commercial Gulf fisheries. This The tremendous productivity is especially n Restore hydrologic processes including Chenier important to wintering and resident watersheds and diversions (e.g., Plain waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebird Salt Bayou Project) to restore and stretches species. The area supports species such enhance wetlands and aquatic habitats from as mink, otter, and muskrat. The natural to enhance fisheries and habitat for Galveston geomorphic processes associated with wetland dependent species. Bay this ecosystem have been severely watershed in Texas to the Deltaic Plain affected by enhanced land surface of the Mississippi River in Louisiana. The n Restore landscapes and interrupted drainage, altered sediment budgets sedimentary processes by ecosystem is a result of historic discharge associated with erosion and diversion, of from the multiple river incorporating beneficial use of dredged subsidence, and altered material, direct dredging, and erosion systems creating interdunal swales and hydrology primarily from navigation low ridges that support an expansive mix protection on public and willing private channels. Foundations for conservation lands. of emergent wetlands and submerged in the ecosystems are the Trinity River aquatic vegetation that grade from fresh National Wildlife Refuge, Texas Chenier to salt water vegetation communities. n Conserve coastal prairie landscapes Plain and Southwest Louisiana National by recovering historic wetland Higher ridges contain stretches of coastal Wildlife Refuge Complexes, and several prairie and coastal oak mottes. Associated and mima mound complexes and state park and wildlife management re-introducing native prairie species with major rivers of the Trinity, Neches, areas. Sabine, and Calcasieu and coastal bayous on former agricultural (rice) lands to are swamps, riparian and bottomland support pollinators, grassland and forested habitats. Coastal prairie once wetland dependent species like the dominated the regions between the mottled duck, bobwhite quail, and forested riparian areas. Bolivar Peninsula wintering waterfowl, waterbirds and is the only remnant barrier island present shorebirds. and supports one of the top birding destinations in the world. Significant populations of waterfowl and shorebird species use the Chenier Plain ecosystem.

Barrier Island Monarch butterflies (USFWS/Woody Woodrow) 14 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Mississippi River Delta, Coastal Wetlands and Barrier Islands The Mississippi River Delta, along with its coastal wetlands and barrier islands, is Female brown pelican being rinsed following extensive cleaning at the Theodore Oiled Bird one of the most productive and vulnerable Rehabilitation Center in Alabama (USFWS/Tom MacKenzie) regions of the Gulf Coast. This vast natural asset supports thriving shipping, energy, seafood and recreation industries, Chandeleur Islands to provide nesting with freshwater marshes transitioning while providing extensive coastal habitats habitat for brown pelicans and other to brackish and saline in the lower for more than 400 bird species. The area colonial waterbirds, and to protect distributary area and . The also supports a diverse assemblage of back barrier tidal flats to promote Service’s efforts will focus on habitat mammals, reptiles, amphibians, finfish establishment and growth of seagrass connectivity through the Atchafalaya and shellfish. However, this engine of beds. River system, restoring hydrology within economic and ecologic productivity is the floodplain, and conserving habitat threatened by the staggering annual n Reconnect hydrology and river for resident and migratory wildlife – all losses of coastal wetlands. River , diversions into sediment-starved areas of which will support resiliency of the navigation channels, and dams of the Mississippi River bird’s foot delta ecosystem and the region’s endemic have limited the river system’s ability to to restore and enhance marsh habitat. culture. distribute sediments at a rate to balance Examples of high priority conservation natural erosion. Unless restoration n Restore marsh and submerged aquatic actions in this landscape include: actions are taken, the coastal wetlands vegetation within coastal bay and wetland systems through terracing and barrier islands of the Mississippi n Protect and restore bottomland and placement of dedicated dredge River delta will continue to erode and hardwood forests for increased habitat sediment. vanish at an even more alarming rate. buffer and connectivity to benefit the threatened Louisiana black bear and Protecting and restoring this highly other species, and to provide habitat productive and important ecosystem will for wading birds, neotropical migratory help sustain fish and wildlife populations songbirds and waterfowl. locally and throughout their range, and will support coastal economies. n Restore water quality within The Service will focus on restoring and the Atchafalaya River basin by protecting critical bird nesting and implementing land management migratory habitat, estuarine systems and practices that slow run-off, filter barrier islands that improve ecosystem sediment, increase submerged aquatic function and also provide incidental vegetation, and reduce pesticides from benefits such as flood attenuation and Atchafalaya River Basin entering water. storm damage risk reduction. The The Atchafalaya River in south-central n Restore and enhance all habitats within Service’s efforts will be complementary Louisiana carries approximately 30% of to state coastal restoration planning. the Atchafalaya River basin with Mississippi River flows, serves as a major strategic use of frequent prescribed fire floodway for Mississippi river floodwaters, and the control of exotic plant species. Examples of high priority conservation and hosts the largest contiguous actions in this focal area include: freshwater swamp in the United States. Habitats are predominantly bottomland n Restore barrier island habitat on the hardwoods and cypress-tupelo swamp, 15 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Mississippi MAV’s alluvium-rich habitats, making on the unprotected side of the mainline it one of the nation’s most species rich Mississippi River levees, within the public Alluvial bird migration corridors. Additionally, land estate (e.g., national wildlife refuges Valley the MAV hosts over 5 million ducks and and state wildlife management areas), or The geese during fall and winter, making it under permanent easement protection Mississippi one of the most important regions for through the Wetland Reserve Program Alluvial wintering waterfowl in North America. or conservation NGOs. Alongside the Valley (MAV) In spring and summer, hardwood widespread deforestation came severe historically forests of the valley support significant hydrological alterations through the was the largest populations of forest-nesting birds construction of canals, ditches, levees, forested such as swallow-tailed kite, northern and other structural augmentations wetland parula, cerulean warbler, swainson’s to the Mississippi River and its major ecosystem warbler, and prothonotary warbler. tributaries. The sum of deforestation and in North America. This 22 million acre These same forests are home to the hydrological alterations has negatively floodplain extends from the confluence of federally threatened Louisiana black impacted both wildlife habitat quantity/ the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers at , bear. The MAV’s aquatic habitats quality and contributes to downstream Illinois, to the northern Gulf of Mexico, support numerous species of concern, water quality problems (both nutrient with a encompassing notably the pallid sturgeon, Interior and sediment) manifested most notably 41% of the conterminous U.S. This least tern, and fat pocketbook mussel along the Gulf Coast. topographically complex floodplain – all federally endangered. Numerous features a mosaic of ridges, swales, other species found here are at-risk, Examples of high priority conservation belts and backswamps that which means they are state-protected, actions for this focal area include: supports a diverse and ecologically rich Species of Greatest Conservation Need, forested wetland ecosystem – one of the are candidates for federal protection, or n Permanently conserve and restore most productive in North America. have been petitioned for listing under the large patches of hardwood forest Endangered Species Act. through voluntary conservation Positioned in the center of the Mississippi easements and fee title acquisition. Flyway, the MAV is a key spring and The rich alluvial soils of the historic fall migration conduit for a vast array forested floodplain have attracted n Restore natural hydrology via re- of migratory bird species utilizing Gulf agricultural development since earliest meandering streams, removing artificial Coastal habitats during winter. Sparrows, settlement, such that by the early 1990’s impediments to natural flow, restoring warblers, sandpipers, terns, and ducks more than 80% of the forest was lost. ridge and swale topography, etc. all fuel their migrations through the Today most of the extant forest occurs

Coastal restoration project in West Galveston Bay, Texas (USFWS/Woody Woodrow) 16 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Brown pelican and Royal terns nesting on Breton National Wildlife Refuge off the coast of Lousiana (USFWS/Greg Thompson) n Enhance wildlife habitat values and However, many of these habitats continue Panhandle Beaches water quality on agricultural and other to degrade. For example, the distribution The beaches and barrier islands along working lands through provision of of submerged aquatic vegetation has Alabama and Florida’s panhandle are improved water management capability, declined dramatically in coastal Alabama some of the most pristine, natural installation of filter strips and buffers, over the last 60 years; wetland loss in areas found along the Gulf coast, and other appropriate conservation Alabama over the last four decades has providing important habitat for many measures. been four times the national average of endangered and threatened species. loss, and less than five percent of the Piping plovers from the Atlantic coast original acreage of pine savannah habitat and Great Lakes regions spend their remains in the Atlantic/Gulf Coastal winters along the Gulf coast, beach mice Plain. Additionally, low water sills and burrow in the dunes, and sea turtles nest weirs as well as other impediments to in this dynamic environment that also natural flows are scattered throughout functions as a barrier to protect inland the northern Gulf coast. Most of these areas from the effects of tropical storms. structures currently block access to upstream habitat that historically provided spawning and summer refuge areas for the endangered Gulf sturgeon, striped bass, and as many as 15 other Northern Gulf Coast species of fish. Although a smaller area of the northern Gulf coast, Mississippi and Alabama Examples of high priority conservation contribute significantly to the Gulf actions in this focal area include: system. The Mobile Bay watershed covers approximately 65% of the state n of Alabama and portions of Mississippi, Continue to develop coastal Strategic Georgia, and Tennessee. It is the sixth Habitat Units of longleaf pine, estuarine largest watershed in the U.S. and has marsh/tidal open water, and beach the fourth largest freshwater inflow to and dune habitats, and then pursue the Gulf of Mexico. Habitats critical to conservation actions in those areas. sustain species diversity along the coast include beaches and dunes, oyster reefs, n Remove impediments and integrate submerged aquatic vegetation, intertidal bypass structures to improve fisheries marshes and flats, freshwater wetlands, access. maritime forests, pine savannahs, and longleaf pine forests. These systems n Pursue voluntary land acquisition also provide a crucial buffer for tropical as well as implement and sustain storms, flood protection, erosion control, funding for large-scale and long-term ground water exchange, and recreation comprehensive habitat management opportunities for thousands of people. programs. Work with other partners and private landowners to achieve large-scale connectivity of suitable habitats for species such as the Mississippi sandhill crane, gopher Fiddler crabs and mangrove trees on tortoise, Henslow’s sparrow, yellow rail, Florida’s Gulf Coast and pitcher plant bogs. (USFWS/Melody Ray-Culp) 17 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge preserves the largest contiguous tracts of remaining habitat for the Alabama beach mouse. The beaches provide important breeding, wintering and migratory habitat for shorebirds and contain invertebrates, mollusks, and other prey Kayakers in the Florida Panhandle (USFWS/Melody Ray-Culp) important for their survival. Continued population growth is This area is a popular tourist destination, projected, which means we must take renowned for white sand beaches and action now to improve the quality of a clear, low-energy coastline. Human water entering the rivers, bays and disturbance and habitat destruction estuaries with planning, retrofitting and tops the list of threats to these beach connecting conservation lands together areas. Along much of the northern Gulf at a landscape level. Therefore, the coast, dunes have nearly disappeared Service will pursue, through voluntary as an intact, naturally functioning agreements, priority land conservation ecosystem. While strips of frontal dunes actions that complement existing and patches of coastal scrub can be conservation lands and buffer key found in many areas of Alabama and Panhandle Lands watersheds along the Florida Panhandle. the Florida panhandle, these remnants The Florida Panhandle stretches about 200 miles from west to east and makes up of an ecosystem lost are disconnected Examples of high priority conservation Florida’s northern connection to the Gulf from each other and cease to carry on actions in this landscape include: the interdependent relationship of sand of Mexico. This area is recognized as one migration, saltwater inundation, and of the country’s most important areas of biological diversity. The hardwood forests n Improve water quality and quantity for natural fertilization that once defined the endangered gulf sturgeon, oysters, this landscape. Disturbance to wildlife that occur in riverine and low hammocks contain a large number of seagrass beds, fisheries and migratory that inhabit the beaches and barrier birds. island habitats of the northern Gulf species per acre and are among the most coast is a significant concern. Efforts to diverse forests in the United States. n Target voluntary land conservation to reduce disturbance and restore the dune protect key estuaries that also buffer ecosystem should be prioritized. The area is rich in springs, subterranean streams, and surface rivers including the military lands and provide improved Apalachicola, Ochlockonee, St. Marks, water quality in places such as Tyndall Examples of high priority conservation and Eglin Air Force Bases and the actions in this focal area include: and Suwannee that are critical to the health of the Gulf with respect to water St. Vincent and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuges. n Reduce disturbance in important quality and quantity delivered. The area off- of the St. Marks River south shorebird and sea turtle nesting areas n Work with existing partnerships to during peak seasons (e.g., implement to the mouth of the Suwannee River contains one of the largest and most restore priority habitats such as longleaf beachfront lighting programs and pine, in order to enhance and maintain control exotic and nuisance wildlife to pristine seagrass beds in North America - an extremely productive fishery. flood plain functions, thereby increasing reduce nest predation). water quality and quantity. n Work with landowners to acquire, We are at a critical time in which protect and conserve beach and dune voluntary land acquisitions or easements habitat important for nesting sea for conservation are needed and are a turtles and the Alabama beach mouse top priority. The once sparsely populated through voluntary agreements. agricultural area is now a popular tourist destination and home to several large n Work with state and local governments military installations (i.e. Eglin and to minimize detrimental impacts of Tyndall Air Force Bases, Pensacola Naval beach management activities (i.e., Air Station). Out-of-date wastewater nourishment and wrack removal). infrastructure and stormwater delivery need attention.

18 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The Apalachicola River accounts for 35 percent of the total freshwater runoff from Florida’s west coast. The river plays an integral role in the ecology of Apalachicola Bay. This estuary serves as the interface between the freshwater uplands and the Gulf of Mexico. Roseate spoonbill Four barrier islands bound the Bay: St. (Tampa Bay Coastal Program) Vincent Island, St. George Island, Apalachicola River Watershed St. George Island, and Dog Island. It is Examples of high priority conservation The Apalachicola-Chattahoochee- an exceptionally important nursery area actions in this landscape include: Flint River Watershed (ACF) begins for fish and shellfish in the Gulf of Mexico in Georgia and flows into the Gulf of and a major foraging area for offshore n Improve water quality and quantity in Mexico in Apalachicola Bay. The ACF fish species. It is also a major stopping the Apalachicola River watershed for Basin drains an area of approximately point and foraging area for migratory the endangered gulf sturgeon, oysters, 19,500 square miles. The ACF watershed birds. seagrass beds, fisheries and migratory contains nationally significant forests birds. (bottomland hardwoods, longleaf pine For many years, the bay has supported and flatwoods), with some of the highest the largest oyster-harvesting industry in n Work with partners to identify biological diversity east of the Mississippi Florida, as well as extensive shrimping, important conservation opportunities River. The watershed has the greatest crabbing, and commercial fishing. to protect water quality through the number of freshwater fish species in acquisition of permanent conservation Florida, with 86 species identified. It also The principal threats to the Apalachicola easements and/or fee title lands in provides habitat for 315 bird species and River and Bay come from water storage vulnerable watershed areas such as the 52 mammalian species, many of which are and withdrawals. Apalachicola Bay’s Flint River, especially Spring Creek. threatened or endangered, such as the biological productivity is strongly piping plover, wood stork, West Indian influenced by the amount, timing, and n Restore resilience to pine communities manatee, several species of beach mice, duration of the freshwater inflow from the by protecting the watershed with and more than 10 species of freshwater Apalachicola River. strategic use of frequent prescribed fire mussels. and the control of exotic species.

Big Bend Watershed The Big Bend of Florida in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico loosely extends from the Apalachicola River south to the Suwannee River, encompassing the area from the Waccassassa Bay to River. This region is primarily defined by water: surface water, ground water, and rivers that transition into estuaries and eventually the salt waters of the Gulf of West Indian manatees (David Schrichte) Mexico. 19 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The natural hydrologic processes such as oyster bars associated with the Big Bend landscape and seagrass meadows, recreational have been severely affected by and other commercial fisheries, development in the upper and middle aquaculture, and habitat for wetland- watershed with enhanced land surface dependent species. Canoer with redfish drainage, surface water diversion, (USFWS/Woody Woodrow) increased groundwater pumping, out- n Restore water quality within the basin of-basin water transfers, increased by working with private landowners to agricultural industry usage, land implement land management practices subsidence, sea level rise, and altered that slow run-off, filter sediment, hydrology primarily from the lack of both increase submerged aquatic vegetation, Fishing on a national wildife refuge ground and surface water flows. Due to and reduce pesticides and nutrients (USFWS/Steve Hillebrand) increased water flows over the last 20 from entering the water. years, some of the springs have stopped Water-defined habitats include the karst flowing and those that were once crystal geology, bottomland hardwood swamps, clear are now choked with algae, their numerous slow meandering rivers, clear blue waters now green and murky saltwater marshes, tidal flats, extensive due to eutrophication. oyster bars, and nearshore seagrass meadows. This part of Florida is also Examples of high priority conservation home to the largest and most impressive actions in this focal area include: array of freshwater springs on the planet. The Kings Bay springs attracts up to n Work closely with willing private 600 manatees every winter, making it landowners to conserve working the largest gathering of manatees in the landscapes for present and future world. Southwest Florida generations to ensure economic Southwest Florida contributes the sustainability through the protection second largest input of freshwater The coastal marsh habitats and tidal and conservation of ecosystem services flats along this part of the Gulf coast into the Gulf of Mexico and can be that support local economies, lifestyles, divided into two major watersheds in are a paradise for shorebirds and fish. and cultures. Additionally, there is an unusual diversity the Greater Everglades ecosystem, of floodplain hardwoods, cypress-lined the Caloosahatchee Basin and the Big n Restore the watershed’s hydrologic Cypress Basin. The Caloosahatchee is sloughs, cabbage palm and cedar islands, processes through increased water cypress domes, hydric, mesic, and xeric dominated by the water flows from Lake quantity by addressing withdrawals Okeechobee and several small tributaries hardwood hammocks, scrub, and low pine and diversions. The goal is to restore flatwoods. The importance of this area originating from the Corkscrew and enhance springs, rivers, wetlands, swamp draining to the estuary and is evidenced by the long list of fish and and estuarine habitats and enhance wildlife species that inhabit the Big Bend Gulf of Mexico. The Big Cypress basin area at some point in their life cycle. is characterized by large expansive cypress strands, hydric pine flatwoods, In addition to the manatee, the federally and wet prairie habitats where water listed species found here include wood flows across the landscape and into the storks, swallow-tailed kites, the largest estuary and Gulf of Mexico. The third remaining population of spawning Gulf major watershed in southwest Florida sturgeon, and all five species of sea is the Peace – Myakka basin, which like turtles found in the Gulf of Mexico. Other the Caloosahatchee basin, drains into inhabitants include wintering populations the Charlotte Harbor estuary and is of many waterfowl species, and at least also characterized by cypress, pine, and half of the winter population of the prairie habitats. The coast of Southwest American oystercatcher. This region is Florida is dominated by an extensive also the only known habitat for federally estuarine system that includes sea grass endangered Florida saltmarsh vole, the meadows, mangrove forests, tropical co-occurring extremely rare Florida Gulf hardwood , salt marshes, Coast mink, and many other priority mudflats and beach and dune habitats. species tied to estuarine habitats. Bird watchers (USFWS/Woody Woodrow) 20 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

landscape has facilitated unabated more than 99.9 percent of grassland drainage and diminished the natural habitat, altering the hydrology of the water delivery and sheet flow that once entire system. On the Upper Mississippi characterized the hydrology of the region. alone, 66 percent of the river floodplain Furthermore, these ditches increased is isolated by agricultural levees. The sediment and nutrient loading from amount of seasonal habitat available drainage projects server to negatively for species in the floodplains has been affect water quality in the estuaries of drastically reduced. Southwest Florida and Gulf of Mexico. With the predominance of agriculture Examples of high priority conservation in the basin, elevated nutrient loads in actions in this focal area are to: the forms of nitrogen and phosphorous are discharged to the Gulf of Mexico, n Complete key projects in the reducing the productivity of the seafood Comprehensive Everglades Restoration harvests along the Gulf coast. Plan such as the C-43 and Tamiami Trail projects to improve freshwater inflows According to the U.S. Geological Survey, from the Caloosahatchee River. more than 43 percent of total nitrogen entering the Gulf of Mexico originates n Restore hydrologic processes including above Cairo, Illinois, and the two states watersheds and diversions such as the yielding the highest nitrogen are Illinois Barron River and Lucky Lake and Iowa. Strand to restore and enhance wetlands and aquatic habitats for wetland- Examples of high priority actions in this dependent species. In some cases this focal area are to: Shrimp boat in the Gulf of Mexico will require acquisition through fee title (USFWS/Woody Woodrow) or easements of properties to facilitate n Work in targeted watersheds with the restoration actions. farmers and other private landowners The watersheds and estuaries of these to restore native grasses and prairie basins support many threatened and n Continue to work with partners to hydrology to reverse declines in endangered species, including the Florida restore habitat for the endangered grassland birds such as Henslow’s panther, West Indian manatee, small Florida panther and Florida grasshopper sparrow, and reduce the amount of tooth sawfish, American crocodile, all five sparrow by using frequent prescribed nutrients transported to the mainstem Gulf sea turtles, Everglades snail kite, fire and invasive species control. Mississippi River. wood stork, Audubon’s crested caracara, Florida grasshopper sparrow, Florida n Focus on acquiring interests directed scrub-jay, piping plover, and red-cockaded at priority conservation targets, with woodpecker. These rich and productive positive impacts within and outside habitats also support colonial nesting refuge boundaries, including the waterbirds such as reddish egret and proposed Grand Kankakee Marsh roseate spoonbill and mangrove forest National Wildlife Refuge and additions birds such as the mangrove cuckoo, to Neal Smith National Wildlife black-whiskered vireo, and the Florida Refuge. These conservation lands prairie warbler. The region is also a would provide a complex of wetland, key migratory route for and wet prairie, and prairie habitats, while beach foraging and nesting shorebirds reducing nutrient loss to the Illinois especially the snowy plover, and red knot. and Mississippi Rivers. Through the Comprehensive Everglades Upper Mississippi n Collaborate with the EPA, the State Restoration Plan and the Southwest of Missouri, the Army Corps and Florida Watershed Plan, the Service has River Watershed Much of the Mississippi River local interests in the St. Johns Bayou worked with state and federal partners Basin and New Madrid Floodway on water quality, quantity, timing and watershed lies in what was once the Eastern tallgrass prairie. Conversion to to appropriately balance flood risk distribution. Extensive ditching to reduction and maintenance of floodplain enhance the agricultural values of the agriculture, along with drainage of prairie and floodplain wetlands, has eliminated ecosystem services. 21 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

songbirds. The PPR portion of the Dakotas alone contains more than 19 million acres of grassland, including millions of temporary, seasonal and permanent wetlands. This area is called the “duck factory” because it is the most productive area for nesting waterfowl on the continent. One species with a strong connection to both Gulf Coast and PPR habitats is Rainwater Basin the redhead duck. Approximately one Nebraska’s Rainwater Basin is in the million redheads, or 80 percent of the Upper Mississippi Watershed and lies world’s population, winter in the Laguna at the narrowest portion of the Central Madre area of the Gulf Coast, which is Flyway bird migration route. It is unique also one of the Service’s 16 focal areas for Prairie Pothole ecosystem both physiographically and ecologically. Gulf restoration. The remaining intact (USFWS/Heather Johnson ) Covering approximately 6,100 square grasslands and wetlands in the PPR host miles, the area supports more than 8.6 some of the largest breeding populations million waterfowl during migration from Examples of high priority conservation of redheads in North America. Many the Gulf coast to their breeding grounds. actions in this focal area include: other bird species that nest in the PPR This includes 30 percent of the continental n Focus conservation delivery on habitat also have a strong connection to the Gulf. population of pintails, 50 percent of the restoration to support migrating birds, These include priority species that are mid-continent population of mallards and, enhancement and protection for state listed in the PPR, federally listed, and 90 percent of the mid-continent the whooping crane, least tern and and/or are on Gulf state wildlife action population of white-fronted geese. The piping plover. plans and include piping plover, northern Rainwater Basin also provides habitat for harrier, marbled godwit, least sandpiper, an estimated 250,000 shorebirds. n Work with willing landowners to upland sandpiper, Nelson’s (sharp-tailed) target land acquisition and easement sparrow and LeConte’s sparrow. Primary species wintering or migrating opportunities, prioritizing those through the Gulf coast and Rainwater opportunities in high priority habitat Within the PPR of the U.S., grassland Basin include American golden-plover, for whooping crane, least tern, and loss rates exceed wetland loss rates by a buff-breasted sandpiper, white-rumped piping plover. magnitude of 2.5-8 times. Grassland and sandpiper, Baird’s sandpiper, lesser wetland loss rates exceed protection rates yellowlegs, and long-billed dowitcher. n Engage partners in river management each year. Our goal is to work with key While in the Rainwater Basin, these and regulation decision-making to partners, including private landowners, birds acquire important lipid reserves ensure continued availability of critical to restore, enhance and protect grassland necessary to continue migration and and island habitat along the and wetland habitats. initiate nesting on the breeding grounds. Central Platte. The seasonal wetlands and mixed grass Examples of high priority conservation prairie of the Central Platte River and actions in this focal area include: Rainwater Basin are also critical stopover n Restore and enhance grassland and habitat for the federally endangered wetland habitats in areas identified whooping crane. as important for the recovery of high priority fish and wildlife species. Approximately 99 percent of the Rainwater Basin landscape is privately n Use existing maps and models owned, making the publicly-owned developed by the Service’s Habitat and wetlands and associated grasslands an Population Evaluation Team to track oasis in this highly agriculture landscape. the positive biological outcomes realized Habitat restoration activities in this Prairie Potholes by the conservation actions funded. region have positively enhanced the Within the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), migration stopover opportunities on both millions of acres of native prairie and n Use a recently developed decision public and private lands for the millions imbedded pothole wetlands provide support tool to facilitate strategic of wetland dependent species migrating habitat for suites of migratory waterfowl, habitat conservation of grassland and through this area. shorebirds, waterbirds and neotropical wetland habitats for breeding redheads. 22 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Next Steps

This Vision is the Service’s initial assessment of the most important conservation strategies necessary to achieve a healthy Gulf of Mexico watershed capable of sustaining abundant fish and wildlife resources and prosperous communities for future generations. In order to achieve this vision, we must adhere to the basic tenet of the Service’s mission: working with others.

We have been working closely with the States and other federal agencies for years in the Gulf watershed, and we will continue to reach out to our federal, state and private partners in the Gulf watershed to collaborate on ways to effectively achieve shared restoration goals and priorities and to complement each other’s work. Our planning efforts will focus on Gulf-wide restoration, leveraging individual actions that ultimately complement each other and add up to landscape-level conservation. We will dedicate staff and resources to implementing and refining this Vision based on input from our conservation partners.

A more detailed document – A Blueprint – that recommends specific steps for accomplishing what we hope will be common and agreed-upon objectives shared by the many partners engaged and committed to restoring the Gulf of Mexico and its watershed will be available later in 2013.

Back cover: Maritime forest habitat on The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge protects the critically Sand Bayou Unit, Bon Secour NWR endangered cranes and their endangered habitat, the wet pine savanna (USFWS/Jereme Phillips) (USFWS/Scott Hereford). Inset: Mississippi Sandhill Crane (USFWS) 23 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

USFWS Gulf Restoration Linda Walker (Team Lead) DOI Senior Advisor for Gulf Restoration phone: 904/302 3923 e-mail: [email protected] 7915 Baymeadows Way, Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Chris Pease DOI Gulf Coast Restoration Biologist phone: 985/882 2033 e-mail: [email protected] 61389 Highway 434 Lacombe, LA 70445 Debbie DeVore Gulf Coast Restoration Program Manager (R-4) phone: 228/475 0765 x 104 e-mail: [email protected] 6005 Bayou Heron Road Moss Point, MS 39562 Woody Woodrow Fish and Wildlife Biologist phone: 281/286 8282 e-mail: [email protected] 17629 El Camino Real #211 Houston, TX 77058 Robert (Bob) Clevenstine Fish and Wildlife Biologist phone: 309/757 5800 x205 e-mail: [email protected] 1511-47th Avenue Moline, IL 61265 Clint Riley Assistant Regional Director for Migratory Birds phone: 303/236 5231 e-mail: [email protected] 134 Union Boulevard Denver, CO 80228

DOI Deepwater Horizon NRDAR Case Nanciann Regalado Media/Public Outreach Coordinator Mobile: 678/296 6805 e-mail: [email protected] DWH NRDAR Case Management Office 1875 Century Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30345 http://www.fws.gov/gulfrestoration/ June 2013 24