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Administrator that the fireworks have the certification report identifier that is (c) Hazard Communication. been classed, approved, and assigned an traceable to the specific manufacturer Following the certification of each EX number. Each application must be and firework device transported). Division 1.4G consumer firework as complete and include all relevant (4) The manufacturer’s application permitted by paragraph (a) of this background data and copies of all must be complete and include relevant section, each package containing a applicable drawings, test results, and background data, copies of all Division 1.4G consumer firework must any other pertinent information on each applicable drawings, test results, and be marked and labeled in accordance device for which approval is being any other pertinent information on each with subpart D and E of part 172. requested. The manufacturer must sign device for which certification is being * * * * * the application and certify that the requested. The manufacturer must sign Issued in Washington, DC, on August 24, device for which approval is requested the application and certify that the device for which certification is 2012, under authority delegated in 49 CFR conforms to APA Standard 87–1, that part 106. requested conforms to APA Standard the descriptions and technical Magdy El-Sibaie, information contained in the 87–1, that the descriptions and Associate Administrator for Hazardous application are complete and accurate, technical information contained in the application are complete and accurate, Materials Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous and that no duplicate application has Materials Safety Administration. and that no duplicate applications have been submitted to a DOT-approved [FR Doc. 2012–21360 Filed 8–29–12; 8:45 am] fireworks certification agency. If the been submitted to PHMSA. If the BILLING CODE 4910–60–P application is denied, the manufacturer application is denied, the DOT- will be notified in writing of the reasons approved fireworks certification agency for the denial. The Associate must notify the manufacturer in writing DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Administrator may require that the of the reasons for the denial. Following the issuance of a denial from a DOT- fireworks be examined by an agency Fish and Wildlife Service listed in § 173.56(b)(1). approved fireworks certification agency, a manufacturer may submit the denial * * * * * 50 CFR Part 17 10. Add new section § 173.65 to read and original application to PHMSA for as follows. reconsideration in accordance with [Docket No. FWS–R6–ES–2012–0040; subpart H. 4500030113] § 173.65 Exceptions for Division 1.4G (b) Recordkeeping requirements. Consumer Fireworks. Following the certification of each Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (a) Notwithstanding the requirements Division 1.4G consumer firework as and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a of paragraphs §§ 173.56(b), 173.56(f), permitted by paragraph (a) of this Petition To List the Platte River 173.56(i), and 173.64, Division 1.4G section, the manufacturer, importer, and Caddisfly as Endangered or consumer fireworks may be offered for fireworks certification agency must Threatened maintain a record or an electronic image transportation provided the following AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, of the record demonstrating compliance conditions are met: Interior. (1) The fireworks are manufactured in with this section. This record must be ACTION: Notice of 12-month petition accordance with the applicable accessible at or through its principal finding. requirements in APA Standard 87–1 place of business and be made available, (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter); upon request, to an authorized official SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and (2) The device must pass a thermal of a Federal, State, or local government Wildlife Service (Service), announce a stability test. The test must be agency at a reasonable time and 12-month finding on a petition to list performed by maintaining the device, or location. A copy of this record must be the Platte River caddisfly (Ironoquia a representative prototype of the device retained for five years after the material plattensis) as an endangered or ° ° at a temperature of 75 C (167 F) for 48 is imported. Records complying with threatened species and to designate consecutive hours. When a device firework requirements of other Federal critical habitat under the Endangered contains more than one component, or international agencies may be used to Species Act of 1973, as amended. After those components that could be in satisfy the recordkeeping requirements review of all available scientific and physical contact with each other in the of this paragraph to the extent that such commercial information, we find that finished device must be placed in records address the recordkeeping listing the Platte River caddisfly as an contact with each other during the components specified in this section. endangered or threatened species is not thermal stability test; For Division 1.4G consumer fireworks warranted at this time. However, we ask (3) The manufacturer of the Division certified by a DOT-approved fireworks the public to submit to us any new 1.4G consumer firework applies in certification agency, the record must information that becomes available writing to a DOT-approved fireworks include: concerning the threats to the Platte certification agency, and is notified in (1) The FX number of the entity that River caddisfly or its habitat at any time. writing by the fireworks certification certified that the firework device DATES: The finding announced in this complies with APA Standard 87–1, agency that the firework has been: document was made on August 30, (i) Evaluated, and examined, as including a certification report identifier 2012. required, for a Division 1.4G consumer that is traceable to the manufacturer and firework; specific firework device transported; ADDRESSES: This finding is available on (ii) Certified that it complies with (2) A copy of the approval application the Internet at http:// APA Standard 87–1, and meets the submitted to the DOT-approved www.regulations.gov at Docket Number requirements of this section; and fireworks certification agency; and FWS–R6–ES–2012–0040. Supporting (iii) Assigned an FX number followed (3) A copy of any certification documentation we used in preparing by a corresponding certification report documentation completed by the this finding is available for public identifier (e.g., FX–XXX–YYY, where fireworks certification agency in inspection, by appointment, during XXX represents the firework accordance with the DOT-approved normal business hours at the U.S. Fish certification agency and YYY represents procedures. and Wildlife Service, Nebraska Field

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Office, Federal Building, 2nd Floor, 203 compelling evidence to support an larvae use this silk to fuse together West 2nd Street, Grand Island, NE emergency listing for any of the species organic or mineral material from the 68801. Please submit any new covered by the petition. In that letter we surrounding environment (Mackay and information, materials, comments, or also stated that we would begin to Wiggins 1979, pp. 185–186; Holzenthal questions concerning this finding to the assess the information provided in the et al. 2007, p. 644). Cases are generally above street address. petition in October 2007. thought to protect larvae by providing FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: We published a partial 90-day finding camouflage against predation or Michael D. George, Field Supervisor, for 38 of the petition’s 206 species in the resistance to crushing (Mackay and Nebraska Field Office (see ADDRESSES); Federal Register (74 FR 41649) on Wiggins 1979, p. 200; Otto and by telephone (308–382–6468, extension August 18, 2009; the Platte River Svensson 1980, p. 855). The Platte River 12); or by facsimile (308–384–8835). caddisfly was one of 29 species for caddisfly case is composed of sand mail to: Persons who use a which we found there was substantial grains and can be up to 16.0 mm (0.63 telecommunications device for the deaf information indicating that listing may in) long, while larvae can attain sizes up (TDD) may call the Federal Information be warranted under the Act. In that to 14.0 mm (0.55 in) in length (Vivian Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. document, we announced that we were 2010, pers. obs.). initiating a status review. On January Platte River caddisfly larvae have a SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 12, 2010, WildEarth Guardians filed a light brown head and thorax and a Background complaint indicating that the Service yellowish to whitish abdomen (Vivian failed to comply with the statutory 2010, pers. obs.), much like the larvae Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Endangered of Ironoquia parvula (no common name) Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) deadline to complete a 12-month finding for the Platte River caddisfly. (Flint 1958, p. 59). Larvae in the (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), requires that, Ironoquia genus can be distinguished for any petition to revise the Federal This complaint was consolidated with several others, and a multi-district from larvae in other caddisfly genera by Lists of Endangered and Threatened four morphological characteristics that Wildlife and Plants that contains settlement agreement with WildEarth Guardians was approved on September are distinguishable under a microscope substantial scientific or commercial (Flint 1958, p. 59; Wiggins 1977, p. 248). information that listing a species may be 9, 2011, which included an agreement that the Service would complete the 12- Differences in larval size (Alexander warranted, we make a finding within 12 and Whiles 2000, p. 1) and case material months of the date of receipt of the month finding for the Platte River caddisfly by the end of Fiscal Year 2012. among species have also been noted petition. In this finding, we will (Wiggins 1977, p. 248). determine that the petitioned action is: Funding for completing the 12-month (1) Not warranted, (2) warranted, or (3) finding became available in Fiscal Year Taxonomy 2011, and we began work at that time. warranted, but the immediate proposal The Platte River caddisfly was This notice constitutes the 12-month of a regulation implementing the formally described as a new species in finding on the July 24, 2007, petition to petitioned action is precluded by other the order Trichoptera (caddisflies) in list the Platte River caddisfly as an pending proposals to determine whether 2000 by Alexander and Whiles (2000, p. endangered or threatened species. species are either an endangered or 2). The Platte River caddisfly is in the threatened species, and expeditious Species Information family Limnephilidae, or the northern progress is being made to add or remove caddisflies, subfamily Dicosmoceniae, qualified species from the Federal Lists Species Description and genus Ironoquia (Wiggins 1977, p. of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife The Platte River caddisfly (Ironoquia 181; Alexander and Whiles 2000, p. 1). and Plants. Section 4(b)(3)(C) of the Act plattensis) adult is a small, brown, The caddisfly family Limnephilidae is requires that we treat a petition for moth-like insect with a body length of considered to be the most ecologically which the requested action is found to 5.5–6.5 millimeters (mm) (0.21–0.26 diverse family of Trichoptera be warranted but precluded as though inches (in)) and forewing length of 6.5– (Holzenthal et al. 2007, p. 674) and is resubmitted on the date of such finding, 8.0 mm (0.26–0.31 in) (Alexander and the largest caddisfly family in North that is, requiring a subsequent finding to Whiles 2000, p. 2). Wing membranes America, with over 900 species in more be made within 12 months. We must and veins are light or iridescent brown than 100 genera (Holzenthal et al. 2007, publish these 12-month findings in the with white spotting (Alexander and p. 674). The Limnephilidae family is Federal Register. Whiles 2000, p. 2). The Platte River dominant at higher latitudes and caddisfly has a short proboscis (tubular elevations, has the widest distribution Previous Federal Actions mouthpart used for feeding) and long of any caddisfly family, and comprises On July 30, 2007, we received a antennae, similar to other species of one-third of all Nearctic (ecozone petition dated July 24, 2007, from Forest caddisflies (Holzenthal et al. 2007, p. comprising Arctic and temperate areas Guardians (now WildEarth Guardians), 648). Platte River caddisfly adults can of North America and Greenland) requesting that 206 species in the be distinguished from those of other caddisfly species (Wiggins 1977, p. 179). Mountain-Prairie Region, including the species in the Ironoquia genus by their Caddisflies in this family may be Platte River caddisfly, be listed as an much smaller size (forewing length of collected from springs, pools, seeps, endangered or threatened species under 6.5–8.0 mm (0.26–0.31 in) in Platte marshes, bogs, fens, streams, rivers, and the Act, and critical habitat be River caddisflies contrasting with >14 lakes (Wiggins 1977, p. 179). designated. Included in the petition mm (0.55 in) in most other Ironoquia Limnephilids largely feed on larger bits were analyses, references, and species) (Alexander and Whiles 2000, p. of plant material, such as fallen leaves, documentation provided by 2). or organic materials that form atop rock NatureServe in its online database at Like several caddisfly species, Platte surfaces (Wiggins 1977, p. 179). http://www.natureserve.org/. We River caddisfly larvae construct a case The Ironoquia genus belongs to the acknowledged receipt of the petition in around the abdomen (Mackay and subfamily Dicosmoceniae, which mostly a letter to the petitioners, dated August Wiggins 1979, p. 186). All caddisflies occurs in cool, lotic (running water) 24, 2007, and stated that, based on produce silk from modified salivary environments, except for Ironoquia, preliminary review, we found no glands, and case-making caddisfly which occurs in temporary pools (Flint

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1958, p. 59; Wiggins 1977, p. 248). The 534; Goldowitz 2012, pers. comm.). This channel. Most sloughs are adjacent to genus Ironoquia is comprised of six slough had an intermittent hydroperiod the main channel, while some occur in species: the Platte River caddisfly (I. (duration of inundation) and held water areas more than 0.4 kilometers (km) plattensis), I. punctatissima (no 75–90 percent of the time or about 275– (0.25 miles (mi)) away. common name) (Walker 1852), I. 330 days out of the year (Whiles et al. Sloughs with the Platte River parvula (no common name) (Flint 1958), 1999, p. 534; Goldowitz 2004, pp. 2–3). caddisfly are typically described as I. dubia (no common name) (Stephens The area lacked trees (Whiles et al. lentic (with little to no flow) (Whiles et 1837), I. lyrata (no common name) (Ross 1999, p. 534) and was located within the al. 1999, p. 533; Alexander and Whiles 1938), and I. kaskaskia (no common largest remaining tract of native prairie 2000, p. 2). However, two sites do name) (Ross 1944), with the Platte River in the Central Platte Valley (Goldowitz contain some flow, and the caddisfly caddisfly being the most recently 2004, p. 2). appears to occur in higher densities in described (Encyclopedia of Life 2011, Intermittent wetlands, such as the areas with flowing water than in entire). All of these species except I. type locality, have been described as stagnant areas (Harner 2012, pers. dubia (Europe) occur only in North any water body that holds water for comm.). Because of their groundwater America (Williams and Williams 1975, about 8 to 10 months during the year connection, sloughs with the caddisfly p. 829; C´ uk and Vucˇkovic´ 2010, pp. 232, (Wiggins et al. 1980, p. 100); some may maintain thick ice cover on surface 234). intermittent sites may or may not waters through the winter without Ironoquia is the only genus within the completely dry in a year (Tarr and completely freezing to the bottom Dicosmoceniae subfamily that occurs in Babbitt 2007, p. 6). These wetlands (Whiles et al. 1999, p. 534; Goldowitz temporary waters (Wiggins 1977, p. differ from ephemeral wetlands (that 2004, p. 2). Slough substrata often 248). In North America, Ironoquia is hold water for a relatively short period consist of a thick layer of detritus and mostly found throughout the central and of time (e.g., 4 months)) and permanent silt overlying sand (Whiles et al. 1999, eastern portions of the United States wetlands (rarely dry) (Tarr and Babbit p. 534; Alexander and Whiles 2000, p. (Wiggins 1977, p. 248) and is most often 2007, p. 6). Intermittent wetlands dry 6). Soils in the sloughs consist of a collected from temporary pools or when the groundwater table drops mixture of loam, sand, and gravelly wetlands but can also occur in perennial below the ground surface. sand and tend to be frequently flooded waters (Flint 1958, p. 61; C´ uk and Since the Platte River caddisfly was and poorly drained (Natural Resources Vucˇkovic´ 2010, p. 234). The Platte River discovered, surveys have mostly found Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil caddisfly has been found to co-occur the caddisfly in sloughs with Survey 2009, entire). with I. punctatissima, which is a intermittent hydroperiods; however, the Because it is an inhabitant of common species on the Great Plains, but caddisfly has also been found in sloughs intermittent waters, the Platte River I. punctatissima is morphologically with permanent hydroperiods caddisfly is tolerant of large fluctuations distinct and much larger than the Platte (Goldowitz 2004, p. 5; Meyer and in water chemistry (Williams 1996, p. River caddisfly (Alexander and Whiles Whiles 2008, p. 632; Vivian 2010, p. 54; 634; Whiles et al. 1999, p. 534). Large 2000, p. 1; Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1024). Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1024). In sloughs variations in water quality (e.g., pH, The Platte River caddisfly is thought with permanent hydroperiods, the conductivity, total dissolved solids, to be most closely related to I. parvula caddisfly has been observed in lower dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and (Alexander and Whiles 2000, p. 1), numbers, which is true of other temperature) have been observed among which occurs in Ohio and the Ironoquia species, likely because of the five forested sites where the caddisfly northeastern United States (Flint 1958, presence of more predators in occurs (Vivian 2010, pp. 81, 96). p. 59; Wiggins 1977, p. 248; Swegman permanent waters (Wiggins et al. 1980, Furthermore, average conductivity and et al. 1981, p. 141; Garono and MacLean p. 148; Vivian 2010, p. 54). The pH in sloughs with the caddisfly 1988, p. 148). Platte River caddisfly caddisfly has not been observed in reported by Vivian (2010, pp. 81, 96) adults are smaller and have lighter color ephemeral wetlands (Vivian 2009, pers. differed from the average values and more pronounced spotting on the obs.). reported by Whiles et al. (1999, p. 534) wings than I. parvula (Alexander and In general, the intermittent wetlands and Geluso et al. (2011, p. 1022). The Whiles 2000, p. 2). We find that where the caddisfly occurs are found gradient of water chemistry observed Alexander and Whiles (2000, entire) along the floodplains of the Platte, between forested sloughs and the type provide the best available information Loup, and Elkhorn Rivers in central locality is likely a result of the on the taxonomy of the Platte River Nebraska (LaGrange 2004, p. 15) and are differences in habitat types, and caddisfly, and no other challenges to the shallow, linear depressions that are demonstrates that the Platte River taxonomy have been raised since the historical channel remnants of these caddisfly can withstand a broad range of Platte River caddisfly was described. river systems (Friesen et al. 2000, p. 4– water quality. Therefore, we consider the Platte River 8). The presence of water in these Vegetation in sloughs occupied by the caddisfly a valid species for listing sloughs is influenced by groundwater caddisfly is typical wetland flora, such under the Act. levels and trapped surface run-in as Typha spp. (cattails), Schoenoplectus (Friesen et al. 2000, p. 4–8). fluviatilis (river bulrush), Eleocharis Habitat Description Groundwater levels are controlled by spp. and Cyperus spp. (sedges), and The Platte River caddisfly was river stage (flows), precipitation, and Lemna spp. (duckweed); some sloughs discovered in 1997, in a warm-water evapotranspiration (Wesche et al. 1994, support nonnative, invasive vegetation, slough (backwater area or marsh that is p, iii). Platte River flows are principally including Phalaris arundinacea (reed groundwater fed) in south-central tied to snowmelt from the Rocky canarygrass), Phragmites (common Nebraska along the Platte River on Mountains and local precipitation reed), and Lythrum salicaria (purple Mormon Island (hereafter type locality), events (Simons and Associates 2000, pp. loosestrife). Plant species along slough which is land owned by the Platte River 2–5), while Loup River and Elkhorn banks and margins include woody Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust River flows are tied to the Ogallala species, such as Fraxinus pennsylvanica (hereafter Crane Trust (a conservation Aquifer (Peterson et al. 2008, p. 5). (green ash) and Populus deltoides organization)) southwest of Grand Sloughs that support the caddisfly vary (cottonwood), and grass species, such as Island, Nebraska (Whiles et al. 1999, p. in their distance to the main river Spartina pectinata (prairie cordgrass)

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and smooth brome (Bromus inermis, The Platte River caddisfly likely has a consistent adult emergence pattern in invasive). Various forbs are also present a lifecycle adapted to the intermittent the preceding 7 years and the species’ throughout the slough. Most areas wetlands found along the Platte, Loup, prior abundance at that site (Goldowitz where the Platte River caddisfly has and Elkhorn River systems (Whiles et al. 2004, p. 8). Because of its apparent been observed since it was described 1999, p. 537; Vivian 2010, pers. obs.). rarity, the caddisfly was designated a have an abundance of woody vegetation, For example, larval emigration to Tier 1 species in Nebraska as per the which contrasts with the treeless, wet adjacent mesic grassland habitat and State’s natural legacy plan (Schneider et meadow environment encountered at adult emergence were found to coincide al. 2005, p. 93). Tier 1 species are those the type locality and one other with early summer drying and fall that are at risk of extinction on a global population at the Crane Trust (Whiles et inundation of the wetlands, respectively scale or at risk of becoming extirpated al. 1999, p. 534; Vivian 2010, p. 56; (Whiles et al. 1999, pp. 537, 542). The from Nebraska (Schneider et al. 2005, p. Vivian 2011, pp. 33–35). Overall, the Platte River caddisfly is dependent 17). upon water for the egg and larval stages Platte River caddisfly is tolerant of a Current Range and Distribution range of conditions, including variations of its lifecycle, (e.g., for at least 7 to 8 in hydroperiod, water quality, and months out of the year) (Whiles et al. Through 2004, the Platte River vegetation, but thrives in intermittent 1999, pp. 537–539). caddisfly was only known from the sloughs. While most caddisflies have an Platte River (Goldowitz 2004, p. 9). entirely aquatic larval phase, all However, surveys for new Platte River Life History and Ecology Ironoquia species are known to aestivate caddisfly populations resulted in the The Platte River caddisfly lifecycle in leaf litter near the receding water line discovery of the species on the Loup was characterized by Whiles et al. during the summer months prior to and Elkhorn Rivers in Nebraska in 2009 (1999, entire). The caddisfly is pupating (Flint 1958, p. 61; Williams and 2010 (Vivian 2010, p. 50). Close univoltine (one generation per year). and Williams 1975, p. 830; Wiggins visual examination of adults and larvae at sites on the Loup and Elkhorn Rivers The adult flight period for the Platte 1977, p. 248; Johansson and Nilsson demonstrated that the species was not I. River caddisfly is between late 1994, p. 21; Whiles et al. 1999, p. 534). parvula and confirmed the presence of September and mid-October. Adults However, some aestivating Platte River the Platte River caddisfly on these first emerge around late-September and caddisfly larvae have been found to systems. However, because of the live for about 7 to 10 days, with the burrow beneath the ground surface distance between some caddisfly entire emergence period lasting 3 to 4 (Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1024). This populations on the Platte, Loup, and weeks. While active, adults oviposit (lay behavior may be a way to withstand Elkhorn Rivers, we determined there eggs) on the surface film of the water, summer drying of sloughs or to avoid was a need to identify potential genetic the eggs sink to the bottom of the desiccation, as reported for other differences for the species among sites. slough, and larvae hatch as first instars caddisflies (Mackay and Wiggins 1979, p. 187; Wiggins et al. 1980, p. 179; Genetic analyses indicated that there is (life stage between molts) sometime in Johannson and Nilsson 1994, p. 21; a low amount of gene flow among all November. Aquatic larvae overwinter in Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1024), as soil three rivers, and that a population tested the slough as first instars. In late winter, temperatures in unshaded areas can on the Elkhorn River was genetically larvae construct their case (Vivian 2010, reach 54 degrees Celsius (°C) (129 divergent, but not different, from the pers. obs.) and begin feeding and degrees Fahrenheit (°F)) in the summer populations on the Platte and Loup growing rapidly and proceed through (Vivian 2010, pers. obs.). This behavior Rivers (Cavallaro et al. 2011, p. 7). This four more instars. Between late April could protect aestivating larvae against genetic divergence appears to be a and early June, fifth (final) instars climb late spring (May-June) flows, which are product of geographic isolation as upslope from the water and aestivate characteristic of the Platte River system opposed to habitat fragmentation. (pass stressful time periods in a dormant and could scour (wash) larvae The Platte River is formed at the condition) during the summer months downstream (Simon and Associates confluence of the North Platte and when it is typically dry along the 2000, p. 8) and other disturbances South Platte Rivers in west-central adjacent slough banks (Whiles et al. characteristic of the Great Plains Nebraska, just east of North Platte, and 1999, pp. 535–536; Geluso et al. 2011, ecosystem, such as livestock grazing generally flows east until it meets the p. 1023). Platte River caddisfly larvae (Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1024). Missouri River along the eastern edge of eventually pupate (metamorphose Nebraska (Williams 1978, pp. 1–2). The between larva and adult) along slough Historical Range and Distribution North Platte River originates in the margins in the larval case. Pupation Data collection on the range of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, flows lasts about 4 weeks until adult Platte River caddisfly began in 1999, north through central Wyoming and emergence in late September. shortly after it was discovered, and then southeast into Nebraska (Williams While in its aquatic stage, the Platte continued in 2004 (Goldowitz 2004, p. 1978, p. 1); the South Platte River River caddisfly is considered a shredder 3). Surveys were conducted at 48 originates in Colorado and flows and largely feeds upon senescent (aged) locations along the Platte and Loup northeast until it meets the Platte River plant tissue (Whiles et al. 1999, pp. Rivers, and the Platte River caddisfly at North Platte, Nebraska (Simons and 542–543). As one of the few shredders was found at 9 of these sites (Goldowitz Associates 2000, p. 2). Platte River flows present in sloughs, the Platte River 2004, p. 5). These populations occupied are largely dependent upon snowmelt caddisfly plays an important role in the an approximately 100-km (60-mi) from the Rocky Mountains and local decomposition of organic matter in stretch of the central Platte River that precipitation events (Simons and these systems (Whiles et al. 1999, pp. extends from south of Gibbon, Nebraska Associates 2000, pp. 2–5). 539, 543). In its terrestrial stage, the (Kearney County), to Central City, The Loup and Elkhorn Rivers are Platte River caddisfly does not feed Nebraska (Merrick County). Surveys for tributaries of the Platte River system. (Whiles et al. 1999, p. 537), and as an the caddisfly on the Loup River were The Loup River contains several adult, the species has the ability to negative (Goldowitz 2004, p. 9). tributaries, including the North Loup, ingest liquids (Holzenthal et al. 2007, p. Monitoring efforts in 2004 did not find Middle Loup, South Loup, and Cedar 648). the caddisfly at the type locality, despite Rivers in Nebraska. The Loup River is

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formed at the confluence of the Middle In Nebraska, there is a gradient of recent survey efforts, the caddisfly is Loup and North Loup Rivers near St. precipitation from west to east. Just east now known from a 390-km (240-mi) Paul, Nebraska, and flows east until it of the Rocky Mountains in central stretch of the Platte River that runs from meets the Platte River at Columbus, Nebraska there is a predominant rain near Sutherland, Nebraska (Lincoln Nebraska, in the eastern third of the shadow effect that results in low County), to near Schuyler, Nebraska State. The Loup River drains amounts of precipitation in western (Platte County), and from the Loup and groundwater from the Sandhills and the Nebraska. Precipitation generally Elkhorn River systems (Figure 1 below). underlying Ogallala Aquifer, and its increases as one travels east towards Within this range, there is tributaries flow northwest to southeast, Nebraska’s eastern border (Simon and approximately a 155-km (93-mi) gap in while the Loup flows east or northeast Associates 2000, p. 2). the distribution of the caddisfly between until it meets the Platte River (Peterson Surveys for the Platte River caddisfly Hershey, Nebraska, and Elm Creek, et al. 2008, pp. 2–5). The Elkhorn River between 2009 and 2011 identified 35 Nebraska (Vivian 2010, p. 51). Twenty- drains wet meadows and plains in caddisfly populations out of 115 sites north-central Nebraska, and flows east- visited, including 5 of the 9 sites four surveys for the caddisfly were southeast until it meets the Platte River identified by Goldowitz (2004, entire) conducted in this gap, and the caddisfly near Omaha, Nebraska (Peterson et al. (Vivian 2010, p. 46; Geluso et al. 2011, was not found (Vivian 2010, p. 50). 2008, pp. 2–5). entire; Figure 1 below). With these

From recent survey efforts, one site Loup, Elkhorn, and Cedar Rivers that represent generations from previous near Shelton, Nebraska, is presumed contained discarded larval cases but no years (Vivian 2010, pp. 49, 55–56). extirpated (Riens and Hoback 2008, p. 1; live individuals (Vivian 2010, p. 46). Aside from the Cedar River, it appears Vivian 2010, p. 48). Also, the Platte Finding a site with a caddisfly case in that more surveys for the Platte River River caddisfly was observed at the type a slough along the Cedar River indicates caddisfly could result in the discovery locality in 2010 (Geluso et al. 2011, p. that the Platte River caddisfly is likely of additional populations on other river 1023), after not having been observed present in the basin. However, drainages in Nebraska, including the there during surveys in 2004 and 2007– observing live individuals at a site is Niobrara and Republican Rivers. More 2009 (Goldowitz 2004, p. 8; Riens and needed to confirm its presence there, survey work on the Platte, Loup, and Hoback 2008, p. 1; Vivian 2010, p. 53). because it is thought that discarded Elkhorn drainages would likely result in Survey work in 2009–2011 also larval cases degrade slowly and could the discovery of new populations on identified 13 sites along the Platte, these systems as well. Between 2009

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and 2011, satellite imagery was used to Roeding and Smock 1989, p. 152; Bunn whether the species may respond to that identify potential caddisfly habitat and Hughes 1997, pp. 343–344; Stewart factor in a way that causes actual throughout Nebraska prior to and Downing 2008, p. 145), impacts to the species. If there is conducting surveys (Vivian 2010, p. 38). observations on the numbers and exposure to a factor and the species There are additional areas of remaining density variations of Platte River responds negatively, the factor may be potential Platte River caddisfly habitat caddisfly larvae and adults are a threat and, during the status review, along Nebraska’s major river systems consistent with those reported for other we attempt to determine how significant that have yet to be surveyed (Vivian Ironoquia species (Flint 1958, p. 60; a threat it is. The threat is significant if 2011, pers. obs.). Thus, ongoing surveys Swegman et al. 1981, p. 131; MacLean it drives, or contributes to, the risk of are likely to expand the known range of and MacLean 1984, p. 56; Garono and extinction of the species such that the the Platte River caddisfly. MacLean 1988, p. 147; Gray and species warrants listing as endangered ´ ˇ ´ Population Densities Johnson 1988, p. 180; Cuk and Vuckovic or threatened as those terms are defined 2010, pp. 233–234). Therefore, the Platte in the Act. However, the identification At the type locality, the Platte River River caddisfly and Ironoquia spp., in of factors that could impact a species caddisfly was considered an abundant general, are more abundant in some negatively may not be sufficient to component of the slough ecosystem. In areas than in others. compel a finding that the species ± 1997–1998, an average of 805 194 Although population densities have warrants listing. The information must 2 larvae per square meter (m ) was been reported for over half of all known include evidence sufficient to suggest observed throughout the aquatic life Platte River caddisfly populations, there that these factors are operative threats stage of the caddisfly lifecycle, and is a lack of general information on that act on the species to the point that 2 410.67 larvae per m were present in the population trends for this species, with the species may meet the definition of aquatic environment in May 1998 the exception of a few sites, including an endangered or threatened species (Whiles et al. 1999, pp. 537, 540). the type locality, Wild Rose Slough, one under the Act. Geluso et al. (2011, p. 1022) reported a site near Shelton, Nebraska, and one site ± mean density of 553 284 Platte River near Chapman, Nebraska, where Factor A. The Present or Threatened 2 caddisfly larvae per m (n = 19) from a restoration work conducted by the Destruction, Modification, or site at the Crane Trust on Shoemaker Service in 2007 resulted in a population Curtailment of the Species’ Habitat or Island (hereafter ‘‘Wild Rose Slough’’), decline at that site. Sites with lower Range which is located about 5 km (3.2 mi) population densities may always remain Landscape-Level Changes in Hydrology upstream of the type locality. With the naturally low. Therefore, with the exception of these two sites, the Platte Reductions in groundwater levels or information available and the increase river flows as a result of water River caddisfly has been found to occur in the number of known populations, it in lower densities (Whiles et al. 1999, development can adversely impact is difficult to discern if the number of aquatic habitats and their associated pp. 539–540). Platte River caddisfly individuals and In May of 2009 and 2010, aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. populations is remaining steady, larval densities were measured at 18 Existing and future water development increasing, or decreasing. sites with a Platte River caddisfly along the Platte, Loup, and Elkhorn population on the Platte River only, and Summary of Information Pertaining to Rivers could adversely impact the Platte larval densities ranged from zero to the Five Factors River caddisfly and its habitat. Adverse 2 125.7 individuals per m (Vivian 2010, Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. section impacts could occur through the loss of p. 64). Aestivating (terrestrial life stage) 1533) and implementing regulations (50 water during critical life stages or larval densities at 12 of 13 sites sampled CFR part 424) set forth procedures for changes in hydrology that result in ranged from zero to 116 individuals per adding species to, removing species intermittent wetlands becoming too 2 m (Vivian 2010, p. 65). Day and from, or reclassifying species on the ephemeral to support the Platte River nighttime sampling found anywhere Federal Lists of Endangered and caddisfly. We examine this topic in between zero and eight adults per hour Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Under detail below. Hydroperiod can be an important of observation (Vivian 2010, pp. 65–66). section 4(a)(1) of the Act, a species may The aquatic and terrestrial larval factor in determining the composition of be determined to be an endangered or densities reported by Vivian (2010, pp. macroinvertebrate communities in threatened species based on any of the 40–41) are not directly comparable to wetlands. For instance, Whiles and following five factors: Whiles et al. (1999, p. 535), because (A) The present or threatened Goldowitz (2005, p. 466) found that different methodologies were used, and destruction, modification, or slough hydroperiod influenced a different volume of sediment was curtailment of its habitat or range; macroinvertebrate taxa diversity and sampled during the aquatic sampling (B) Overutilization for commercial, abundance, with more taxa present in period (Meyer et al. 2011, p. 110). recreational, scientific, or educational intermittent sloughs than in sloughs Meanwhile, Geluso et al. (2011, p. 1022) purposes; with more ephemeral or permanent used the same aquatic sampling method (C) Disease or predation; hydroperiods. Sloughs with intermittent as Vivian (2010, pp. 40–41) but sampled (D) The inadequacy of existing hydroperiods typically have fewer slightly earlier in 2010. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms; or predators than permanent wetlands and methods used during 2009–2010 (E) Other natural or manmade factors can offer safe refugia for various taxa if sampling were internally consistent, affecting its continued existence. they can withstand habitat drying and these results demonstrate that the In making this finding, information (Williams 1996, p. 634; Wissinger et al. caddisfly occurs in varying densities pertaining to the Platte River caddisfly 1999, p. 2103; Tarr and Babbitt 2007, p. across its range (Vivian 2010, pp. 40–41; in relation to the five factors provided 3). Sites with more permanent Harner 2012, pers. comm.). Although in section 4(a)(1) of the Act is discussed hydroperiods likely offer a more some densities reported by Vivian below. In considering what factors suitable environment for potential (2010) are low compared to what has might constitute threats to a species, we predators of the caddisfly, such as fish been reported for other caddisfly species must look beyond the exposure of the and amphibians, thereby reducing larval (Mayer and Likens 1987, p. 266; species to a particular factor to evaluate densities (Whiles and Goldowitz 2001,

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p. 1836; Whiles and Goldowitz 2005, and groundwater withdrawal for associated lateral canals to divert water pp. 468, 470). Certain permanent irrigation could adversely impact the to irrigated farmland (USBR 2011, sloughs with the Platte River caddisfly Platte River caddisfly and its habitat entire). Also, three impoundments are also appear to be more food-limited than through the loss of water during critical present along tributaries of the Loup others as these areas have less standing life stages or degradation of its habitat. River Basin (Loup Power District and vegetation (Vivian 2011, p. 18). The Since European settlement in the 1850s, HDR Engineering 2008, pp. 3–5), but the amount of available food can limit the the Platte, Loup, and Elkhorn Rivers system lacks mainstem dams. The abundance of shredder species (Roeding have all experienced some degree of Elkhorn River is generally free of and Smock 1989, p. 149), such as the water development for various impoundments and diversions Platte River caddisfly (Vivian 2011, p. purposes; the Platte River has (LaGrange 2004, p. 21; Peterson et al. 18). experienced the largest amount of 2008, p. 5). The type locality from which the modification of these systems. Starting Habitat Loss Resulting From Changes in Platte River caddisfly was described had in the mid-1800s, the tributaries of the Hydrology an intermittent hydroperiod (Whiles et Platte River were gradually developed to al. 1999, p. 536). The Platte River deliver water for irrigation via main and Dams and diversion projects are caddisfly was not found at four other lateral canals, and eventually larger known to result in changes in sloughs near the type locality during the water storage projects along the main hydrological, geophysical, and time of the life history study; these channels of the river were constructed ecological characteristics of river sloughs had hydroperiods that differed (Eschner et al. 1981, pp. 3, 5). Water systems (Simons and Associates 2000, from that of the type locality—they were development projects were p. 15; Schramm et al. 2008, pp. 237– thought to be either too ephemeral or implemented to make the region more 238). Dams and diversions dampen the permanent for the caddisfly (Whiles et suitable for agriculture, and more than natural flow regime and change the al. 1999, p. 542; Whiles and Goldowitz 7,000 canals were constructed along the hydrology of river systems, contribute to 2001, p. 1832; Whiles and Goldowitz river between 1851 and 1930 (Simons the downcutting and degradation of the 2005, p. 466). Also, the Wild Rose and Associates 2000, pp. 5–9). Over- river bed, reduce the amount of Slough site contains ephemeral, appropriation of water in the Platte sediment flowing downstream, and intermittent, and permanent reaches, Basin became an issue as early as 1876, reduce the amount of water reaching and the Platte River caddisfly has only and dams were constructed to create floodplain wetlands (Kingsford 2000, p. been observed in the intermittent more reliable supplies of water (Eschner 109; Bowen et al. 2003, p. 809). These (Vivian 2010, pers. obs.) and permanent et al. 1981, p. 10; Simons and Associates changes affect the ability of managed reaches of the slough (Geluso et al. 2000, pp. 7–8). river systems to remain in a state of 2011, p. 1022). In other parts of its Several hundred storage reservoirs dynamic equilibrium, which contributes range, the Platte River caddisfly has and six principal dams are present in to the creation and maintenance of a been found in sloughs with more the Platte River Basin, and together they diversity of habitats along a river’s permanent hydroperiods, albeit in lower impound more than 7.6 million acre-feet floodplain (Bowen et al. 2003, p. 809). numbers than in sloughs with of water for irrigation (Simons and Water development projects may intermittent hydroperiods (Vivian 2010, Associates 2000, p. 8). Each reservoir ultimately cause a river to become p. 54; Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1022). project contains several miles of disconnected from its floodplain The caddisfly occurs in higher associated canals (Simons and (Bowen et al. 2003, p. 809) and reduce densities in intermittent sloughs than in Associates 2000, p. 13). Because of dams the ability of rivers to continually sloughs with permanent hydroperiods. and diversions along the Platte Basin, inundate and create new backwater For instance, the type locality and Wild over 70 percent of the Platte River flow habitats via peak flows (Schramm et al. Rose Slough have intermittent is estimated to be diverted before it 2008, pp. 237–238). hydroperiods (Vivian 2010, pers. obs.) reaches Lexington, Nebraska (Currier et Channel Narrowing and have supported or currently support al. 1985, p. 120; Sidle et al. 1989, p. 91), the largest known larval densities of the which is about 48 km (30 mi) upstream As a result of reduced flow through Platte River caddisfly (Whiles et al. of where most Platte River caddisfly the Platte River system, the main 1999, p. 536; Vivian 2010, pers. obs.; populations along the Platte River are channel of the Platte River narrowed by Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1022). Relatively found. As a result of this development, about 65 to 80 percent between the mid- low densities of the caddisfly have been the river has been described as one of 19th century and 1969 (Williams 1978, found at other sites that have longer the most heavily managed river systems p. 8; Eschner et al. 1981, p. 45) and hydroperiods and experience less water in the United States (Simons and further narrowed by up to 25 percent level fluctuation (Vivian 2010, p. 54). Associates 2000, p. 14; LaGrange 2004, between 1970 and 1999 (Murphy et al. Thus, it is thought that sloughs with 274 15). 2004, p. 102). Channel narrowing has intermittent hydroperiods are ideal for The Loup River has also been resulted in a reduction in wetland the Platte River caddisfly. Although impacted by water development habitat along the Platte River through a intermittent wetlands represent ideal projects. The Loup Basin includes the drying of adjacent sloughs. Between Platte River caddisfly habitat, North, Middle, and South Loup Rivers, 1938 and 1982, an estimated 45.2 permanent wetlands may become and within the basin there are four percent of wet meadow habitat along the important during and following a mainstem diversion dams (U.S. Bureau central Platte River was lost (Sidle et al. drought as sites that support source of Reclamation (USBR) 2011, entire). 1989, pp. 98–99), and this corresponded populations for recolonization following The largest diversion dam, the Loup to a 53.4 percent reduction in active extended dry periods. However, Diversion Dam, diverts around 69 channel width during the same time ephemeral wetlands do not remain wet percent of the Loup River flow away period (Peake et al. 1985, entire; Sidle long enough to support the species’ from the main channel for a distance of et al. 1989, pp. 98–99). The drying of lifecycle. 35 miles in Nance and Platte Counties linear slough depressions along the river Overall, landscape-level changes in in Nebraska (Loup Power District and also facilitated the development of row hydrology that result from reservoir HDR Engineering 2008, p. 4–39). Each crops along what used to be wet construction, river channel diversions, diversion dam has several miles of bottomlands (Currier et al. 1985, p. 113).

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Many wetlands were initially converted Channel Degradation channel of the Platte River, can to cropland through wetland draining Aside from channel narrowing, contribute to the downcutting of the via ditches and land leveling (Currier et impoundments and diversions can river bed and subsequent draining of al. 1985, p. 113). Wetland losses and contribute to the downstream adjacent floodplain wetlands. For channel shrinkage data for the Loup degradation of river systems, and these instance, in 2010, surveys for the Platte River are currently unavailable; projects can have lasting impacts. River caddisfly were conducted however, wetland losses have likely Impacts to the Platte River resulting downstream of the J–2 return near occurred concurrent with the narrowing from past water development projects, Overton, Nebraska, at Dogwood Wildlife of the river channel downstream of which may affect the caddisfly, are Management Area (WMA). Within the diversion projects. ongoing. For instance, reduced sediment WMA, several linear depressions were observed, and these areas were dry but Historically, channel narrowing on loads resulting from impoundments that block the passage of sediments and showed signs of past beaver (Castor the Platte and Loup River systems canadensis) activity, indicating that the water discharges below diversion resulting from water development likely area had once supported slough habitat returns and dams are known to impact resulted in direct losses of suitable (Vivian 2010, p. 51). Given that the river systems and result in channel bed Platte River caddisfly habitat prior to depressions were dry, habitat for the degradation. The North Platte River the species’ discovery in the late-1990s. caddisfly was absent (and so was the historically provided the majority of the During recent survey efforts, the Platte species) and, therefore, it seems that the sandy sediment to the Platte River River caddisfly was not found between downcutting of the Platte River near system, but the amount of sediment Hershey and Elm Creek, Nebraska, Overton, Nebraska, has contributed to inputs to the river greatly declined with despite 24 surveys being conducted in the loss of potentially suitable caddisfly the closing of the mainstem dams on the this reach (Vivian 2010, p. 50). We do habitat at Dogwood WMA. North Platte River (Murphy et al. 2004, The effects of the J–2 return can be not know if the caddisfly ever occurred p. 101). Near Overton, Nebraska, the in this stretch of river, but it is present observed up to 29 km (18 mi) Johnson-2 (J–2) diversion return releases downstream of the return, although upstream and downstream of Hershey sediment-free water into the Platte River and Elm Creek, Nebraska, respectively these effects are most pronounced and creates localized scour and an closest to the return (Murphy et al. (Vivian 2010, p. 50), and this stretch is additional sediment imbalance. likely one of the most dewatered and 2004, p. 142). Between 1989 and 2002, As a result of impoundments and the Platte River bed depth eroded 1.8 incised (disconnect of a river from its diversion returns, less sediment flows meters (6 feet) immediately downstream floodplain as a result of a decline in into the Platte River than flows out, and of the J–2 return, and eroded 0.76-meter river bed elevation) portions of the this contributes to the erosion and a (2.5 feet) 29 km (18 mi) downstream Platte River (Murphy et al. 2004, p. 56). lowering of elevation of the river bed from the return during the same time Since the species was first described in (Murphy et al. 2004, p. 101). Erosion period (Murphy et al. 2004, p. 106). At 2000, no known population losses have may also result from a coarsening of Grand Island, Nebraska, the river bed occurred as a result of channel sediments in the river, which is a result eroded 0.27-meter (0.89-foot) between narrowing and subsequent wetland of coarser sediment being supplied from 1933 and 1995 (Murphy et al. 2004, p. drying. the South Platte River as opposed to the 113). It is anticipated that the process of Aside from the draining of adjacent fine sands that used to come from the incision as a result of the J–2 return will wetlands, channel narrowing has North Platte River (Murphy et al. 2004, continue downstream all the way to resulted in an increase in woody p. 115). Erosion results from a change in Grand Island, but it is expected to vegetation cover along the Platte River sediment size, because smaller sediment progress slowly (Murphy et al. 2004, pp. is transported downstream more quickly (Johnson 1994, entire). Downstream of 113–114). For instance, the river could than coarser sediments (Murphy et al. Kearney, Nebraska, channel narrowing incise by 0.60-meter (2 feet) from 1940 2004, p. 119). This downcutting (or continues to reduce the amount of bed elevation levels within 100 years, incision) further narrows the active active channel area, and the amount of 48 km (30 mi) downstream of the return. channel and acts to drain adjacent forest cover continues to increase However, these same impacts are floodplain wetlands (Murphy et al. expected to take 400 years to affect the (Murphy et al. 2004, p. 95), despite no 2004, p. 129). Channel incision resulting new impoundments having been area 100 km (60 mi) downstream of the from the sediment imbalance along the return (Murphy et al. 2004, p. 114), an constructed in the Platte basin since Platte River is thought to be largely 1956 (Johnson 1994, pp. 77–78). The area where seven of the 35 known Platte complete upstream of Kearney, River caddisfly populations occur. This establishment and proliferation of Nebraska, but has only slightly affected incision could further narrow the woody vegetation along the river acts to the river between Kearney and Grand central Platte River and contribute to the stabilize the river and can further Island, Nebraska, indicating that the draining of adjacent wetlands and contribute to channel narrowing trend of degradation is moving sloughs occupied by the Platte River through the trapping of sediments downstream (Murphy et al. 2004, pp. caddisfly. (Friedman et al. 1996, p. 341). 113, 129). Channel incision and It is likely that channel incision has Meanwhile, an increase in forest cover degradation resulting from the sediment contributed to a loss in available Platte is not thought to have an adverse impact imbalance in the Platte River and a River caddisfly slough habitat in the on the Platte River caddisfly, because coarsening of sediments is anticipated past and could adversely affect the most known caddisfly populations are to take decades to be fully complete remaining sloughs on the central Platte found in forested wetlands, and some (Murphy et al. 2004, pp. 128–130). River (Lexington, Nebraska to Chapman, forested sloughs support relatively high The effects of channel degradation Nebraska, where several populations of larval densities of the Platte River and its impacts on the Platte River the Platte River caddisfly occur) in the caddisfly (Vivian 2010, p. 64). It is caddisfly and its habitat can be observed future. The impacts of channel unlikely that any future increases in downstream of the J–2 return. Diversion degradation on Platte River caddisfly forest cover will adversely affect the returns, like the J–2 return, that put habitat are best demonstrated by the Platte River caddisfly. clear water directly into the main effects observed at Dogwood WMA and

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at the Crane Trust on Shoemaker and precipitation and river discharge U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Mormon Islands. Harner and Whited (Harner and Whited 2011, p. 20). 2006, p. 5–60). PRRIP also seeks to (2011, pp. 17–18; Harner 2012, pers. Although Harner and Whited (2011) offset the sediment imbalance in the comm.) demonstrated that although demonstrated an ongoing trend in river by adding sand to the central Platte there was two times more river channel degradation within the central River (DOI 2006, p. 5–55) and release discharge in the Platte River in 1999 Platte River near the Crane Trust at pulse flows to maintain present channel than in 1951, less slough habitat was Alda, Nebraska, the Platte River conditions (DOI 2006, p. 3–11). Outside available at the Crane Trust in 1999 than caddisfly is still present at the type PRRIP, some work of removing riparian was present in 1951. Between 1951 and locality and Wild Rose Slough more vegetation has already been executed by 1999, the amount of available slough than 10 years following 1999 (year of organizations such as the Nebraska habitat declined by 0.3-hectare (0.8- reference used in the study). There are Public Power District (Kinzel et al. acre) at Wild Rose Slough (which is also extant Platte River caddisfly 2006, entire). Other entities, such as the deeper and more entrenched, resulting populations upstream of the Crane Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Trust, where the effects of channel in less surface area lost) on Shoemaker (PFW), are actively restoring sloughs degradation are more pronounced, such Island and 3.6 hectares (8.8 acres), or along the central Platte River to benefit as near Elm Creek, Nebraska, where the wildlife, and these areas could about 28 percent, at the type locality on channel bed incised by 0.76-meter (2.5 eventually provide suitable habitat for Mormon Island (Harner and Whited feet) between 1989 and 2002 (Murphy et the Platte River caddisfly. Ongoing 2011, pp. 17–18). Declines in the al. 2004, p. 106). Meanwhile, the type efforts to maintain and improve current amount of slough habitat were locality and Wild Rose Slough occur conditions along the central Platte River attributed to channel incision of the more off channel than the forested should help stem the ongoing Platte River, or a drop in the sloughs adjacent to the river channel degradation of the river and reduce the groundwater table, or both, as land and may be less buffered from the amount of potential losses of slough leveling has not occurred along the effects of channel incision, because habitat throughout the Platte River stretch of the river owned by the Crane hydroperiod is known to decrease with portion of the species’ range. Trust. These results demonstrate that increasing distance from the river As mentioned previously, water even though river discharge in 1999 was channel (Whiles et al. 1999, p. 533). development on the Loup and Elkhorn greater than in 1951, more water in the Therefore, habitat loss at the Crane Rivers has not been as extensive as it Platte River does not necessarily mean Trust likely does not represent the norm has along the Platte River. While there that the floodplain will be inundated throughout the range of the Platte River are diversions in place along the Loup enough by elevated groundwater to caddisfly. River, these diversions have not resulted support sloughs where the Platte River If left unchecked, future channel in extensive channel incision and caddisfly occurs (Harner and Whited degradation could result in future losses degradation as has been observed along 2011, p. 23). in slough habitat and subsequent the Platte River. This can be Currently, the Crane Trust area extirpation of the Platte River caddisfly demonstrated by the lack of vegetation supports the highest known densities of from the central Platte River. However, encroachment onto the active river bed. the Platte River caddisfly (Whiles et al. various programs and entities are acting Channel narrowing downstream of 1999, p. 537; Vivian 2010, p. 47; Geluso to maintain current habitat conditions diversion projects on the Loup River et al. 2011, p. 1022) and is one of the on the central Platte River. The central Basin has likely resulted in a loss of Platte River is actively managed by largest remaining stretches of intact slough habitat in the past. However, the several organizations to benefit prairie in the Central Platte Valley. Platte River caddisfly is present endangered (E) and threatened (T) However, although the Crane Trust immediately upstream of Kent Diversion species (whooping crane (Grus protects the parcel where the caddisfly Dam, and the species is present americana) (E), interior least tern immediately downstream of the Loup occurs, this area is not buffered from the (Sterna antillarum athalassos) (E), Diversion Dam. The populations in the effects of upstream water development piping plover (Charadrius melodus) (T), vicinity of these projects appear secure, and nearby groundwater pumping and pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus because there appears to be ample (Harner and Whited 2011, pp. 23–24; albus) (E)) that depend on an open and slough habitat to support the caddisfly Harner 2011, pers. comm.). The braided river system. One such at these sites (Vivian 2010, pers. obs.). documented decline in the amount of organization is the Headwaters Potentially suitable habitat that has not available slough habitat between 1951 Corporation, which is the been surveyed is also present and 1999 (Harner and Whited 2011, nongovernmental organization downstream of all four main diversion entire) illustrates that effects of past and responsible for overseeing the Platte projects in the Loup River Basin (Vivian current degradation to the river channel River Recovery Implementation Program 2012, pers. obs.). Meanwhile, no large- are ongoing even though there have (PRRIP) (discussed more below and scale projects on the Loup or Elkhorn been no major water projects under Factor D). Rivers are planned. Because of ongoing implemented on the Platte River since PRRIP was established in 2006, by an efforts to maintain present channel 1956 (Johnson 1994, p. 78). If left agreement between the Bureau of conditions in the central Platte River, unchecked (Murphy et al. 2004, p. 114), Reclamation, the Service, and the States which is the most degraded portion of future channel degradation could of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska to the range of the Platte River caddisfly, eventually result in as much as a total manage Platte River flows and habitat to and because of a general lack of channel loss of Platte River caddisfly habitat at meet the needs of endangered and degradation on the Loup and Elkhorn the Crane Trust and other nearby threatened species that use the Platte Rivers, we conclude that channel sloughs. For instance, Harner and River. For instance, PRRIP plans to clear degradation does not pose a threat to the Whited (2011, p. 14) demonstrated that and lower vegetated islands in the river Platte River caddisfly. groundwater declines greater than 0.5- to create a more open channel to benefit meter (1.5–2.0 feet) from 1999 levels endangered species, and this action Altered Hydrograph could result in slough drying at the type would increase the amount of sediment An altered hydrograph (graph of locality in years with similar in the river (Murphy et al. 2004, p. 143; stream flow through time) can result

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from dams and diversion projects. For used to be the active river bed (Currier wetlands (Vivian 2010, pers. obs.). instance, dams impound water and et al. 1985, p. 119; Johnson 1994, p. 47). These invasive plant species have been reduce the amount of water flowing In 2002, several areas of the Platte River observed at 24 out of 35 sites with the through a river system. Diversion went completely dry for 2 months caddisfly (Vivian 2011, pers. obs.) and projects can result in a changed because of drought, and in 2003, low to appear to have degraded habitat at five hydrograph by altering the timing of zero flows were recorded for extended sites with the caddisfly along the Platte flows through a river system and can periods of time within the Big Bend River. At three sites, P. arundinacea reduce the amount of water flowing reach of the Platte (80-mile stretch of the appears to have grown thick enough to downstream. Historically, the Platte Platte River between Overton and completely dry out slough margins and River received a late-spring rise as a Chapman, Nebraska) (Service 2006, p. to have reduced the amount of available result of runoff from Rocky Mountain 113). During this time, dense invasive Platte River caddisfly habitat at these snowmelt, and water levels then vegetation grew within the Platte River sites (Vivian 2009, pers. obs.). P. receded through the summer months, channel as a result of lower flows. australis is or was the dominant with the river nearly drying completely Phragmites australis (common reed or vegetation present at two sloughs where in some years (Eschner et al. 1981, pp. Phragmites) and Phalaris arundinacea the caddisfly occurs when these areas 19–20; Simons and Associates 2000, p. (reed canarygrass), two non-native, were surveyed (Vivian 2009, pers. obs.); 8). Because of water development invasive species, have proliferated on this plant has potentially reduced the projects, primarily dams, the historical previously barren sandbars and in habitat quality at these sites, as these hydrologic regime of the Platte River has wetlands along the Platte River in the sites support the lowest known been altered. For instance, at North last decade. Historically, encroaching densities of the Platte River caddisfly Platte, Nebraska, peak flows declined vegetation would have been washed (Vivian 2010, p. 64.). Nonetheless, no from 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) away by ice scour, or high spring flows extirpations have been observed as a in the late 1800s to less than 5,000 cfs (now dampened by water development), result of displacement by invasive after 1940 (Simons and Associates 2000, or both (Service 2006 p. 163), but active species, and work is underway along the p. 16). Dams are also known to augment removal is now required to keep central Platte River to control and base flows in a river system, meaning invasive species in check. Invasive reduce the spread of P. australis (The that some floodplain wetlands never go species have not proliferated on the Nature Conservancy 2011, entire). In dry (Kingsford 2000, p. 111). Following Loup and Elkhorn Rivers as much as on other sloughs that support exotic water development on the Platte River, the Platte. Only P. arundinacea has vegetation, there is no evidence to periods of no or little flow have been observed in sloughs along the suggest that P. australis or P. decreased (Simons and Associates 2000, Loup River and in lower abundances arundinacea are encroaching to the p. 44). A reduction in natural periods of than in sloughs along the Platte River. point where habitat quality is being low flow could impact the intermittency In the United States, there are reduced or will be reduced in the near of sloughs where the Platte River introduced and native varieties of future. Because invasive species appear caddisfly occurs by increasing the Phragmites australis, and the to be impacting the Platte River permanency of water in certain areas. introduced and hybridized forms have caddisfly at only a small number of sites Despite the potential for sloughs along become highly invasive in several throughout its range, we do not consider the Platte and Loup Rivers to be more States, including Nebraska (NRCS 2002, invasive plant species to pose a threat permanent, the Platte River caddisfly entire; Blossey 2003, entire). P. australis to the Platte River caddisfly. has presumably existed with the can be up to 15 feet tall and quickly Groundwater Development presence of dams on the landscape for crowds out native wetland species once over 100 years. The species also occurs established (Michigan Department of Following dam construction in the in permanent sloughs, and these areas Environmental Quality 2011, entire). Platte Basin, irrigation demands were could become important source There are also native and introduced met through the pumping of populations for other intermittent ecotypes of Phalaris arundinacea, and groundwater (Eschner et al. 1981, p. 10), wetlands following extended dry the species can be aggressive and invade particularly along the central Platte periods or drought. Wetlands that were wetlands. P. arundinacea has been River (Currier et al. 1985, p. 87). The historically intermittent may have observed to form dense, monotypic central Platte River remains the most become ephemeral wetlands unsuitable stands and impenetrable mats of stems heavily irrigated region in Nebraska, for the caddisfly concurrent with water and leaves and crowd out native plant with an average of 2 to 16 registered development. However, we have no species (Wisconsin Department of groundwater wells per mile (University information to indicate that this has Natural Resources 2007, entire). P. of Nebraska at Lincoln, School of occurred since the species was arundinacea was introduced from Natural Resources (UNL–SNR) 2011a, described in 2000. Europe for agricultural use (Maurer et entire). As of 2008, there were 1.3 At this time, there is no available al. 2003, p. 16) and may be the most million acres of irrigated cropland information to indicate that an altered pervasive emergent plant in wetlands in within the Loup Basin (Loup Power hydrograph is adversely affecting any the Midwest (Spyreas et al. 2010, p. District and HDR Engineering 2008, p. populations of the Platte River caddisfly 1254). Both P. australis and P. 3–1). Throughout most of the Loup and or has resulted in population losses arundinacea have likely spread along Elkhorn Basins, there are up to 4 throughout its range. Therefore, we do the Platte River as a result of deliberate registered irrigation wells per mile, but not consider a changed hydrograph to introductions and changes in hydrology there can be up to 16 wells per square pose a threat to the Platte River (Andersen et al. 2004, p. 787; Strayer et mile in the Loup Basin (UNL–SNR caddisfly. al. 2006, p. 649). 2011a, entire). Both Phragmites australis and Groundwater pumping can result in a Invasive Species Phalaris arundinacea have been lowering of the water table and Along the Platte River, changes in observed in sloughs where the Platte contribute to subsequent wetland drying hydrology have contributed River caddisfly occurs; however, P. and loss (van der Kamp and Hayashi significantly to the encroachment of arundinacea is more abundant and 1998, p. 51; LaGrange 2004, p. 13). It is woody and exotic vegetation onto what more often encountered in these possible that pumping groundwater for

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irrigation contributed to some Platte overlaps with extant Platte River these areas cannot exceed the fully River caddisfly habitat loss historically caddisfly populations, and this area is appropriated designation. throughout the species’ range, along the central Platte River. The other As part of Nebraska State law LB 962, particularly in the central Platte River two areas near where groundwater passed by the State legislature in 2004, (Big Bend reach) where irrigation levels have declined since pre- groundwater well permits and surface dominates the valley (Currier et al. development support slough habitat that water permits are carefully managed so 1985, p. 87). However, available data on has not yet been surveyed for the that river flows do not reach the over- monitored groundwater levels do not caddisfly. appropriated designation, because it has indicate that this has occurred or is There is the potential for ongoing and been recognized that surface flows are occurring on a wide scale throughout future groundwater withdrawals to tied to groundwater levels near the river the range of the Platte River caddisfly. adversely impact the Platte River and vice versa. Nebraska State law Along the eastern portion of the caddisfly and its habitat in the future, requires that there be a balanced use of central Platte River (east of Buffalo particularly given the recent increase in ground and surface waters in Nebraska County line), groundwater levels in demand for grain. For instance, in the to ensure the long-term sustainability of some isolated areas near the river Lower Loup Natural Resources District these supplies (Peterson et al. 2008, p. declined 1.5 to 3.0 meters (5 to 10 feet) (LLNRD), which encompasses the Loup 2). Limited numbers of acres are being between pre-development (1950 or later River and its tributaries upstream of allowed for well drilling on an annual for some parts of Nebraska) (McGuire Columbus, Nebraska, to the west end of basis in the Loup and Elkhorn Basins. 2011, pp. 1, 4) and spring 2011 (UNL– Loup and Custer Counties, 10,000 However, stays are placed on the SNR 2011b, entire). The remainder of additional acres were approved to be construction of new wells once a river the groundwater table near the Platte added to the amount of irrigated acres basin is deemed fully appropriated River experienced little to no change or between 2010 and 2013 (Lower Loup (Ostdiek 2009, p. 2). A fully an increase (UNL–SNR 2011b, entire). Natural Resources District 2011, entire), appropriated designation ((Neb. Rev. Throughout the entire central Platte and so the groundwater table in that Stat. § 46–713(3) (Reissue 2004, as region and near the river, the region may see declines with the amended)) means that based on current groundwater table declined 0.3 to 1.5 increase in irrigation. Within the Central groundwater and surface water usage, meters (1 to 5 feet) between spring 2001 Platte Natural Resources District average streamflows are insufficient to (species described in 2000) and spring (CPNRD), 2,500 new acres were opened meet the long-term demands within a 2011 (UNL–SNR 2011c, entire) but for development in 2012 downstream of basin (Peterson et al. 2008, p. 5). increased 0.6 to 1.5 meters (2 to 5 feet) Chapman, Nebraska. Future declines in Following any fully appropriated between spring 2006 and spring 2011 the amount of slough habitat on the designation, the Nebraska Department of (UNL–SNR 2011d, entire). The Platte, Loup, and Elkhorn Rivers Natural Resources (NDNR) and groundwater level declines observed associated with the increased demand applicable natural resource district must between 2001 and 2011 may be for groundwater usage may occur. create an integrated management plan to attributed to drought conditions in Although the amount of slough achieve a sustainable balance between Nebraska during the first half of the habitat available to the caddisfly has the water demands and supplies (Peterson 2000s (see Climate Change, below). potential to decline in the future et al. 2008, p. 5). If an area becomes Aside from a few small, isolated areas concomitant with the increase in grain over-appropriated, State law requires where groundwater levels declined production across at least some of the that the applicable natural resource close to the Loup River, between 1950 species’ range, existing regulations are district work with its stakeholders on and 2011, groundwater levels increased likely to limit the extent to which this returning the basin to a fully by at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) throughout can occur. Along most of the central appropriated status (Ostdiek 2009, p. 2). most of the Loup and part of the Platte River, we have determined that Since the Platte River caddisfly was Elkhorn Basins (UNL–SNR 2011b, groundwater sources are relatively described in 2000, no information has entire). Elsewhere in the Elkhorn Basin, secure, because, presently, there is a become available to indicate that any there was no change in observed moratorium on new groundwater wells net loss in slough habitat has occurred groundwater levels between 1950 and that pump more than 50 gallons per as a result of groundwater pumping. At 2011 (UNL–SNR 2011b, entire). It is minute, and no new well permits can be this time, the Service does not have data unlikely that observed increases in the issued unless the amount of showing that the quantity of water has groundwater table along the Loup and consumptive water use is offset (retired been lowered or that the current water Elkhorn Rivers have contributed to elsewhere in the basin) (CPNRD 2011, withdrawals are impacting the Platte losses in the amount of slough habitat pp. 3–4). Therefore, current conditions River caddisfly habitat or will impact available to the caddisfly. are not anticipated to worsen with the Platte River caddisfly in the near Where groundwater levels have respect to groundwater pumping in the future. Declines in the groundwater dropped within the range of the Platte central Platte Basin, which is table due to drought resulted in two River caddisfly, it is possible that a loss considered to be the most degraded localized caddisfly extirpations; in slough habitat has occurred through portion of the species’ range. Also, however, the species is now found again the loss of inundated wetland acres. because the sloughs along the Platte at the type locality, and the groundwater However, since the species was River are closely tied to surface water table has since rebounded in that area. described, drops in the groundwater flows within 0.8 km (0.5 mi) of the river If habitat loss has occurred, we estimate table due to pumping are not known to (Hurr 1981, p. H7), efforts to increase that the amount has been negligible, have resulted in extirpations of any shortages to target flows in the Platte because groundwater declines between caddisfly populations. Also, the amount River under the PRRIP should maintain 1950 and 2011 have occurred only of loss in slough habitat is likely current conditions in sloughs along the within a small portion of the species’ limited, because the groundwater table river. Elsewhere in the Loup and range. The Platte River caddisfly is dropped in only three isolated areas Elkhorn Basins, groundwater and extant in the area of the Platte River within the range of the caddisfly surface water resources are being where the largest documented drops in between 1950 and 2011 (UNL–SNR managed by Nebraska’s natural the groundwater table have occurred. 2011b, entire). Only one of these areas resources districts, and by State law, The species is also present in the area

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of the Platte River where there is the changes in climate are occurring, and precipitation. Also see IPCC 2011 highest density of registered irrigation that the rate of change has been faster (entire) for a summary of observations wells (UNL–SNR 2011a, entire). since the 1950s. Examples include and projections of extreme climate Elsewhere, groundwater levels have warming of the global climate system, events.) increased, possibly because of seeps that and substantial increases in Various changes in climate may have parallel the river channel (Murphy et al. precipitation in some regions of the direct or indirect effects on species. 2004, p. 47) and groundwater recharge world and decreases in other regions These effects may be positive, neutral, from lateral canals (Peterson et al. 2008, (IPCC 2007a, p. 30; Solomon et al. 2007, or negative, and they may change over p. 13), and, therefore, habitat losses pp. 35–54, 82–85). Results of scientific time, depending on the species and cannot be attributed to a declining analyses presented by the IPCC show other relevant considerations, such as aquifer. that most of the observed increase in interactions of climate with other Current moratoria in the Platte Basin, global average temperature since the variables (e.g., habitat fragmentation) which includes a moratorium on new mid-20th century cannot be explained (IPCC 2007a, pp. 8–14, 18–19). surface water diversions (NDNR 2008, by natural variability in climate, and is Identifying likely effects often involves entire), should prevent current ‘‘very likely’’ (defined by the IPCC as 90 aspects of climate change vulnerability conditions from worsening throughout percent or higher probability) due to the analysis. Vulnerability refers to the the most degraded portion of the observed increase in greenhouse gas degree to which a species (or system) is species’ range along the central Platte (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere susceptible to, and unable to cope with, River. Current State law and as a result of human activities, adverse effects of climate change, management by the State’s various particularly carbon dioxide emissions including climate variability and natural resources districts on the Loup from use of fossil fuels (IPCC 2007a, pp. extremes. Vulnerability is a function of and Elkhorn Rivers should maintain the 5–6 and figures SPM.3 and SPM.4; the type, magnitude, and rate of climate groundwater table at sustainable levels Solomon et al. 2007, pp. 21–35). Further change and variation to which a species in those areas. For instance, the Loup confirmation of the role of GHGs comes is exposed, its sensitivity, and its and Elkhorn River Basins are subject to from analyses by Huber and Knutti adaptive capacity (IPCC 2007a, p. 89; limited surface water appropriations, (2011, p. 4), who concluded it is see also Glick et al. 2011, pp. 19–22). because the NDNR has to ensure extremely likely that approximately 75 There is no single method for adequate flows exist in the Lower Platte percent of global warming since 1950 conducting such analyses that applies to Basin for endangered species, such as has been caused by human activities. all situations (Glick et al. 2011, p. 3). We the pallid sturgeon (NDNR 2006, p. E– use our expert judgment and 11). Overall, we have determined that Scientists use a variety of climate appropriate analytical approaches to groundwater withdrawal does not pose models, which include consideration of weigh relevant information, including a threat to the species. However, natural processes and variability, as uncertainty, in our consideration of additional stress from water demand is well as various scenarios of potential various aspects of climate change. likely to be placed on Nebraska’s river levels and timing of GHG emissions, to As is the case with all stressors that systems in the future as a result of evaluate the causes of changes already we assess, even if we conclude that a climate change and projected increases observed and to project future changes species is currently affected or is likely in floods and droughts (discussed in temperature and other climate to be affected in a negative way by one below). conditions (e.g., Meehl et al. 2007, or more climate-related impacts, it does entire; Ganguly et al. 2009, pp. 11555, not necessarily follow that the species Climate Change 15558; Prinn et al. 2011, pp. 527, 529). meets the definition of an ‘‘endangered Global climate change is a concern, All combinations of models and species’’ or a ‘‘threatened species’’ because it has the potential to emissions scenarios yield very similar under the Act. If a species is listed as reconfigure the spatial distribution of projections of increases in the most endangered or threatened, knowledge species and their habitats worldwide common measure of climate change, regarding the vulnerability of the throughout the 21st century and average global surface temperature species to, and known or anticipated beyond. Our analyses under the Act (commonly known as global warming), impacts from, climate-associated include consideration of ongoing and until about 2030. Although projections changes in environmental conditions projected changes in climate. The terms of the magnitude and rate of warming can be used to help devise appropriate ‘‘climate’’ and ‘‘climate change’’ are differ after about 2030, the overall strategies for its recovery. defined by the Intergovernmental Panel trajectory of all the projections is one of The effects of climate change, such as on Climate Change (IPCC). The term increased global warming through the an increase in the global average air ‘‘climate’’ refers to the mean and end of this century, even for the surface temperature since 1970, are variability of different types of weather projections based on scenarios that already being felt in North America and conditions over time, with 30 years assume that GHG emissions will around the world (U.S. Global Change being a typical period for such stabilize or decline. Thus, there is strong Research Program (USGCRP) 2009, pp. measurements, although shorter or scientific support for projections that 9, 17). In the Rocky Mountains and longer periods also may be used (IPCC warming will continue through the 21st Northern Hemisphere, there has been a 2007a, p. 78). The term ‘‘climate century, and that the magnitude and decrease in overall snowpack cover over change’’ thus refers to a change in the rate of change will be influenced the past 100 years (IPCC 2007, p. 30), mean or variability of one or more substantially by the extent of GHG and the proportion of precipitation measures of climate (e.g., temperature or emissions (IPCC 2007a, pp. 44–45; falling as snow is decreasing (USGCRP precipitation) that persists for an Meehl et al. 2007, pp. 760–764, 797– 2009, p. 43). More precipitation now extended period, typically decades or 811; Ganguly et al. 2009, pp. 15555– falls in the form of extreme rain events longer, whether the change is due to 15558; Prinn et al. 2011, pp. 527, 529). (Rieman and Isaak 2010, p. 4). A natural variability, human activity, or (See IPCC 2007b, p. 8, for a summary of decrease in annual snowpack is both (IPCC 2007a, p. 78). other global projections of climate- projected to lead to earlier spring Scientific measurements spanning related changes, such as frequency of snowmelt and runoff, reduced runoff several decades demonstrate that heat waves and changes in and stream flow, decreased recharge of

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aquifers, an increase in drought 4.5 °F), and summer temperatures will Despite the projected increase in the frequency and intensity, and shorter likely increase by 3.5–4.0 °C (6.3–7.2 °F) frequency of droughts, projected wetland hydroperiods (USGCRP 2009, by 2050 when compared to the decade increase in temperature, and projected p. 45; Johnson et al. 2010, p. 137; ending in 2011 (http:// decrease in hydroperiod length, the Rieman and Isaak 2010, pp. 4, 6, 8). www.climatewizard.org/, accessed June Platte River caddisfly presumably Flooding risk is also projected to 25, 2012). survived historical drought periods, increase in association with warmer Compared to the decade ending in particularly through the Dust Bowl winters and earlier snowmelts 2011, by 2030, fall and winter (1930s). In 2004, following a dry spring, (Saunders and Maxwell 2005, p. 1), and precipitation is projected to remain the type locality for the caddisfly was summer flows are expected to be lower steady or slightly decrease; spring dry by early April, and adults were not (USGCRP 2009, p. 46). Decreases in the precipitation could decline by 20–30 found at that site in the fall of 2004, amount of snowfall and earlier mm, and summer precipitation is despite consistent emergence in the 7 snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains are projected to decrease by 50–60 mm for years prior (Goldowitz 2004, p. 8). Platte the Lower Platte Basin (http:// most likely to affect the sloughs along River caddisfly adults were also not www.climatewizard.org/, accessed June the Platte River, because its flows are observed during surveys between 2007 25, 2012). Conditions are also expected tied to Rocky Mountain snowmelt, and 2009 (Riens and Hoback 2008, p. 1; while Loup and Elkhorn River flows are to become hotter and drier in the Upper Vivian 2010, p. 48). In 2007 and 2009, tied to the Ogallala Aquifer and local Platte overall (http:// the Platte River caddisfly was not precipitation events. www.climatewizard.org/, accessed June In the Great Plains, the average annual 25, 2012). Because the sloughs along the observed at one site near Shelton, temperature has increased by 0.83 °C Platte River receive snowmelt from the Nebraska, following the drought in (1.5 °F) since the 1970s and is expected Rocky Mountains (Williams 1978, p. 1) central Nebraska in the early 2000s, and to increase 2.5 °C (4.5 °F) by 2050 and there is anticipated to be reduced this site is still presumed to be (USGCRP 2009, p. 123) and between 4.2 snowpack, sloughs along the Platte extirpated (Riens and Hoback 2008, p. 1; °C (8 °F) and 5.0 °C (9 °F) by the 2080s River are likely to be more vulnerable to Vivian 2010, p. 48). Following wetter across the range of the Platte River drying than sloughs along the Loup and years in 2008 and 2009, the caddisfly caddisfly (The Nature Conservancy Elkhorn Rivers during droughts. was found at the type locality in 2010 2007, entire). Should GHG continue at Although some models indicate parts (Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1023), indicating the current rate, average annual of the range of the Platte River caddisfly the species has the ability to recolonize precipitation is expected to remain could experience wetter winters and suitable habitats following disturbance steady or decrease by 5 percent from springs, projected increases in events. Alternatively, Platte River today’s levels across the range of the temperature could negate the effects of caddisfly population levels could have Platte River caddisfly by 2050 (The increased precipitation through decreased to undetectable levels and Nature Conservancy 2007, entire). increases in evaporation and then rebounded following wetter Between the 1930s and 2011, average transpiration (evaporation of water from conditions, as it is easy to miss maximum temperatures have remained plant leaves), particularly in the individual adults when conducting steady in the Lower Platte Basin summer months (Sorenson et al. 1998, surveys in the autumn (Harner 2012, (downstream of the North Platte/South pp. 344–345, 355–356; Johnson et al. pers. comm.). It is unknown if the Platte confluence), while there has been 2010, p. 128). Increased species has recolonized the site near an increase in average maximum evapotranspiration (combined effect of Shelton, Nebraska. temperatures in the Upper Platte Basin evaporation and transpiration) is In normal years, the Platte River (upstream of the confluence) for the expected to create drier conditions in caddisfly is able to withstand normal same time period (Stamm 2012, pers. the northern Great Plains, thereby summer dry periods through aestivation comm.). During the same time period, increasing the frequency and severity of (Whiles et al. 1999, p. 542). The burial there has been a wetting trend in the droughts (Sorenson et al. 1998, pp. 344– behavior observed during the Lower Platte Basin and a drying trend 345; USGCRP 2009, p. 126). Overall, by in the Upper Platte Basin (Stamm 2012, 2030, the entire area will likely be hotter aestivation period in the Platte River pers. comm.). Meanwhile, average and drier compared to the decade caddisfly lifecycle likely protects the minimum temperatures increased across ending in 2011 (Stamm 2012, pers. species against heat and desiccation the entire Platte Basin between the comm.). A hotter and drier climate (Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1024), and affords 1930s and the decade ending in 2011 represents the worst-case scenario for the species added protection during (Stamm 2012, pers. comm.). Available the Platte River caddisfly. extended droughts. Furthermore, the models for the Loup and Elkhorn River The Great Plains system is known for related Ironoquia punctatissima (no Basins demonstrate similar trends its extensive inter-annual climate common name) has been found to lay its (http://www.climatewizard.org/, variability (Ojima et al. 1999, p. 1445), eggs in a gelatinous matrix on a dry accessed June 25, 2012). and episodic floods and droughts are streambed with the larvae hatching once Should worldwide GHG emissions characteristic of prairie streams (Dodds waters return (Clifford 1966, entire). It is remain the same as today’s levels, et al. 2004, pp. 205–206) where the unknown how long the eggs of this starting in 2030, average temperatures Platte River caddisfly occurs. Species species or the Platte River caddisfly are projected to increase dramatically found in Great Plains aquatic systems could survive without water, but this across the entire Platte Basin and and in intermittent waters, such as the adaptation could provide the Platte continue increasing through at least Platte River caddisfly, are well-suited to River caddisfly protection in years with 2050, and precipitation is projected to survive these disturbance events and shorter hydroperiods, if it does exhibit remain steady or decrease slightly environmental extremes (Lytle 2002, pp. this behavior. A shorter hydroperiod compared to the decade ending in 2011 370, 371). However, disturbances that would likely be more detrimental in the (http://www.climatewizard.org/, occur outside the time when such spring if a slough dried too early as it accessed June 25, 2012). Average winter, events normally occur could cause could prompt the caddisfly to emigrate spring, and fall temperatures are mortality to species such as the Platte earlier from the aquatic environment, projected to increase by 1.0–2.5 °C (2.7– River caddisfly. possibly reducing the size of the larva

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and overall fitness of the individual shade cover is likely to provide some Vivian 2010, pers. obs.). After high (Harner 2011, pers. comm.). protection against evaporative losses water in May to June 2010, which is Recent modeling efforts demonstrated from soil and reduce the risk of during the terrestrial stage of the Platte the potential effects of shorter periods of desiccation (Vivian 2009–2010, pers. River caddisfly lifecycle, several live slough inundation on the Platte River obs). The distribution and habitat of the individuals were found along the slough caddisfly. Using long-term well data, Platte River caddisfly likely confer banks at two sites immediately after Harner and Whited (2011, entire) added protection for the species during flood waters had receded (Vivian 2010, created a model that demonstrated that times of drought and future climatic p. 52). The burial behavior observed in during a dry period in the record (2000– extremes. For instance, the species is the Platte River caddisfly may protect a 2003), the type locality slough held known from the Platte, Loup, and certain portion of terrestrial larvae from water for approximately 249 days, Elkhorn Rivers, and the Loup and late spring floods (Geluso et al. 2011, p. whereas during a wet period (1997– Elkhorn Rivers are tied more to 1024). 1999), the slough was wet for groundwater inputs than snowmelt and Even if mortality of larvae were to approximately 340 days (Harner and precipitation. However, the sloughs occur due to scouring, flooding is likely Whited 2011, p. 21). Most of this drying along all three river systems are tied to important in the creation of backwater occurred in summer and fall, and adults groundwater levels to some degree, and habitats and the subsequent increase in were observed in 2003. Larvae were also groundwater-fed wetlands are thought habitat availability to the Platte River present at the type locality in the spring to be less vulnerable to climate change caddisfly. Downstream larval drift is of 2004; however, the slough dried more than those more tied to inputs of considered an important means of than 2 months earlier in 2004 than what precipitation (Winter 2000, p. 308). dispersal (Neves 1979, p. 58), but only had been observed in years prior, and Because the caddisfly: (1) Presumably in habitats that are connected by water adults were not observed in the autumn survived the Dust Bowl, a period of (Petersen et al. 2004, p. 934). Caddisflies of 2004 (Goldowitz 2004, p. 9). extreme dryness on the magnitude found in isolated habitats or pools are Therefore, droughts that result in expected by climate change; (2) exhibits more likely to disperse via flight than by sloughs drying too early would likely be behaviors that enable it to survive downstream larval drift, because these more detrimental to the caddisfly than extended dry periods; (3) spans a large habitats are not connected (Williams prolonged drying into the autumn and geographic area that encompasses a 1996, p. 644; Petersen et al. 2004, p. could lead to localized extirpations. range of annual average precipitation; 934). Some inhabitants of temporary Drought has been implicated in at and (4) is present in more than one wetlands may be strong fliers, such as least the temporary loss of two Platte habitat type across its range, including some limnephilids (Svensson 1974, p. River caddisfly populations, one of in areas that maintain water during 174); however, observations conducted them being the formerly robust type droughts, we have determined that during the adult life stage suggest the locality. Following the drought, the habitat impacts associated with climate Platte River caddisfly is a weak flier caddisfly is now again present at the change do not pose a threat to the (Vivian 2010, p. 39). An increase in type locality (Geluso et al. 2011, p. caddisfly throughout its range. habitat availability due to flooding may 1024) and possibly could have migrated increase the chances for the species to downstream to a more permanent Flooding colonize new populations and link up portion of the slough during the The frequency and intensity of floods areas of suitable habitat. Overall, extended drought of the early 2000s are projected to increase with the onset flooding could increase the amount of (Vivian 2011, pers. obs.). Also, the type of climate change (Saunders and suitable habitat for the Platte River locality and population near Shelton, Maxwell 2005, p. 1). However, flooding caddisfly, and this would likely benefit Nebraska, occur farther away from the is not likely to pose a significant threat the species. Because of various main channel of the Platte River; these to the Platte River caddisfly and could behaviors exhibited by the Platte River areas are less likely to withstand be of some benefit. Flooding events can caddisfly that likely enable it to droughts than sloughs closer to the main scour aquatic organisms downstream in withstand flooding events, we do not channel, because hydroperiod decreases some systems (Feminella and Resh consider flooding or the projected with increasing distance from the river 1990, p. 2083), but the velocity at which increase in flooding to pose a threat to (Whiles et al. 1999, p. 533). Throughout Platte River caddisfly larvae are moved the caddisfly. the rest of the range of the Platte River downstream is unknown. The caddisfly caddisfly, historical aerial imagery from may not be subject to scouring flows, Wetland Conversion and Modification 2003–2006, a period of drought, because it is found in lentic waters. As previously mentioned, historical indicates that the remaining 33 sloughs Ironoquia punctatissima survives flood water development in the Platte Basin where the caddisfly is known to occur events with discharges of 100 cm/s by contributed to a decline in the active likely held enough water to support the seeking refuge in tangled grass roots floodplain, and opened up former wet caddisfly (Vivian 2012, pers. obs.). (Williams and Williams 1975, p. 829), bottomlands for crop development Thus, it appears that the recent drought and the Platte River caddisfly may (Currier et al. 1985, p. 113). Active had localized effects on a few exhibit similar behavior. It has also been efforts to drain wetlands to make an area populations but was not an issue across recognized that the hyporheic zone suitable for row crops also historically the range of the species. (saturated subsurface region, area where contributed to wetland habitat loss, and Hotter and drier summers in the groundwater and surface water mixing there has been an estimated 73.5 percent future are likely to result in increases in occurs (del Rosario and Resh 2000)) can loss of meadows within 3.5 miles of the evapotranspiration, which may also lead be important in the recolonization of Platte River as a result of channel to drier soil conditions (Sorenson et al. benthic macroinvertebrates following narrowing and conversion for 1998, p. 344; Johnson et al. 2010, p. flood events (Williams and Hynes 1974, agriculture (Currier et al. 1985, p. 119). 134), and these conditions could impact p. 234; Williams and Hynes 1976, p. As of 1911, approximately 1.5 million aestivating caddisfly larvae in areas 266; Boulton et al. 1998, p. 64), and the acres of grassland had been converted to with an open canopy. However, most Platte River caddisfly has been found row crops in the Platte Valley (Currier caddisfly populations occur in sloughs within the hyporheic zone in all five et al. 1985, p. 113). Agriculture, surrounded by a forest canopy, and this instar stages (Whiles et al. 1999, p. 535; including the production of row crops,

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is the predominant land use in faunal diversity (Galatowitsch and van long term. Thus, we have determined Nebraska, and in recent years, a rise in der Walk 1996, entire). Differences in that wetland modification done as a part ethanol production has led to an wetland hydrology between natural and of restoration work does not pose a increase in grain prices, which in turn restored wetlands can affect the threat to the Platte River caddisfly. has led to an increase in the number of outcomes of restoration projects Urbanization and Infrastructure acres of corn planted in Nebraska (Galatowitsch and van der Walk 1996, (Nebraska Corn Board 2011, entire). entire; Meyer and Whiles 2008, entire). It is likely that urbanization of the Currently, the United States produces For instance, in central Nebraska, it has Platte River valley has impacted the around 13 billion gallons of ethanol been shown that some aquatic taxa are habitat of the Platte River caddisfly in annually, but the Energy Independence missing entirely from restored sloughs the past. For instance, 14 bridges span and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. as compared to natural sloughs (Meyer the North Platte and Platte Rivers 17001 et seq.) mandates that this and Whiles, 2008, entire). between Chapman, Nebraska, and number increase to 36 billion gallons by Restored wetlands, although Lewellen, Nebraska, a distance of about 2022. Increases in the world’s beneficial in providing habitat for some 380 km (240 mi) (Currier et al. 1985, p. population also will likely lead to an species, may not immediately provide 56). Bridge construction can result in increase in the demand for grain, and, suitable habitat for the Platte River localized channel narrowing, because in Nebraska, increasing grain caddisfly. Between 2009 and 2010, 12 sediments get deposited upstream of the production is contributing to a decline restored sloughs were surveyed for the bridge site, and scour occurs in grassland habitat. Platte River caddisfly, and only one downstream of the bridge site for at least Concurrent with the increase in the slough had evidence of caddisfly a half-mile (Simons and Associates planting of more acres of corn in presence (Vivian 2010, p. 46). One 2000, p. 67). Underneath bridges, Nebraska, ongoing wetland modification discarded case was found at this site, channel incision may occur, leading to may result from the conversion of and it is unknown whether there is an the degradation of adjacent wetlands as adjacent grasslands to row crops at a extant population at this location, as no incision can lead to drawdowns of limited number of sites. In 2011, we live individuals were found (Vivian alluvial aquifers (Kondolf 1997, p. 542). consulted with the NRCS on 2010, p. 17). When surveyed, restoration Bridge choke points (areas immediately approximately 70 sodbuster work had occurred 4 years prior to the upstream and downstream of bridges applications received from Nebraska survey (Schroeder 2011, pers. comm.), where the river has narrowed) can also landowners. Sodbuster applications are and it is unknown if the caddisfly was become open to sandpit development submitted by individuals who desire to present before the restoration work had following channel narrowing. convert highly erodible grassland into occurred. One other restored slough on Beginning in the 1980s, the Federal crop production. The increase in Crane Trust property was previously Highway Administration (FHWA) sodbuster applications demonstrates found to support the Platte River implemented new requirements for that grassland habitats are continually caddisfly, but the site supported a low bridges to prevent the encroachment of vulnerable to the development of row number of individuals. This site was bridge embankments into river channels crops. near the type locality (Meyer and (Murphy et al. 2004, p. 52). Therefore, The Platte River caddisfly was Whiles 2008, p. 632; Meyer 2009, pers. any present and future bridge projects discovered in a large, grassland comm.), which may represent a source are required to allow for sufficient room complex. At the type locality and Wild population. These observations suggest for a river to migrate and create and Rose Slough, the caddisfly uses adjacent that restored sloughs may not be maintain backwater habitats. Ongoing grassland habitat in which to aestivate immediately suitable to the caddisfly effects to Platte River caddisfly habitat and complete adult emergence. but could become more suitable over can be expected at bridge choke points, However, most Platte River caddisfly time as the restored sloughs become because no new habitat is being created populations occur in forested sloughs established. in those areas. Recently, FHWA adjacent to the main river channel, and To date, only one restoration project contacted the Service to coordinate these areas are thought to be buffered is known to have resulted in adverse ways to avoid and minimize impacts to against conversion into row crops. impacts to the Platte River caddisfly. At slough habitat during a bridge project at Sloughs adjacent to the river also appear Bader Park near Chapman, Nebraska, a Fullerton, Nebraska. No survey for the to be too deep to be suitable for filling 2007 restoration project within a slough Platte River caddisfly has been and conversion for agriculture, and where the caddisfly was known to occur conducted at that site, but coordination these sloughs are also protected from fill resulted in a decline in larval densities with FWHA demonstrates that potential under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at that site (Harms 2009, pers. comm.). adverse impacts on the caddisfly (Corps) 404 program (discussed under The caddisfly still occurs at that site, resulting from current and future bridge Factor D). Therefore, there is not likely but at a density of less than one projects can be avoided. For bridge to be much overlap between the ongoing individual per m2 (Vivian 2010, p. 64), projects and other projects that are conversion of grassland into corn and possibly because the slough now federally funded or authorized, the Platte River caddisfly habitat. As a harbors various fish species that were Service has the opportunity and does result, we do not consider wetland not present before the restoration provide comments to addresses any conversion to constitute a threat to the activities occurred. Since the Bader Park concerns to listed species, candidate species. project, the Service has drafted species, and species of concern, such as guidelines to avoid adverse impacts to the Platte River caddisfly (see Factor D). Wetland Restoration the caddisfly while conducting Along Interstate 80, several sandpit Several nongovernmental restoration work in sloughs where the lakes were created to extract gravel used organizations (NGOs) are actively species occurs. Overall, we think that for interstate construction in the 1960s restoring degraded wetlands in the restoration projects, if conducted with (Currier et al. 1985, p. 70); these past central Platte region (Whiles and the Platte River caddisfly in mind, could operations have been linked to wetland Goldowitz 2005, p. 462); however, provide benefits to the caddisfly in losses along the Platte River (Sidle et al. restored wetlands often do not equal terms of an increase in the amount of 1989, p. 99). Many of these areas now natural wetlands in terms of floral and available habitat, particularly in the support housing developments adjacent

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to the river, and these developments wetland bottoms and shorelines, likely withstand moderate amounts of further confine the river to its banks increased sedimentation and erosion, grazing, particularly at sites where through bank armoring, which reduces increased nutrient and organic inputs larval densities are relatively high. the ability of the river to create new from urine and manure, increased water Continuous grazing in areas where the channels and backwater areas (Schramm temperatures, and degraded water caddisfly is less abundant could et al. 2008, p. 238), which are important quality, particularly when cattle have contribute to localized extirpations, and habitat for the caddisfly. The unrestricted access to streams (Schulz the caddisfly has not been found at sites construction of Interstate 80 has also and Leininger 1990, pp. 297–298; that show signs of intense grazing (e.g., contributed to a large amount of direct Fleischner 1994, pp. 631–636; Evans more than 40 percent of the bank wetland losses north of the Platte River and Norris 1997, p. 627; Downes et al. exposed) (Braccia and Voshell 2006a, p. as the interstate runs within 0.25 mile 2000, p. 569; Braccia and Voshell 2006a, 271; Vivian 2010, p. 52). However, none of the river for over 100 miles in p. 269; Braccia and Voshell 2006b, p. 2). of the six sites with the Platte River Nebraska (Currier et al. 1985, p. 122). A reduction in vegetation cover can lead caddisfly where grazing occurs show Bank stabilization and armoring to decreases in the inputs of coarse signs of overgrazing (Vivian 2010, pers. projects constructed to protect property particulate organic matter on which the obs.). Therefore, we have determined against erosion can also cause the Platte River caddisfly feeds (Kauffman that grazing is not likely to pose a threat localized scouring of a river channel and Krueger 1984, p. 43; Braccia and to the caddisfly. and have the potential to lead to the Voshell 2006a, p. 269). Despite potential Pesticides and Herbicides drying of adjacent wetlands. Bank impacts, we have no evidence that the stabilization efforts, particularly under species is currently being adversely Corn and soybean fields dominate the the Corps’ nationwide permitting affected by cattle grazing to the point river valleys of Nebraska, and both process, are ongoing throughout that grazing would contribute to represent potential sources of pesticide Nebraska and have the potential to localized extirpations. Cattle grazing exposure to the Platte River caddisfly impact occupied sloughs. However, occurs at or adjacent to 6 of 35 Platte and its habitat. Should insecticides and only one of 35 sites with the caddisfly River caddisfly sites, and there is no herbicides enter occupied habitats of the is currently adjacent to a bank evidence of grazing occurring directly in Platte River caddisfly through runoff, stabilization project, and this site is just the sloughs (Vivian 2010, pers. obs.). they have the potential to directly upstream of a bridge and does not Also, Wild Rose Slough, which is one of impact the species through mortality or appear to be degrading the quality of the the six sites where grazing occurs, indirectly through mortality of aquatic slough (Vivian 2009, pers. obs.). We supports the largest known caddisfly vegetation in the aquatic environment have no evidence to indicate that bank population. (Fleeger et al. 2003, entire; Liess and armoring along the Platte, Loup, and A study conducted at Wild Rose Von Der Ohe 2005, entire). Pesticides Elkhorn Rivers is occurring at a large Slough to investigate the effects of also may enter wetlands through enough scale to adversely impact the grazing on the Platte River caddisfly groundwater inputs and could affect caddisfly and its habitat. We do not found vegetation productivity to be aquatic organisms (Spalding et al. 2003, know of any current or future bank lower in grazed plots than in ungrazed p. 92). Surfactants designed to facilitate stabilization projects that are scheduled plots 6 months following the removal of pesticide and herbicide application to occur near areas where the caddisfly cattle from the study site in spring 2010 have also been shown to have direct and has been found. Most Platte River (Harner and Geluso 2012, p. 391). In indirect effects on caddisfly larvae caddisfly populations are considered to September 2010, fewer adult caddisflies (Belanger et al. 2000, entire; Fleeger et be protected from bank armoring were observed in grazed plots than in al. 2003, entire, respectively). projects, as 21 out of 35 sites with the ungrazed plots, and in 2011, lower There have been no studies to caddisfly occur on protected lands. densities of aquatic caddisfly larvae evaluate the potential effects of Overall, most impacts from were found in grazed plots than in pesticide exposure on the Platte River urbanization and infrastructure projects ungrazed plots (Harner and Geluso caddisfly. Past studies have largely occurred in the past and are 2012, pp. 391–392). Meanwhile, a demonstrated mortality in other species localized in their effects. Since the positive relationship between vegetation of caddisflies exposed to pesticides Platte River caddisfly was described in productivity and larval densities was (Liess and Schulz 1996, entire) and 2000, there is no available information observed (Harner and Geluso 2012, pp. documented the absence of caddisflies that suggests any habitat losses as a 391–392). from polluted waters (Ketelaars and result of bridge construction, road, Results from the cattle grazing study Frantzen 1995, entire). Reduced sandpit, or bank armoring development demonstrated that although cattle were abundances of aquatic insect species have occurred. We are not aware of not allowed access to the study area in considered sensitive to poor water planned projects within caddisfly 2011, the effects of grazing on caddisfly quality have been observed in habitat habitat, and therefore we conclude that larval densities could still be observed adjacent to agricultural areas (Liess and urbanization and infrastructure are not up to one year after grazing occurred Von Der Ohe 2005, entire) that would likely to pose threats to the Platte River (Harner and Geluso 2012, p. 392). These presumably contain pesticide runoff. caddisfly. data also suggest that reduced Aside from agricultural runoff, one vegetation cover contributed to potential source of herbicides in Platte Livestock Grazing decreased larval densities in intensely River caddisfly habitat is chemicals The Platte River caddisfly and its grazed areas within the study plots used for the control of exotic vegetation, habitat could be adversely impacted by (Harner and Geluso 2012, p. 392). such as Phragmites. Because of the some cattle grazing regimes. Cattle have However, because larvae were not establishment of Phragmites along the a strong affinity for riparian areas eliminated in grazed areas, this study Platte River, efforts have been taken to because of the availability of water, demonstrates that intense grazing may control the invasive vegetation using shade, and high-quality forage not be detrimental to the caddisfly for herbicide application. In 2009, the (Kauffman and Krueger 1984, p. 431). short time periods or under a rotational aquatic-safe herbicide Habitat® was Cattle can impact wetlands through the grazing regime (Harner and Geluso sprayed in areas with Phragmites in the reduction of vegetation cover along 2012, p. 392) and that this species can main channel of the Platte River (The

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Nature Conservancy 2011, entire), and it adverse impacts to the caddisfly with River caddisfly include: (1) Preventing is possible that drift could cause projects in and near Platte River the need to list more basin-associated Habitat® to enter sloughs where the caddisfly habitat. Currently, three Platte (Platte River) species under the Act; (2) caddisfly occurs. Habitat® may result in River caddisfly populations occur on offsetting through mitigation any lower amounts of dissolved oxygen in Headwaters lands, and these sites are adverse impacts of new water-related sloughs as a result of plant likely to be protected from future activities on Service-targeted flows in decomposition (BASF® 2010, entire). development by way of a conservation the Platte River basin (target flows are Some spraying for Phragmites occurred easement. Two other populations occur comprised of species flows and annual in 2009, during the early autumn when along roadsides in areas managed by the pulse flows, which have been identified Platte River caddisfly adults are active Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR), as flows needed to maintain survival of (Vivian 2009, pers. obs.). Lower and the Service works with NDOR to four target species and wildlife that use amounts of dissolved oxygen could avoid and minimize impacts to the Platte River, and to maintain present impact developing caddisfly eggs or wetlands on road projects. channel width and keep islands reduce the amount of potentially The Crane Trust is another entity unvegetated (USDOI 2006, pp. 3–11, 3– important shade cover in areas where whose lands provide protection for the 12)); (3) using available resources to willow (Salix spp.) co-occurs with Platte River caddisfly. The Trust manage program lands for the benefit of Phragmites (Vivian 2010, pers. obs.). manages 10,000 acres of land in the non-listed species of concern, like the Despite potential adverse impacts to central Platte region that have been set Platte River caddisfly; (4) providing the caddisfly, there is no evidence that aside for wildlife in perpetuity. Four sufficient water in the central Platte population declines or extirpations have Platte River caddisfly populations are River (Lexington, Nebraska to Chapman, occurred as a result of pesticide or known to occur on land owned by the Nebraska) for the benefit of PRRIP’s herbicide exposure. Following the Crane Trust, and these sites support the target species (whooping crane, Interior spraying of Phragmites in 2009, the largest Platte River caddisfly larval least tern, piping plover, pallid Platte River caddisfly was found again densities currently known. In addition, sturgeon) through water conservation at three of three sites where overlap two Platte River caddisfly populations projects; and (5) protecting and restoring between spraying and habitat occurred. occur on land owned by The Nature 29,000 acres of habitat in the central Most Platte River caddisfly populations Conservancy (TNC), and the Platte River for the benefit of the four are also likely protected from pesticide organization is aware of these target species (USDOI 2006, pp., 1–3, 1– or herbicide exposure by sufficient populations and has taken measures to 17). This agreement was put in place to buffer strips. For instance, two avoid adverse impacts to the species at specifically benefit other endangered populations located adjacent to or very these sites. and threatened species, but should help near cornfields are likely protected from In areas not protected for maintain the backwaters where the runoff by a tree and grass buffer of at conservation, many agencies and Platte River caddisfly occurs, least 40 meters (131 feet), as the larval organizations have been kept apprised particularly through PRRIP’s goal of densities at these two sites are among of the Platte River caddisfly and have maintaining current flows in the central the highest of known populations. The been engaged with the Service on ways Platte River. 21 populations that occur on protected to avoid and minimize impacts to the Overall, existing programs and lands are likely protected from most species and its habitat. For instance, the organizations that manage land for spray activities typically associated with Federal Highway Administration has conservation provide adequate agriculture. Furthermore, the caddisfly coordinated with the Service on ways to protection for the species and its lifecycle likely protects it from some avoid and minimize impacts during a habitat. Proactive planning efforts with pesticide exposure, because larvae have bridge reconstruction project near Federal, State, and local agencies, as been observed emigrating from the potentially suitable habitat (where the well as nongovernmental organizations, water as early as mid-April before most caddisfly was thought to occur) near also help to avoid and minimize crops are in the ground, and the Fullerton, Nebraska (Vivian 2010, pers. impacts to the caddisfly. majority of pesticides would enter obs.). Also, PFW has noted they are Summary of Factor A waterways during the typical farming willing to consider the Platte River season in Nebraska of May through caddisfly in their wetland restoration Changes in hydrology resulting from October. work that occurs on public and private water development and its associated lands (Schroeder 2012, pers. comm.). In effects, including channel degradation Local Conservation Planning 2011, PFW and TNC involved the and narrowing, invasive species In addition to existing regulatory Service in discussions on how to avoid encroachment, urbanization, cropland mechanisms and provisions (discussed adverse impacts to the caddisfly during conversion, groundwater withdrawal, under Factor D, below), 60 percent (21 restoration work at a site on TNC cattle grazing, climate change, of 35) of Platte River caddisfly property. In 2010, the Service’s pesticides, and floods and droughts, all populations occur on nongovernmental Nebraska Field Office held a workshop occur or are likely to occur within the organization or State lands that are for personnel from various local, State, range of the Platte River caddisfly. protected for conservation or managed and Federal agencies and organizations These environmental stressors will as wilderness areas. These conservation on the Platte River caddisfly, its habitat, likely continue in the future on each of efforts may afford protection of Platte and survey methodology. This the river systems where the Platte River River caddisfly habitat now and into the workshop equipped agencies outside caddisfly is known to occur. However, future. Such examples include the Service with the knowledge to be while these stressors are ongoing, when Nebraska’s Wildlife Management Areas able to avoid impacts to the caddisfly considered individually and (WMAs) and land owned and managed and its habitat. collectively, we have determined that by the Headwaters Corporation, the PRRIP is a program that affords the they do not pose a threat to the Platte group responsible for implementing and Platte River caddisfly protection now River caddisfly. overseeing PRRIP. To date, Headwaters and into the future throughout the most The Platte River caddisfly has life- has been involved in several discussions degraded portion of its range. Objectives history traits that enable it to survive in with the Service on ways to avoid of PRRIP that may benefit the Platte an extreme environment, such as the

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Great Plains, where climatic extremes available to the caddisfly, several because, to date, these collections have are common. These traits are common agencies and nongovernmental entities only been conducted at sites with among species that inhabit temporary are working to stem future habitat relatively high larval densities. (intermittent or ephemeral) wetlands losses. Therefore, conditions are not Therefore, we conclude that the best and enable these species to adapt anticipated to deteriorate on the Platte scientific and commercial information relatively quickly to changing River, and we consider the majority of available does not indicate that conditions. The Platte River caddisfly caddisfly populations on the river to be overutilization for commercial, can withstand habitat drying, drought, secure. recreational, scientific, or educational and flooding by burrowing in the soil, Currently, the Loup and Elkhorn purposes is a threat to the Platte River aestivating during a time when its Rivers have less water development and caddisfly. habitat is most likely to go dry, are less degraded than the Platte River, Factor C. Disease or Predation inhabiting the hyporheic zone, and and the best available information possibly laying its eggs in the absence indicates that there is sufficient habitat Disease and predation play important of water (like Ironoquia punctatissima). available (including sloughs not yet roles in the natural dynamics of These life history traits likely render the surveyed) to sustain the Platte River populations and ecosystems. Natural Platte River caddisfly well-suited to caddisfly on these systems. Future predators of the Platte River caddisfly withstand future climatic changes. changes to these river systems are evolved in conjunction with the We also conclude that the anticipated to occur through increasing caddisfly and do not normally pose a aforementioned stressors do not pose a sodbusting activities and groundwater threat to the survival of the species in threat to the species, because the Platte withdrawal; however, these activities the absence of other threats. The Platte River caddisfly occurs in more than one have little overlap with Platte River River caddisfly could be a prey item for habitat type and on multiple river caddisfly habitat, and current laws and predators that are commonly observed systems. Surveys have shown that the regulations, such as Nebraska State law in its habitat during its aquatic, caddisfly occupies intermittent and LB 962, limit the extent to which this terrestrial, and adult stages. Predators of permanent sloughs, forested sloughs, can occur. caddisflies in temporary habitats may and sloughs with an open canopy. After a review of the best available include large aquatic insects While the type locality and intermittent information, we have determined that (dragonflies, beetles), amphibians (frogs, sloughs most likely represent ideal the present or threatened destruction, salamanders) (Batzer and Wissinger Platte River caddisfly habitat, the modification, or curtailment of its 1996, entire; Wellborn et al. 1996, species is found in permanent sloughs, habitat or range does not pose a threat entire), or fish, particularly in more and these may be important during to the Platte River caddisfly. permanent wetlands (Wissinger et al. times of drought, as they are likely to 1999, entire). Aquatic insects, Factor B. Overutilization for hold water longer and serve as a refuge amphibians, and several fish species during extended dry periods. Forested Commercial, Recreation, Scientific or have all been observed at sites with the canopies may offer an additional source Educational Purposes Platte River caddisfly, but the sand- of protection against a warmer and drier There is no indication that the Platte grained case of the Platte River caddisfly climate. River caddisfly is being over collected likely offers it some protection from Currently, available information does by hobbyists or researchers, or will be predators in its environment, as larvae not indicate whether Platte River in the future. Collecting of Platte River in mineral cases can better withstand caddisfly population levels are caddisfly larvae has occurred for crushing than larvae in cases composed increasing or decreasing, or if the scientific purposes (e.g., identification, of organic material (Otto and Svensson amount of potential habitat is increasing museum archiving, lab experiments, 1980, p. 857). or decreasing. Overall, we have and genetic analyses), but this has been Despite having mineral cases that can documented that the species is more limited, and largely done at sites withstand crushing, the brook common than previously thought and supporting the greatest densities of the stickleback (Culaea inconstans) readily likely is more abundant now than insect (Alexander and Whiles 2000, p. 1; consumed Platte River caddisfly larvae during the drought in the early 2000s. Vivian 2010, pp. 74–77; Geluso et al. in a laboratory setting, typically after the Also, an increase in surveys is likely to 2011, p. 1022; Cavallaro et al. 2011, p. fish removed the larvae from their cases result in an increase in the known range 5). The caddisfly is not known to have (Cavallaro 2011, pers. comm). The brook of the caddisfly, given the amount of been collected for educational purposes. stickleback has been found to reduce potential habitat that has yet to be Insect collectors have not been known macroinvertebrate biomass in wetlands surveyed. Additional survey work to take Platte River caddisfly adults for in the Western Boreal Forest (Hornung would likely result in populations being their collections, likely because and Foote 2006, entire), and the brook found on more river systems, such as caddisfly adults are not as showy as stickleback has been found at five sites the Cedar, Niobrara, and Republican other groups of insects, such as with the Platte River caddisfly, but these Rivers in Nebraska. butterflies. Also, caddisfly adults are sites do not support markedly lower Currently, the Platte River caddisfly is active during a narrow window (i.e., 3 densities of the Platte River caddisfly. known from three river systems, and weeks), and the sites where the species Also, the caddisfly is well camouflaged most of the potential threats occur along occurs are isolated from urban areas and in its environment, and field trials have the Platte River. Historically, the species difficult to access. not been conducted to determine if the likely occupied a much greater portion brook stickleback consumes the Platte of the Platte River than today. However, Summary of Factor B River caddisfly in its natural despite all of the water development There is no evidence that environment. Furthermore, the brook that has occurred on the Platte River overutilization presents a threat to the stickleback has been collected upstream system, the caddisfly still occurs along Platte River caddisfly. Although small, and downstream of the central Platte the majority of the reach surveyed isolated collections of larvae will likely River since 1942, and from the central between 2009 and 2011. While ongoing continue for research purposes, we have Platte River since 1987 and possibly degradation poses a threat to the river determined that these collections do not earlier (Chadwick et al. 1997, p. 285), and the remaining slough habitat constitute a threat to the species and the fish is considered native to

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Nebraska (Fischer and Paukert 2008, pp. Therefore, we conclude that the best consider their impacts to fish and 372–373). Therefore, the caddisfly and scientific and commercial information wildlife resources. FWCA also requires stickleback have likely overlapped in available indicates that neither disease that impacts to water bodies be offset their ranges prior to the discovery of the nor predation poses a threat to the Platte through mitigation measures developed Platte River caddisfly, and there is no River caddisfly. in coordination with the Service and the available information to indicate that appropriate State wildlife agency. Factor D. Inadequacy of Existing brook sticklebacks have contributed, or FWCA would provide adequate Regulatory Mechanisms are contributing, to localized protection to the Platte River caddisfly extirpations of the caddisfly. Existing Federal, State, and local in the event that water development In addition to the brook stickleback, laws; regulations; and policies that may projects and Platte River caddisfly the Platte River caddisfly has been provide a moderate level of protection habitat overlap. However, there is found to occur with other fish predators, for the Platte River caddisfly and its currently no information regarding any including the redear sunfish (Lepomis habitat include: The National current or planned water development microlophus), fathead minnow Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 projects within the range of the Platte (Pimephales promelas), common carp U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Fish and River caddisfly. Should future water (Cyprinus carpio), and largemouth bass Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA; 16 development projects occur within (Micropterus salmoides) (Vivian 2011, U.S.C. 661 et seq.), section 404 of the Platte River caddisfly habitat, we have p. 14). However, there is no indication Clean Water Act (CWA; 33 U.S.C. 1251 determined that FWCA would that these fish predators are resulting in et seq.), and Nebraska State law LB 962. adequately protect the caddisfly and its population declines at these sites or that For all federally funded or authorized habitat, because the Service would be these sites support lower densities of projects, Federal actions, or projects provided an opportunity to address the Platte River caddisfly compared to occurring on Federal lands, an potential concerns with fish and sites without these predators. Therefore, Environmental Assessment or wildlife resources, including the we conclude that predation during the Environmental Impact Statement is caddisfly. aquatic stage does not pose a threat to required under NEPA. NEPA is a The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the Platte River caddisfly. procedural statute that requires federal (Corps), acting under the authority of The Platte River caddisfly is likely agencies to consider the environmental section 404 of the CWA, regulates the impacted by predation in its terrestrial impacts of a proposed project and placement of fill materials into waters larval and adult stages. Several reasonable alternatives to project under Federal jurisdiction, including caddisfly cases have been recovered that actions. It also requires full disclosure of the filling of wetlands. Historically, show signs of predation possibly by ants all direct, indirect, and cumulative according to a 1977 Corps definition, or beetles and small mammals, such as environmental impacts of the project. waters under Federal jurisdiction shrews. Signs of predation include tears However, NEPA does not require applied to ‘‘waters of the United States,’’ in the cases or holes at the posterior end protection of a particular species or its and included intermittent streams, of the case (Vivian 2009, pers. obs.). habitat, nor does it require the selection wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, and However, the sand-grained larval case of a particular course of action. wet meadows. This definition provided likely offers some protection to Therefore, NEPA may only provide a protection to nearly all wetlands in the terrestrial larvae through camouflage limited amount of protection to the United States (Petrie et al. 2001, p. 1). and defense against crushing (Otto and caddisfly in situations where NEPA was However, two Supreme Court rulings in Svensson 1980, p. 857). Adults are applicable. 2001 and 2006 limited Federal authority likely eaten by migratory birds and NEPA does not apply to non-Federal under the CWA to regulate certain waterfowl (Whiles et al. 1999, p. 543). projects on private lands or privately isolated wetlands (Solid Waste Agency At sites with relatively low numbers of funded projects, and about 34 percent of Northern Cook County v. U.S. Army caddisflies, predation on larvae in the (12 of 35 sites) of the known Corps of Engineers, 531 U.S. 159, terrestrial stage and adults could pose a populations of the Platte River caddisfly (SWANCC) (2001) and Rapanos v. threat to this species in the future. occur on private lands or near road United States, 547 U.S. 715 (2006)). However, there is no available evidence ditches. Projects occurring on public Following the SWANCC and Rapanos that the predation of terrestrial larvae or hunting grounds or access areas, land decisions, it was unknown how the adults is impacting populations of the under the management of conservation Corps would interpret its jurisdictional Platte River caddisfly. Therefore, we do groups, and roadsides often receive lines (Petrie et al. 2001, p. 3). According not consider predation during the Federal dollars, and, therefore, NEPA to 2008 guidance documents of the terrestrial larval and adult life stages to would apply to 66 percent of sites with Corps and Environmental Protection constitute a threat to the species. the Platte River caddisfly. However, as Agency, the CWA applies to wetlands Given the small number of stated above, NEPA does not provide adjacent to navigable waters of the individuals at some sites, it is possible protection to species. There is no United States. This means wetlands that disease could pose a threat to the available information regarding any must have an unbroken surface or Platte River caddisfly. However, we development projects, private or shallow sub-surface connection to have no evidence to suggest that any otherwise, occurring within Platte River jurisdictional waters (even if the disease is currently affecting the Platte caddisfly habitat. Overall, we conclude connection is intermittent), be River caddisfly. that NEPA would provide some physically separated from jurisdictional protection to the Platte River caddisfly waters by manmade dikes or barriers or Summary of Factor C in the event that development projects natural river berms, or be in close Although the Platte River caddisfly is and slough habitat overlap in the future. proximity to navigable waters, likely a prey item for various predators FWCA requires that proponents of supporting the science-based inference (native and non-native), there is no Federal water development projects, that such wetlands have an ecological evidence that suggests current levels of including those involving stream interconnection with jurisdictional predation or disease on the Platte River diversion, channel deepening, waters. caddisfly are currently affecting impoundment construction, and/or Currently, most Corps permit populations or will in the future. general modifications to water bodies, applications in central Nebraska are for

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restoration work along the Platte River as to avoid impact to the caddisfly and integrated management plan to address by groups such as the PFW, NGPC, and its habitat. depletion issues can be developed Ducks Unlimited (Moeschen 2011, pers. Several governmental and (NGPC 2008, p. 18). The law does not comm.). Typically, the Service is made nongovernmental agencies are working prevent new groundwater wells from aware of these projects and has to secure water rights for environmental being drilled outside fully appropriated educated restoration proponents on the benefits and endangered and threatened basins, such as some areas on the Loup Platte River caddisfly and its habitat so species in Nebraska; however, instream River. Future groundwater well as to avoid potential adverse impacts to flow appropriations do not ensure a construction could contribute to some extant populations. Also, sand and stream will always contain water future loss in slough habitat on the Loup gravel mining operations, if occurring (Czaplewski 2009, entire). Instream and Elkhorn Rivers as has been within wetlands along the river, would appropriations only ensure that the observed on the Platte, leading to future require a Corps permit. A Corps permit minimum flow needs of species will be caddisfly habitat loss. However, we would provide the Service with met before any future water estimate that the amount of habitat that adequate opportunity to address development projects can occur could be impacted is small, because concerns regarding fish and wildlife (Czaplewski 2009, entire). Therefore, in new development is done on a limited resources, and any issued permit would times of drought and low flows, pre- basis, and each NRD monitors require mitigation (offset impacts, existing water rights will be met before groundwater and stream levels annually restore area of equal habitat value) at a the minimum flow needs of fish and to ensure water resources are not being minimum ratio of 1:1 (Corps 2005, p. wildlife species are met. However, we depleted. 18). Furthermore, the Corps has been previously determined that the Platte Summary of Factor D kept apprised of all sites where the River caddisfly can withstand drought caddisfly occurs, and two Corps to a certain degree even when coupled Given that 66 percent of Platte River representatives attended a workshop in with existing water development caddisfly populations occur on 2010 that educated various agency projects. protected lands, and current laws and personnel on the Platte River caddisfly The Central Platte Natural Resources regulations provide adequate protection and its habitat. District (CPNRD) and NGPC each have for slough habitat on private lands protected instream flow rights along the should future activities occur within Most sloughs that support a Platte Platte River; however, these are not River caddisfly population occur in slough habitat, we conclude that the enough to cover ‘‘target flows’’ outlined inadequacy of existing regulatory areas directly connected to or adjacent by the PRRIP (NGPC 2008, p. 7). The to the main channel of the Platte, Loup, mechanisms does not pose a threat to PRRIP is working to address shortages to the Platte River caddisfly. and Elkhorn Rivers. Adjacency under target flows by managing an CWA is easily determined for these environmental account from reservoirs Factor E. Other Natural or Manmade sloughs. Four of the 35 sites occur in along the Platte River in Nebraska and Factors Affecting Its Continued more off-channel areas, and adjacency leasing water rights from willing Existence for these sloughs may not be as easily landowners. The PRRIP also has a goal Small Population Size determined. Despite occurring in more of offsetting new depletions to the off-channel areas, these four sloughs system that occurred after July 1997 and Small insect populations may be still likely receive protection from fill. restoring flows to the river by 130,000 vulnerable to extirpation as a result of For instance, two sites on the Elkhorn to 150,000 acre-feet per year between random genetic drift, naturally River occur along roadsides, and FHWA 2007 and 2019. Efforts to augment occurring stochastic events, or and the Nebraska Department of Roads current Platte River flows should demographic stochasticity (Pimm et al. notifies the Service when work within provide adequate protection for the 1988, p. 757; Boyce 1992, p. 482; Purvis or near wetland areas is scheduled to Platte River caddisfly populations along et al. 2000, p. 1949; Melbourne and occur. If these areas become subject to the Platte River, possibly with the Hastings 2008, p. 3). Extinction of small fill activities in the future, the Service exception of the type locality and Wild populations is also likely to happen would have an opportunity to Rose Slough. For instance, as discussed more quickly than extinction of larger recommend ways to avoid and under Factor A, even with more water populations due to inbreeding (Brook et minimize impacts to the wetlands. in the river channel, the type locality al. 2002, pp. 3–4), and this could affect Meanwhile, Wild Rose Slough and the and Wild Rose Slough may not become the Platte River caddisfly in the future. type locality on Crane Trust property inundated or remain inundated long We do not know the true population are protected from fill activities by way enough to meet the needs of the Platte size of any of the known Platte River of a conservation easement. Overall, 23 River caddisfly (Harner and Whited caddisfly populations, but we do have of 35 caddisfly populations occur 2011, entire). Furthermore, the PRRIP information on the numbers of within WMAs or lands managed for seeks to augment sediment inputs to the individuals at 18 sites with the conservation or roadsides and are central Platte River, which should also caddisfly. We previously discussed that protected from most fill and help prevent future channel degradation some sites support relatively low development activities in wetlands from impacting sloughs where the densities of the Platte River caddisfly, (with the exception of restoration work). caddisfly occurs. but determined that finding low Thus, the CWA adequately protects the Passed in 2004, Nebraska State law LB numbers of individuals at a site is Platte River caddisfly and its habitat 962 requires the Nebraska Department typical of the Ironoquia genus. We also from fill and development activities of Natural Resources to work with each determined that varying population now and into the future, because: (1) of the 23 Nebraska Natural Resource levels across the range of the Platte The CWA would apply to the majority Districts (NRDs) to address surface River caddisfly likely represent the of populations should such activities water and groundwater appropriations norm for the species, and varying occur in the future; (2) 66 percent of in fully or over-appropriated basins. population densities are likely a product populations occur in protected areas; Basins designated as fully appropriated of the species occurring in more than and (3) the Service and Corps have are required to place a moratorium on one type of habitat. Also, because of engaged in proactive planning efforts so any new groundwater wells until an various life history traits that enable the

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caddisfly to survive in temporary dissimilar from all other populations recolonize sloughs following stochastic habitats, the caddisfly is more able to (Cavallaro et al. 2011, p. 7), but this may events and is well adapted to the withstand stochastic events than species be more a product of geographic environmental extremes found in the less tolerant of extreme weather events. isolation as opposed to habitat Great Plains. Therefore, we conclude Therefore, we have determined that fragmentation. It was also established that other natural or manmade factors small population size does not pose a that there is a low amount of gene flow do not pose a threat to the species. threat to the caddisfly. among existing Platte River caddisfly Cumulative Impacts populations and more intra-population Limited Dispersal Ability variation than inter-population variation Some of the threats discussed in this The adult stage likely represents the (Cavallaro et al. 2011, pp. 6–7). finding can work in concert with one most probable means of dispersal The amount of genetic variability another to cumulatively create (Williams 1996, p. 644; Petersen et al. observed in the Platte River caddisfly situations that will impact the Platte 2004, p. 934) for the Platte River (Cavallaro et al. 2011, p. 7) is similar to River caddisfly beyond the scope of caddisfly. Poor adult flight capabilities what has been observed in the caddisfly each individual threat. For example, as and a short window of adult activity Wormaldia tagananana, which is mentioned under Factor A, the impacts indicate that Platte River caddisfly identified as having a limited range and of water development on Platte River dispersal to new habitats and between presumed limited dispersal ability caddisfly habitat could be exacerbated populations is likely a rare event. (Kelly et al. 2002, p. 1646). Low gene by the effects of drought and the Observations when adults are active flow between Platte River caddisfly projected increases in drought resulting have found individuals underneath populations further corroborates that the from climate change. In the absence of vegetation and on or near the ground, caddisfly has a limited ability to water development projects across the particularly when it is windy, and above disperse to new habitats (e.g., restored landscape, the Platte River caddisfly is vegetation or immediately adjacent to sloughs, sites that were previously naturally tolerant of drought because of standing water in slough habitat during extirpated), and that successful its semi-terrestrial lifecycle and ability more favorable weather conditions dispersal to new habitats likely depends to recolonize sloughs once they become (Vivian 2009, pers. obs.; Vivian 2010, upon just a few individuals (Schmidt et inundated again following extended dry pers. obs.; Geluso et al. 2011, p. 1024). al. 1995, p. 154; Cavallaro et al. 2011, periods. However, in the presence of When active, the caddisfly has only pp. 6–7). water development, projects that once been observed to fly more than 10 Although it has been identified that remove water from the Platte, Loup, and meters, and wind seemed to greatly the Platte River caddisfly is a poor Elkhorn Rivers have the potential to influence that individual (Vivian 2009, disperser, this is a natural life-history reduce the amount of available habitat pers. obs.; Vivian 2010, pers. obs.). trait. This behavior would be across the landscape to the point that, Platte River caddisfly adults are also detrimental to the species if the existing during drought, enough refugia may not active for a short period of time (i.e., populations remained isolated from one be available to sustain existing about 2 to 3 weeks) (Whiles et al. 1999, another. However, we have not populations. Also, because of climate p. 539; Goldowitz 2004, p. 6), and this identified that habitat loss is presently change, the frequency of droughts is likely limits the species’ dispersal occurring to the extent that the expected to increase, and this will likely ability compared to other caddisflies fragmentation of Platte River caddisfly be exacerbated by ongoing water with longer adult lifespans (Svensson populations poses a threat to the development. Water development has 1972; entire) and could reduce the species. While sloughs on the different the ability to exacerbate the effects of amount of genetic variability within river systems and on both sides of the drought (climate change-related or populations. 155-km (93-mi) distribution gap otherwise), because less water is flowing Genetics techniques can be used to between Hershey and Elm Creek, through the system than what there assess a species’ dispersal ability in the Nebraska, are isolated from one another, would be in the absence of water absence of direct observations of there is evidence of gamete (male and development. Future, extreme droughts significant dispersal events (Kelly et al. female reproductive cells) exchange and climate change are also expected to 2002, p. 1642). Amplified Fragment across river systems given the similarity facilitate the spread of non-native Length Polymorphism has been used to between the sites near Gibbon and Loup vegetation, and this could result in a determine the amount of genetic City and between Kearney and loss in habitat due to the encroachment similarity among five caddisfly Sutherland. Furthermore, there have of exotic vegetation in sloughs. Because populations from the Platte, Loup, and been live individuals or cases found at of these relationships, we will analyze Elkhorn Rivers (Cavallaro et al. 2011, two restored sites. These observations the cumulative impact of drought (as a entire). It was found that one Platte indicate that there is a limited amount result of climate change), water River caddisfly population from near of dispersal occurring within relatively development (human-caused water Sutherland, Nebraska, and one near short time periods across short reduction), and invasive species. Kearney, Nebraska, had more genetic distances. similarity to each other than the Water Development, Drought, and population near Kearney did to a Summary of Factor E Invasive Species population near Gibbon, Nebraska, In summary, although small As mentioned previously, under despite the closer proximity of Kearney population size and limited dispersal normal conditions and otherwise, the and Gibbon. Also, the population near ability have the potential to adversely Platte River caddisfly has the ability to Gibbon was found to be more closely impact the Platte River caddisfly, there withstand drought, because it enters related to the population near Loup is no evidence that this is occurring or into a dormant phase during the typical City, Nebraska, even though Loup City is likely to occur in the near future. For summer dry period. However, extreme is farther from Gibbon than Kearney instance, there are no known caddisfly drought can adversely impact the (∼21 km or 13.1 mi) (Bunn and Hughes population extirpations that have caddisfly to the point that it results in 1997, p. 341; Cavallaro et al. 2011, pp. occurred as a result of small population localized extirpations. For instance, 12, 15). The Elkhorn River population size. We previously established that the extreme drought resulted in the tested was found to be the most Platte River caddisfly has the ability to extirpation of the type locality and one

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site near Shelton, Nebraska, in the early sites affected by invasive species (3 of floodplain. The dewatering of the Platte 2000s. The species has since 35), and our inability to predict the River likely resulted in historical losses recolonized the type locality. The future effects of invasive species on of Platte River caddisfly habitat. Shelton site has not been surveyed since other caddisfly sites, we do not find that Nonetheless, we have established that 2009, but it is possible the Platte River invasive species pose a threat to the most remaining populations are likely to caddisfly has recolonized this area. This species now or in the future. remain adequately protected across this indicates that there was likely sufficient Finding portion of the species’ range because of habitat available near the type locality programs, such as PRRIP and PFW, and during the drought to serve as refugia As required by the Act, we considered the existence of protected areas where for the caddisfly, and that within a short the five factors in assessing whether the many Platte River caddisfly populations period of time following disturbance, Platte River caddisfly is endangered or occur. Although ongoing and future the species founded new populations in threatened throughout all of its range. Platte River channel degradation could previously occupied habitat. We examined the best scientific and potentially affect the Platte River The drought in the early 2000s commercial information available caddisfly and its habitat in the future, occurred during a time when water regarding the past, present, and future particularly at the Crane Trust, threats faced by the Platte River development projects, such as dams and restoration efforts are ongoing along the caddisfly. We reviewed the petition, diversions, were prevalent across the central Platte River to stem this trend. information available in our files, other landscape, particularly along the Platte These efforts should protect caddisfly available published and unpublished River. The Platte River is considered to populations along the Platte River, information, and we consulted with be the most degraded portion of the where most stressors are concentrated, range of the caddisfly, but no new, large recognized caddisfly, slough, and now and into the future. water projects have been implemented hydrology experts and other Federal, since 1956. Under current laws and State, and nongovernmental entities. On Climate change is a concern and is regulations, we anticipate that current the basis of the best scientific and likely to render the range of the Platte conditions with respect to water commercial information available, we River caddisfly hotter and drier. development are not anticipated to find that the Platte River caddisfly is not Nonetheless, we have determined that deteriorate along the Platte River or in danger of extinction (endangered the species should withstand future appreciably diminish on the Loup and species) now or likely to become an climatic changes because of various life- Elkhorn Rivers. endangered species within the history traits that are common among The caddisfly has already been shown foreseeable future (threatened species), semi-terrestrial caddisflies and because to withstand the combined effects of throughout all or a significant portion of of the distribution of its habitat across extreme drought and water-related its range. Therefore, we find that listing the landscape. We have determined that impacts to its habitat. The species is the Platte River caddisfly as an the present or threatened destruction, also still present following the endangered or threatened species is not modification, or curtailment of its proliferation of invasive species along warranted throughout its range at this habitat or range (Factor A) is not a threat the Platte River during the drought in time. to the Platte River caddisfly at this time. the early 2000s. Meanwhile, there are no The Platte River caddisfly is currently We have determined that new, large-scale water development known from 35 locations across three overutilization for commercial, projects planned within the range of the river systems, and the number of recreational, or scientific use (Factor B) caddisfly. Therefore, the amount of populations would most likely increase is not a threat to the species at this time. habitat available to the caddisfly is not with additional survey efforts, because Neither disease nor predation (Factor C) anticipated to greatly diminish because potentially suitable habitat has been of water development now or into the identified but has not been surveyed. is known or expected to be a threat to future. While future, extreme droughts Meanwhile, with the exception of the the species. We have determined that could result in extirpations of the type locality, there is a lack of the inadequacy of existing regulatory caddisfly at a local scale, from information on population trends. It mechanisms (Factor D) is not a threat to examining satellite imagery to identify appears that the caddisfly naturally the Platte River caddisfly, and that slough habitat, we find there is occurs at varying densities depending regulatory mechanisms currently in sufficient habitat available surrounding on habitat type and may even be place provide protection to the species. current populations to serve as refugia classified as a habitat generalist. Regarding other natural or manmade for the species during drought. Thus, Because the species occurs in more than factors affecting its continued existence there is no information to suggest that one habitat type on three different river (Factor E), we do not consider small future, extreme droughts resulting from systems, the caddisfly is well- population size or limited dispersal climate change and current water represented across the landscape and is ability to constitute a threat to the development projects will reduce the resilient to the various stressors present species. The available information does ability of existing caddisfly populations throughout its range. not indicate that the caddisfly is being to sustain themselves under a warmer In this finding, we identified a impacted genetically, or in any other and drier climate. number of potential stressors under way, as a result of small population size We previously identified that at three Factor A. The stressor most likely to or limited dispersal ability, or that it Platte River caddisfly sites along the constitute a threat to the Platte River will become an endangered or Platte River, Phalaris arundinacea (reed caddisfly and its habitat in the future is threatened species in the foreseeable canarygrass) may encroach enough in landscape-level changes in hydrology. future due to stochastic events. We have the future to contribute to the The Platte River is one of the most also examined the cumulative impact of extirpation of the caddisfly at these managed river systems in the United various stressors acting together and locations. There is no evidence that States and contains several whether those pose a threat to the suggests Phalaris arundinacea is impoundments, diversions, and caddisfly. We have determined that, resulting in habitat loss at the remaining groundwater withdrawals that have when examined together, the 32 sites where the species occurs. resulted in hydrological and cumulative impact of various stressors Because of the current small number of morphological changes to the does not pose a threat to the caddisfly.

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Significant Portion of the Range explained further below, a portion of the of extinction) establishes a threshold Having determined that the Platte range of a species is ‘‘significant’’ if its that is relatively high. On the one hand, River caddisfly is not an endangered or contribution to the viability of the given that the consequences of finding threatened species throughout its range, species is so important that without that a species to be an endangered or we must next consider whether there portion, the species would be in danger threatened species in an SPR would be are any significant portions of its range of extinction. listing the species throughout its entire We evaluate biological significance where the species is in danger of range, it is important to use a threshold based on the principles of conservation extinction or is likely to become an for ‘‘significant’’ that is robust. It would biology using the concepts of endangered species in the foreseeable not be meaningful or appropriate to redundancy, resiliency, and future. The Act defines ‘‘endangered establish a very low threshold whereby representation. Resiliency describes the species’’ as any species which is ‘‘in a portion of the range can be considered characteristics of a species and its danger of extinction throughout all or a ‘‘significant’’ even if only a negligible habitat that allow it to recover from significant portion of its range,’’ and increase in extinction risk would result periodic disturbance. Redundancy ‘‘threatened species’’ as any species from its loss. Because nearly any portion (having multiple populations which is ‘‘likely to become an of a species’ range can be said to distributed across the landscape) may be contribute some increment to a species’ endangered species within the needed to provide a margin of safety for foreseeable future throughout all or a viability, use of such a low threshold the species to withstand catastrophic would require us to impose restrictions significant portion of its range.’’ The events. Representation (the range of phrase ‘‘significant portion of its range’’ and expend conservation resources variation found in a species) ensures disproportionately to achieve (SPR) is not defined by the statute, and that the species’ adaptive capabilities we have no regulation governing SPR. conservation benefits. This would result are conserved. Redundancy, resiliency, in the listing being rangewide, even if We interpret the phrase ‘‘significant and representation are not independent portion of its range’’ in the Act’s only a portion of the range of minor of each other, and some characteristic of conservation importance to the species definitions of ‘‘endangered species’’ and a species or area may contribute to all ‘‘threatened species’’ to provide an is imperiled. On the other hand, it three. For example, distribution across a would be inappropriate to establish a independent basis for listing; thus, there wide variety of habitat types is an are two situations (or factual bases) threshold for ‘‘significant’’ that is too indicator of representation, but it may high. This would be the case if the under which a species would qualify for also may indicate a broad geographic listing: A species may be an endangered standard were, for example, that a distribution contributing to redundancy portion of the range can be considered or threatened species throughout all of (decreasing the chance that any one its range; or a species may be an ‘‘significant’’ only if threats in that event affects the entire species), and the portion result in the entire species’ endangered or threatened species in likelihood that some habitat types are only a significant portion of its range. If being currently endangered or less susceptible to certain threats, threatened. Such a high bar would not a species is in danger of extinction contributing to resiliency (the ability of throughout an SPR, the species is an give the SPR phrase independent the species to recover from disturbance). meaning, as the Ninth Circuit held in ‘‘endangered species.’’ The same None of these concepts is intended to be analysis applies to ‘‘threatened species.’’ Defenders of Wildlife v. Norton, 258 mutually exclusive, and a portion of a F.3d 1136 (9th Cir. 2001). Based on this interpretation and species’ range may be determined to be supported by existing case law, the ‘‘significant’’ due to its contributions The definition of ‘‘significant’’ used in consequence of finding that a species is under any one or more of these this finding carefully balances these an endangered or threatened species in concepts. concerns. By setting a relatively high only a significant portion of its range is We determine if a portion’s biological threshold, we minimize the degree to that the entire species will be listed as contribution is so important that the which restrictions will be imposed or an endangered or threatened species, portion qualifies as ‘‘significant’’ by resources expended that do not respectively, and the Act’s protections asking whether without that portion, the contribute substantially to species will be applied across the species’ entire representation, redundancy, or conservation. But we have not set the range. Because ‘‘significant portion of its resiliency of the species would be so threshold so high that the phrase ‘‘in a range’’ provides an independent basis impaired that the species would have an significant portion of its range’’ loses for listing and protecting the entire increased vulnerability to threats to the independent meaning. Specifically, we species, we next turn to the meaning of point that the overall species would be have not set the threshold as high as it ‘‘significant’’ to determine the threshold in danger of extinction (i.e., would be was under the interpretation presented for when such an independent basis for ‘‘an endangered species’’). Conversely, by the Service in the Defenders listing exists. we would not consider the portion of litigation. Under that interpretation, the Although there are potentially many the range at issue to be ‘‘significant’’ if portion of the range would have to be ways to determine whether a portion of there is sufficient resiliency, so important that current imperilment a species’ range is ‘‘significant,’’ the redundancy, and representation there would mean that the species significance of the portion of the range elsewhere in the species’ range that the would be currently imperiled should be determined based on its species would not be in danger of everywhere. Under the definition of biological contribution to the extinction throughout its range if the ‘‘significant,’’ the portion of the range conservation of the species. For this population in that portion of the range need not rise to such an exceptionally reason, we describe the threshold for in question became extirpated (extinct high level of biological significance. (We ‘‘significant’’ in terms of an increase in locally). recognize that if the species is imperiled the risk of extinction for the species. We We recognize that this definition of in a portion that rises to that level of conclude that a biologically based ‘‘significant’’ (a portion of the range of biological significance, then we should definition of ‘‘significant’’ best conforms a species is ‘‘significant’’ if its conclude that the species is in fact to the purposes of the Act, is consistent contribution to the viability of the imperiled throughout all of its range, with judicial interpretations, and best species is so important that without that and that we would not need to rely on ensures species’ conservation. Thus, as portion, the species would be in danger the SPR language for such a listing.)

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Rather, under this interpretation we ask the conservation of the species. We first find that the Platte River caddisfly is not whether the species would be an evaluated whether substantial an endangered species in any portion of endangered species everywhere without information indicated (i) the threats are its range now or in the foreseeable that portion, i.e., if that portion were so concentrated in any portion of the future, we need not address the question completely extirpated. In other words, species’ range that the species may be of whether any portion may be the portion of the range need not be so currently in danger of extinction in that significant. important that even the species being in portion; and (ii) if so, whether those danger of extinction in that portion portions may be significant to the Conclusion would be sufficient to cause the species conservation of the species. Our Our review of the information in the remainder of the range to be an rangewide review of the species pertaining to the five factors does not endangered species; rather, the concluded that the Platte River complete extirpation (in a hypothetical caddisfly is not an endangered or support the assertion that there are future) of the species in that portion threatened species. As described above, threats acting on the species or its would be required to cause the species to establish whether any areas may habitat that have rendered the Platte in the remainder of the range to be an warrant further consideration, we River caddisfly to be in danger of endangered species. reviewed our analysis of the five listing extinction or likely to become so in the The range of a species can factors to determine whether any of the foreseeable future, throughout all or a theoretically be divided into portions in potential threats identified were so significant portion of its range. an infinite number of ways. However, concentrated among the 35 populations Therefore, listing the Platte River there is no purpose to analyzing that some portion of the range of the caddisfly as an endangered or portions of the range that have no Platte River caddisfly may be in danger threatened species under the Act is not reasonable potential to be significant or of extinction now or in the foreseeable warranted at this time. to analyzing portions of the range in future. which there is no reasonable potential We request that you submit any new We found that most potential threats for the species to be an endangered or information concerning the status of, or evaluated in this rule were concentrated threatened species. To identify only threats to, the Platte River caddisfly to on the Platte River, and we have those portions that warrant further our Nebraska Field Office (see determined that these potential threats, consideration, we determine whether ADDRESSES) whenever it becomes including but not limited to: landscape there is substantial information available. New information will help us indicating that: (1) The portions may be level changes in hydrology, invasive monitor the Platte River caddisfly and ‘‘significant,’’ and (2) the species may be species, climate change, drought, encourage its conservation. If an in danger of extinction there or likely to flooding, grazing, inadequacy of existing emergency situation develops for the regulatory mechanisms, and poor become so within the foreseeable future. Platte River caddisfly or any other dispersal ability, are not resulting in Depending on the biology of the species, species, we will act to provide current losses of slough habitat or losses its range, and the threats it faces, it immediate protection. might be more efficient for us to address of any of the 28 populations of the Platte the significance question first or the River caddisfly along the Platte River, References Cited status question first. Thus, if we nor are they likely to do so in the A complete list of references cited is determine that a portion of the range is foreseeable future. In addition, we find available on the Internet at http:// not ‘‘significant,’’ we do not need to that the Platte River portion of the range determine whether the species is an of the caddisfly is not endangered or www.regulations.gov and upon request endangered or threatened species there; threatened because of existing programs from the Nebraska Field Office (see if we determine that the species is not and entities that are striving to protect ADDRESSES). current channel conditions. There is endangered or threatened in a portion of Authors its range, we do not need to determine also no information to indicate that the if that portion is ‘‘significant.’’ In potential threats analyzed under the five The primary authors of this notice are practice, a key part of the determination factors are contributing to a decline in the staff members of the Nebraska Field that a species is in danger of extinction the number of Platte River caddisfly Office. in a significant portion of its range is populations or amount of slough habitat whether the threats are geographically available along the central Platte River. Authority concentrated in some way. If the threats For instance, we analyzed projected The authority for this action is section to the species are essentially uniform increases in the frequency of droughts 4 of the Endangered Species Act of throughout its range, no portion is likely in central Nebraska and how this could to warrant further consideration. impact the Platte River caddisfly and its 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et Moreover, if any concentration of habitat. We also considered how the seq.). threats to the species occurs only in effects of climate change may be Dated: August 20, 2012. portions of the species’ range that compounded by current levels of water Benjamin N. Tuggle, clearly would not meet the biologically development and have determined that these threats are not likely to pose a Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife based definition of ‘‘significant,’’ such Service. portions will not warrant further threat to the Platte River caddisfly [FR Doc. 2012–21352 Filed 8–29–12; 8:45 am] consideration. across its range. Therefore, based on our To determine whether the Platte River review, the available information does BILLING CODE 4310–55–P caddisfly could be considered an not indicate that any of the potential endangered or threatened species in a threats we evaluated in all the factors ‘‘significant portion of its range’’, we under the Act were so concentrated in reviewed the best scientific information any portion of the species’ range as to with respect to the geographic find that the Platte River caddisfly may concentration of threats and the currently be in danger of extinction in significance of portions of the range to that portion of its range. Because we

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