1 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Final Programmatic Report

Project Name and Number Whooping Crane Reintroduction to the South Eastern US (2008- 0045-003)

Recipient organization / Agency: Operation Migration USA Inc.

Recipient Contact: Joe Duff Recipient E-Mail: [email protected] Recipient Phone: 905 982 1096 Recipient Web Address: www.operationmigration.org

1) Summary In four or five sentences, provide a brief, cumulative summary of the project. Fourteen Whooping crane chicks were conditioned to follow the ultralight aircraft of Operation Migration. They were led 1255 miles from Wisconsin to Florida. A new route was developed to increase safety for the bird and pilots. New wintering grounds were tested by dividing the flock with seven birds wintering at the traditional area and the remainder at a new site.

2) Introduction Describe the original conservation need and objectives. Only 15 Whooping cranes existed in the 1940’s. That number has increased to over 500 however all of these birds use the same nesting area in northern Canada and wintering grounds in Southern United States. They are threatened by the possibility of chemical spills, avian diseases, habitat loss and drought. Together with the other eight agencies within the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership, Operation Migration is attempting to reintroduce a population of Whooping cranes that migrate between nesting grounds in Wisconsin and wintering areas in Florida. This discrete flock will augment the only naturally occurring population and help safeguard the species from extinction. In order to make this reintroduced population self-sustaining it must consist of a minimum of 125 individuals including 25 breeding pairs. Currently there are 84 birds in the Eastern Migratory Population.

3) Methods Describe all activities and method. Give a yearly breakdown if this is a multi-year grant. Early training, Patuxent WRC Whooping crane chicks are aggressive to their siblings until they begin to socialize at 2 to 4 weeks old. This aggression means that they must be housed, handled and trained separately during the early stages. One of the primary training methods used to condition the birds is a circle pen. This enclosure is 0.5 meters tall and 12 meters in diameter. The aircraft is taxied around the outside perimeter, while the chick is encouraged to follow from within. The low fence protects the chick from impact with the aircraft. Each training session takes 30 minutes and each chick must be trained daily.

There are only so many birds produced each year by the captive flock. Natural attrition limits that number further. Each year we must prepare to accommodate as many birds as we can however the rigors of early development often restrict that number to 15 to 20 birds. In order to produce 24 birds we must begin with 30 or more hatchlings. Rearing and conditioning 30 chicks including daily training is a large undertaking and beyond the capacity of the staff at Patuxent. With the help of the 2 Power of Flight OM provided 5 additional staff to carry out the bulk of the training. OM also provides two training aircraft

Summer training at Necedah At PWRC the chicks hatch between May and June with an age range that averages 35 days. As they reach 45 days they were grouped together is social cohorts and transported by air to Necedah. Three shipments were made to accommodate their age range.

Over the summer OM individually conditioned the 3 cohorts to follow our fleet of 4 identical aircraft. Each group, of up to 8 birds, were at a different stage of development but must reach a specific endurance level and properly learn to follow the aircraft. This type of group training makes it more difficult to spot problems in the health or conditioning of the birds and required more staff.

Migration Using 4 ultralight aircraft the team covered from 50 to 200 miles per day as weather permitted. A ground crew of six move the camp and pens. We used one tracking vehicle and one tracker to locate and retrieve wayward birds. The migration passes through 7 states and took 88 days to complete. Each stop was pre-selected for its isolation and the birds were housed in portable pens for predator protection. We have two custom designed travel pens and trailers. We attempt to leapfrog these pens so one is available at each new site. These travel pens were increased in size to accommodate the birds. Also the trailers were modified to carry the extra weight. A new route was used that took the team south from Wisconsin through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama before entering Georgia and eventually Florida. This safer route was use to avoid flying over the Appalachians Mountains.

Wintering To test a new wintering site the flock was divided with sever spending the winter at Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and the remained at St Mark National Wildlife Refuge. At both sites birds are housed in a four acre, open topped, pen that is protected by electrified wire. Regular visits by costumed handlers and a constant supply of food ensure that they return to this pen to roost in water every night where they are protected from nocturnal predators.

Results: a) Outputs i) Using the logic framework model presented with your application (Fig 1) enter in the actual values of the short term outputs. Enter in any additional indicators not included in the full proposal and used n the analysis. If your application did not include a logic framework, describe the project outputs, any realized post-projects outcomes and qualify the results using indicators and baselines. ii) Attach any supplemental graphs, maps, photos and other types of analytical output for the project evaluation. iii) Identify and briefly explain discrepancies between what actually happened compared to what was predicted to happen in the grant proposal using information presented above.

Discussion: There are 5 captive breeding facilities for Whooping cranes in North America. The number of offspring produced each year by the captive flock is dependant on several factors. These include the number of breeding pairs producing, survival of the chicks post hatch and the number of losses due to parasites, diseases, developmental problems. Additionally some birds are held back each season to become breeders and supplement the captive flock. Each year we must prepare to 3 accommodate as many birds as we can however the rigors of early development often restrict that number to 15 to 20 birds. During the 2008 season 20 birds were imprinted, conditioned to follow our aircraft and prepared for transport to Necedah NWR in Wisconsin. Due to injury, a pre-existing respiratory condition, and damage to flight feathers that number was reduced to 14. All 14 birds were led on a 1250 mile migration and all 14 survived the winter at St Marks NWR they began their return unassisted migration on March 30 2009.

Fig. 1: Logic framework table with indicators. 1) Activities Reassign and/or hire up to five additional staff members. One experienced bird handler, one experienced pilot/ trainer and 3 interns Project Output: 5 OM project personnel assisted the Crane Ecology Team at Patuxent WRC to conduct early imprinting and condition the birds to follow the OM aircraft. Post Project Output: 20 birds were imprinted and prepared for transport to the Necedah NW. Indicator Number of birds (above the 7 year average) that are prepared for transport to Necedah Baseline Value An average of 17 birds are prepared annually Predicted value of project output An additional 6 to 7 birds will be prepared Actual value or project output 20 birds were conditioned to follow our aircraft and prepared for transport to Wisconsin. 2) Activity: Recruit addition staff to assist in the summer training and bird care at Necedah NWR. Project Output: Three interns were trained to assist the existing training team members to rear and condition more birds. Post Project Output: 14 birds were prepared for their first migration. Indicator Number of birds that are prepared for migration annually Baseline Value Approximately 16 birds begin the migration each year. Predicted value of project output Up to 24 birds could be prepared for migration Actual Value of Project Output 14 birds were added to the population bring the total of the Eastern Migratory Population to 86 3) Activity: Recruit addition staff to assist in the monitoring of birds on the wintering grounds at St Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Project Output: Two experienced OM team members monitored the birds over the winter at St Marks Post Project Output: 14 birds were released into the wild use a gentle release protocol. Indicator Number of birds to survive the winter and make the return migration Baseline Value On average of 12 birds survive the winter Predicted value of project output Up to 24 birds could survive the winter Predicted value of post project outcome Up to a 100% increase in annual releases Actual Value of Project Output 14 birds survived the winter with no loses 4) Activity: Make modifications to the two custom built travel pens and trailers used on migration. Project Output: Two travel pens and trailers were modified to accommodate more birds 4 Post Project Output: Increase the number of birds that can be taught migratory behaviour. Indicator The numbers of birds that can be accommodated on migrate. Baseline Value Travel pens now house 17 to 18 birds. Predicted value of project output 24 birds could be accommodated on migration Predicted value of post project outcome 30% more birds released annually Actual Value of Project Outputs: Travel pens were increased in size to accommodate up to 24 birds. 5) Activity: A new migration route was developed avoiding the Appalachian Mountains Project Output Increase the safety for he birds and pilots Post Project Outputs Fewer dropout birds would increase their ability to return to the introduction site. Indicators A greater number of birds should make the entire flight without dropping out and having to be crated to the nest stop. Baseline Value An average of 4 birds make the entire migration without dropping out Predicted value of project output An increase in the number of birds that make the entire migration under their own steam Predicted Value of Post Project outcome More birds would arrive at the summering area in Wisconsin Actual Value of the Project Outputs 6 birds made the entire flight to Florida without dropping out. This is the highest number in our 9 year history. 6) Activity: A new wintering site was tested at the St Marks NWR in Florida. Project Output The flock was divided with 7 birds wintering at the traditional site at Chassahowitzka NWR and seven at St Marks. Post Project Output The risk of catastrophic loss due to storms, disease or predation would be lessened by dividing the flock. Indicators More birds would survive the winter. Baseline Value: 20 birds have been lost at the traditional wintering site Predicted Value of Project Output A reduction in the number of birds lost over the winter Predicted Value of Post Project Outcome An overall increase in the eastern migratory population Actual Value of Project Output All fourteen birds survived the winter with no loses due to storms, predation, or disease.

5 2008 OPERATION MIGRATION FIELD TEAM REPORT Fig. 1 Comparison of Training and Migration History of First Eight Generations of WCEP Whooping Cranes EVENT 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 First / Last May 6 Apr 29 May 5 Apr20 Apr20 Apr21 Apr12 May7 Hatch Date Jun 15 Jun 10 May31 Jun3 Jun5 May23 May21 May24 Age spread (days) 40 42 26 44 46 32 39 17 Age-first exp. To NA NA 8.1 7 8 8 9 7 Aircraft (days) Gender 8F-12M 8F-10M 9F-9M 9F-12M 5F-11M 6F-11M 10F-7M 4F-6M Avg. # training hrs NA NA 3:55 5:06 7:45 11:02 11:56 7:18 at PWRC Pond exposure at NA NA 32:24 39:48 55:26 21:42 180:40 19:06 PWRC (hh:mm) Tot. chicks trans to 20 18 18 21 16 17 17 10 NNWR Avg. age at 44.8 І 43.6 44.7 l 44.6 48 | 47 49 | 49 53 | 46 51 | 43 54 | 45 56 shipping (days) 47.8 46 52 42 41 Shipping Date 6/25 І 7/9 6/19 l 7/3 6/26 | 7/6 6/15 | 7/6 6/19 | 6/30 6/12 6/19 | 7/1 7/10 (m/d) 7/29 7/18 7/20 7/13 7/15 6/27 3,4,5,7,9, 3,6,7,9,10,1 1,2,4,5,6,7, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Cohort One (C1) 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 10,11 2,13,14 8,10 7 7, 8 6 7, 8 12, 13, 14, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16,17,18, 11, 12, 13, 12, 14, 15, 9, 10, 11, 4, 7, 9, 10, Cohort Two (C2) 15, 16, 18, 12, 14, 15, 7, 9, 10, 11 21, 22, 24 14, 15 16, 17, 18 12 11 19 16 19, 20, 21, 12, 13, 14, 24, 26, 27, 26, 27, 33, 18,19, 20, 13, 14, 15, Cohort Three (C3) 22, 23, 24 19, 20, 22 16, 17, 18, NA 28, 29, 30 35 22, 23 16, 17, 18 26 19 Total days at 121 | 100 117 | 103 114/100/80 115/101/86 102 | 91| 77 118 | 106 112 | 107 98 NNWR 93 88 # days trained at 61 |55 |40 67 l 50 l 40 59 | 52 |41 56 57 69 52 41 NNWR # nights water- 106|84|74 109 l 96 l 82 84 | 75 | 72 93 (M) 76 (M) 99 (M) 82 (M) 9 (M) roosting available Fledging Date 7/28 l 8/6 l 7/28 | 8/10 7/15 | 8/1 | 7/17 | 8/02 7/19 | 7/22 8/18 | 8/24 8/2, 15, 31 8/29 | 9/6 C1,C2,C3(m/d) 8/31 8/20 8/14 9/16 7/30 9/30 Pre-mig. health 9/2, 3 9/5 9/6, 7 8/30, 31 9/5 & 6 8/27 8/26,27,29 9/11 check (m/d) Sep 18 Oct Aug 25 Sep Cohorts united Sep 13, 28 Sep 5, 21 Sep 15, 23 Sep 6, 21 Aug 14, 29 Sep 5 5 16 Longest pre- 41 min 28 min 26 min 32 min 47 min 33 min 24 min 27 min migration flight Migration 10/17 10/13 10/5 10/14 10/10 10/16 10/13 10/17 departure # Cranes began 14 17 18 20 14 16 17 8 migration Total migration 1093.3 1211.6 1239.1 1209.1 1204.4 1191 1204 1227.28 distance (miles) 1255.26 (*7) Total Flight Time 34:13.8 (*6) 37:37 33:40 31:46 33:07 31:53 38:36 35:46 Total flight days 19 / 21(*5) 25 22, 24(*2) 21 25(*1) 21 20 22 26 Total days to 82 / 88 (*4) 96 76 78(*2) 61 – 64(*1) 64 54 49 48 complete mig. Longest flight dist. 117.1 138 101 115 157 200 107.2 94.7 (miles) Longest flight 2:52 2:20 2:45 2:24 3:00 3:03 2:15 2:09 duration. (h/mm) Jan 17 & Dec 19 & Dec13 & Arrival Date 23/09 Jan 28/08 Jan12/07 Jan11/06 Dec 12 Dec 8 Nov 30 Dec 3 (*3) (*2) (*1) Total cranes to 14 17 18 19 13 16 16 7 (1 crated) complete mig.

(*1) = Arrived 13 Dec 2005 at Halpata. Moved birds 26.1 miles to Chassahowitzka NWR on Jan 9, 10 and 11 2006 (*2) = Arrived 19 Dec 2006 at Halpata. Moved birds 26.1 miles to Chassahowitzka NWR on Jan 11, 12 2007 (*3) = Arrived 17 Jan 2008 at St. Marks NWR. Arrived 23 Jan 2009 at Chass NWR (*4) = 82 Days to St. Marks / 88 days to Chass (excluding 10 day break at Christmas) (*5) = 19 days to St. Marks / 21 days to Chass (*6) = 30 hrs 34.5 min to St. Marks / 34 hrs 13.8 min to Chass (*7) = 1093.3 miles to St. Marks / 1229.26 miles to Chass

6 2008 Migration Timeline

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n

Birds crated tion tion Location

State Duration of delay and Distance Weather

Day Day

Date Date Leg Leg

miles miles (County)

statute statute hh:mm

Duratio (miles)

Distance Distance

Accumu

Migra

Migration Migration lated miles miles lated

Necedah to st 1 1 Oct 17 4 0:25.0 4 WI 4 days at 1 stop 3,4,5 =4M Clear, calm temp 28F 1st Stop 1St Stop to Temp 29F clear. 3 mph 2 5 Oct 21 18 0:37.5 22 WI 7 days @ Juneau 0 Juneau headwind (HW) 3 12 Oct 28 26.6 0:40.0 48.6 Juneau to WI 0 0 Temp 11F clear 3 mph tailwind Sauk (TW) Sauk to 4 13 Oct 29 43.1 1:05.0 91.7 WI 11 days @ Green 0 Temp 25F Clear 9mph TW Greene Greene to WI to Temp 22F clear trashy to 1K ft 5 25 Nov 10 35.8 0:57.0 127.5 8 days @ Winnebago 0 Winnebago IL 3 mph TW Winnebago to 6 33 Nov 18 55.0 1:54.0 182.5 IL 2 days @ La Salle 0 Temp 17.2 winds 14mph NE La Salle

La Salle to Temp 16F very clear. 16mph 7 36 Nov 21 111.6 2:20.0 295.1 IL 4 days @ Piatt 0 Piatt TW

8 41 Nov 26 55.7 2:26.0 349.8 Piatt to IL 0 0 Temp 21F 5mph TW above 1K Cumberland ft Cumberland IL to 9 42 Nov 27 108.3 2:52.0 458.1 1 day @ Union 0 Temp 41F Clear no wind. to Union KY Union to 10 44 Nov 29 63 2:16.0 521.1 KY 5 days @ Marshal 0 Temp 44F clear very calm Marshal Marshal to KY to 11 50 Dec 5 117.1 2:22.0 632.2 6 days @ Hardin 0 Temp 13.2, 12 to 20mph TW Hardin TN Hardin to TN to 5 days plus Xmas 19, 28, 29, 30 = Temp 32 / 2 inches of snow, 12 57 Dec 12 57 2:17.0 695.2 Franklin AL break 57M/ 3 = 20m rough below 1100ft, Christmas break December 18 - 28, 2008 Franklin to 13 63 Dec 29 53 1:53.0 748.2 AL 0 0 Temp 32F clear 2mph TW Walker Walker to Temp 31F Clear winds 14 64 Dec 30 58 1:50.0 806.2 AL 9 days at Chilton 0 Chilton surface2mph aloft 10mph HW Chilton to 3,4,5,24,28,29,3 15 74 Jan 9 57.6 2:29.0 863.8 AL 2 days @ Lowndes Temp 32F 6ph HW very rough Lowndes 0 = 7.8 m Lowndes to Temp 27F Clear but fog until 16 77 Jan 12 51.9 1:53.0 915.7 AL 0 0 Pike 8:30. Pike to AL to Temp 28 high overcast 7mph 17 78 Jan 13 109.5 2:25.0 1025.2 0 0 Decatur GA TW Decatur to GA to 18 79 Jan 14 42.1 1:34.0 1067.3 2 days @ Jefferson 0 Temp 24F 12mph NW Jefferson FL Jefferson to 5 days @ Jefferson 19 82 Jan 17 26 1:09.0 1093.3 FL 0 Temp 28F winds NW at 8mph St. Marks for the 2nd group Jefferson to 20 86 Jan 21 76.66 1:35.0 1169.96 FL 0 0 Temp 19F, Wind 12mph NW Gilchrist Gilchrist to Temp 30F Surface= calm 21 87 Jan 22 59.3 0:41.0 1229.26 FL 0 0 Marion aloft =12mph HW Marion to 22 88 Jan 23 26 1:56.0 1255.26 FL 0 4 = 6 m Temp 37F Fog delay clear calm Chass

Total 12,13,14,18,26,27

34hrs-13.8 mins made entire trip

7 Dissemination: i) Describe the extent of information communicated to the general public, key partners, other practitioners, scientific experts. Wherever possible estimate the extent of the outreach using appropriate quantifiable indicators such as meeting attendance.

MEDIA PRESS RELEASES AND INTERVIEWS Operation Migration issued several press releases and conducted more than 250 media interviews (in both the U.S. and Canada) related to its work with the Class of 2008; 186 of those during the migration. While the attention of the media throughout part of the previous migration route lessened somewhat, the phenomenal interest along the new migration flyway boosted overall coverage/outreach. Worthy of note was the significant increase in interest of radio stations. MAJOR FEATURES In addition to conventional media coverage, Operation Migration participated in several major media projects. Among these were: a video documentary filmed by Alabama Public Television; a feature article in the New York Times Magazine and Popular Science Mechanics; a radio series by the British Broadcasting Corporation; and, a daily live ‘appearance’ on a morning radio show as the migration passed through Illinois.

OUTREACH AND EDUCATION MIGRATION FLYOVERS As the annual ultralight-led migration offers what, for many, could be their only opportunity to see free flying Whooping cranes, Operation Migration attempts to afford the public as many flyover viewing opportunities as possible. During 2008, largely due to the new route and terrain more amenable for viewing, we were able to host 17 flyovers.

At some stopover locations, due to the unavailability of an appropriate viewing site, the audience could only consist of our Stopover Hosts and their family. Other venues attracted scores of excited and enthusiastic spectators from confirmed ‘Craniacs’ to those newly aware of the Whooping crane project.

Sadly for OM’s migration team, but happily for viewers, flyovers departing several stopover sites were ‘repeat performances’. When winds proved too strong, or the young birds too recalcitrant, the day’s flight had to be aborted – only to be repeated from the same location at the next weather opportunity.

The unofficial headcount at 2008 migration flyovers was ~4,550. More than 2000 of those attended the Arrival Event Flyover in St. Marks, FL, and just over 500 were present for the Arrival Event in Dunnellon. AT NECEDAH NWR Throughout the summer when the Class of 2008 was receiving ‘flight training’ OM representatives took advantage of every possible opportunity to visit the Observation Tower to speak with those gathered to watch the morning training sessions. Pilots and ground crew also hosted and addressed many groups when their refuge tour included a visit to the hangar. AT PUBLIC VENUES As awareness for WCEP’s Whooping crane project grows, so do requests for speakers and presentations. The outreach undertaken by Operation Migration as the guest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom for International Migratory Bird day is, in terms of numbers, by far its largest. The presentation delivered annually at the Necedah Whooping Crane Festival continues to be standing room only. The growth of attendance at the yearly event in Oshkosh, WI is equally encouraging. OM representatives made 75 presentations to groups large and small throughout 2008, reaching an estimated total audience of 3500.

SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS During 2008, school presentations delivered by Operation Migration personnel more than doubled the previous year’s number. Interest was especially high in Alabama, and in the new areas of Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida that the more westerly migration route passed through. Operation Migration cooperates closely with Journey North, making information, photos, and other materials available to enhance the learning experience of its vast audience of school children. They reach over 750,000 students with the program.

WEBSITE Operation Migration’s website is a major outreach and education vehicle for WCEP, most particularly the Field Journal web pages. The almost daily entries in the Field Journal attract a large and worldwide readership, especially during the fall migration.

8 The following is a partial list of the news outlets that carried stories of the 2008 migration of Whooping cranes along the new route. The number after the name indicates the number of articles published.

Ludington Daily News - Ludington, MI Traverse City Record Eagle - Traverse City, MI - Rockford, IL KARE - Minneapolis, MN - USA Minneapolis Star Tribune - Minneapolis, MN News Dispatch - Michigan City, IN Reiten Television KXMB Bismarck - Bismarck, ND - Nashville, TN Waukegan News Sun - Waukegan, IL St. Petersburg Times - St. Petersburg, FL (2) DeKalb Daily Chronicle - DeKalb, IL Citrus County Chronicle-Crystal River, FL Belleville News Democrat – Belleville, IL -Tallahassee, FL (3) Chicago Public Radio - Chicago, IL Ocala Star-Banner-Ocala, FL WGIL Radio News - Galesburg, IL Wakulla - Crawfordville, FL Journal Gazette and Times-Courier - Charleston, IL (2) Louisiana Public Broadcasting - Baton Rouge, LA The Chattanoogan - Chattanooga, TN Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Milwaukee, WI (7) Wildlife Extra - Hereford, England, UK Red Orbit - Dallas, TX Ocala.com - Ocala, FL Leader-Telegram - Eau Claire, WI Kansas City Star – Kansas City, MO Waukegan News Sun - Waukegan, IL The Tennessean - Nashville, TN - Baton Rouge, LA Burlington Hawk Eye – Burlington, IA Chicago Daily Herald - Chicago, IL - Knoxville, TN BurlingtonFreePress.com - Burlington, VT Times Daily - Florence, AL Earth Times - London, UK Clanton Advertiser - Clanton, AL Green Bay Press Gazette – Green Bay, WI (3) Memphis Commercial Appeal - Memphis, TN Urbana/Champaign News-Gazette - Champaign, IL Atlanta Journal Constitution – Atlanta, GA La Crosse Tribune - La Crosse, WI Greeneville Sun - Greeneville, TN South Marion Citizen - Ocala, FL Clanton Advertiser - Clanton, AL Houston Chronicle – Houston, TX Murfreesboro Post - Murfreesboro, TN - Lakeland, FL Times Daily - Florence, AL The Tennessean - Nashville, TN Tampabay.com - St. Petersburg, FL Chicago Tribune – Chicago, IL (3) Newsday - Long Island, NY Burlington Times News - Burlington, NC Baltimore Sun – Baltimore, MD Bay News 9 - Tampa, FL WIFR - Rockford, IL Peoria - Peoria, IL (2) Wisconsin Radio Network - Madison, WI Henderson Gleaner - Henderson, KY Wisconsin Public Radio – Milwaukee, WI (3) Traverse City Record Eagle - Traverse City, MI Kansas City infoZine - Kansas City, MO The Herald-Times - Bloomington, IN Tampa Tribune - Tampa, FL South Marion Citizen - Ocala, FL CharlotteObserver.com - Charlotte, NC WEAU-TV 13 - Eau Claire, WI Tampabay.com - St. Petersburg, FL (6) North Florida News Daily - Glen Saint Mary, FL Times Daily - Florence, AL Appleton Post Crescent – Appleton, WI Email wire – USA The Ledger - Lakeland, FL Wakulla.com - Crawfordville, FL (5) - Hattiesburg ESPN – USA Trading Markets - Los Angeles, CA Citrus Daily - Local Citrus County News - Inverness, FL (2) WKBT - La Crosse, WI (3) WWSB ABC 7 - Sarasota, FL Herald Times Reporter - Manitowoc, WI Ocala - Ocala, FL (5) United Press International WCTV - Tallahassee, FL (5) The Capital Times - Madison, WI Tallahassee Democrat - Tallahassee, FL (3) IT News Online - Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Post Searchlight - Bainbridge, GA Discover Magazine - New York, NY Crossville Chronicle - Crossville, TN Baraboo News Republic - Baraboo, WI BainbridgeGa.com - Bainbridge, GA (2) Tuscaloosa News - Tuscaloosa, AL Gainesville Sun - Gainesville, FL Mullet Wrapper - Pensacola, FL WKOW-TV.com - Madison, WI Marshall Independent - Marshall, MN Troy Messenger - Troy, AL Journal Gazette and Times-Courier - Charleston, IL Clanton Advertiser - Clanton, AL Bloomington Pantograph – Bloomington, IL (2) Charleston Post Courier - Charleston, SC WIFR - Rockford, IL Daily News & Analysis - Mumbai, India WIBA-AM - Madison, WI WAAY - Huntsville, AL Wisconsin Radio Network - Madison, WI Times Daily - Florence, AL WIFR - Rockford, IL WJHG-TV - Panama City, FL Chicago Public Radio - Chicago, IL Sun-Sentinel.com - Fort Lauderdale, FL Wildlife Extra - Hereford, England, UK Blogger News Network - USA

The Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership is a cooperative of nine government and private agencies and many associates. Information is shared through monthly reports, websites, bi-weekly conference calls, bi-annual meetings and the WCEP annual report. Operation Migration provided a report covering the imprinting, rearing, training and migration portion of this project. That report is attached at the end of this document.

Also attached are copies of the WCEP press released issued during the 2008 season. 9

Approved: Date April 16, 2009

Joe Duff CEO Operation Migration Print name and title