US Fish and Wildlife Service Focal Species Strategy for Migratory Birds

Focal Species -Background  Mission  Mandates  Authorities  Operating principles  Strategies A Blueprint for the Future of Migratory Birds: Migratory Bird Program Strategic Plan – completed in 2004

Focal Species -Background  Completed in 2005  President’s Management Agenda  Recommended stronger performance measures  Emphasis on measuring the status of migratory birds Program Assessment Rating Tool by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) conducted for Migratory Bird Program in 2005

Focal Species: New Measure  Birds of Conservation Concern  Endangered and Threatened birds  Game birds below desired condition  Game birds at/above desired condition  Superabundent birds Increase the percent of migratory bird species at healthy and sustainable levels Based on Birds of Management Concern

Focal Species Strategy  Systematically identify and carry out management tasks necessary to change status of select species  From the list of Birds of Management Concern, select a subset as candidates for focused conservation efforts (i.e., Focal Species)  Focal species to be the subject of campaigns guided by action- oriented management plans that identify tasks, associated timelines and budgets needed to achieve status objectives  From this subset of focal species, select a “short list” for targeted actions in 2006  Develop action plans for each “short list” species

How the Numbers Work Healthy and Sustainable species, subspecies, or managed populations Birds of Management Concern

OMB Goals by 2007 Healthy and Sustainable

OMB Goals by 2007 Healthy and Sustainable Focal Species -- High conservation need -- Representative species -- Current high effort -- Partnership potential -- Realistic?

OMB Goals by 2007 Healthy and Sustainable Focal Species -- High conservation need -- Representative species -- Current high effort -- Partnership potential -- Realistic? 9 species for FY 2006 action plans

Focal Species Strategy  Success of the Focal Species Strategy depends on cooperation and coordination  Partner assistance and expertise in developing particular details of the action plans  Help and collaboration in carrying out necessary Focal Species management tasks where missions and interests overlap  A benefit of the Focal Species Strategy will be to build new (and re-forge existing) relationships

Focal Species Strategy John Christian Assistant Regional Director Big Rivers and Great Lakes Region

Focal Species Strategy Thank you!