U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S.F.W.S.'s (Service) Columbia River Fisheries Plan Office will sponsor a Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative meeting for the Mid-Columbia Basin (Walla Walla and Umatilla) on August eleven at the Walla Walla Community College in the William A. Grant Water & Environmental Center, Rm 2023 from nine a.m. until five p.m.
The Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative is an effort led by the Service to facilitate communication and coordination for the conservation of Pacific lamprey throughout their range. The goal of the initiative is to develop a Pacific Lamprey Conservation Project (Plan) that will lead to restored Pacific lamprey populations and improvement of their habitat.
In 2009, the U.S.F.W.S. Conservation Initiative Team will host a set of regional work sessions to develop regional components of the Plan. These meetings will be held in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. The Conservation Initiative Team requests your assistance to help make these meetings successful.
The purpose of these regional meetings is to collect information on:
1. Pacific lamprey current distribution
2. Pacific lamprey estimated abundance
3. Pacific lamprey trend in populations; and to
4. Identify and prioritize threats to Pacific lamprey
5. Identify Pacific lamprey conservation actions
6. Identify research, monitoring and evaluation activities related to Pacific lamprey.
We will document this information for Fourth code Hydrologic Units (HUC) on maps and through a regional questionnaire. The information we collect will be used to develop the regional components of the Project which includes identification of actions to be taken to enhance Pacific lamprey abundance, distribution and habitat. We will also use a modified NatureServe method to assess the extirpation risk and relative ranking of Pacific lamprey by watershed throughout its range. The protocol involves analyzing Pacific lamprey using 3 categories: rarity (distribution and abundance), trends and threats. The NatureServe process is currently being used for bull trout.
In addition, we will present information on methods to develop a Yakima River lamprey identification key that will be presented at a Lamprey Identification Workshop in late 2009 or early 2010.
Attendees should register for these meetings by contacting the RSVP contacts below each meeting description. For additional information to prepare for the meetings please visit the Lamprey Conservation initiative Web site: http://www.fws.gov/pacific/fisheries/sp_habcon/lamprey/
The Walla Walla and Umatilla regional meeting information is as follows:
What: U.S.F.W.S. Pacific Lamprey Regional Conservation Planning Meeting-
Mid-Columbia River - Walla Walla and Umatilla
When: Tuesday August 11, 2009
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: Walla Walla, Washington
Location:
Walla Walla Community College
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, Washington 99362
William A. Grant Water & Environmental Center, Rm 2023
Documents to help you prepare for this work shop can be found on the U.S.F.W.S. Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative Web site: http://www.fws.gov/pacific/fisheries/sp_habcon/lamprey/ these documents include an example of a regional questionnaire, an example of a threats table, a brief description of the NatureServe process, and a NatureServe ranking guide.
The mission of the U.S.F.W.S. is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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