News

Planning for the Future

May 08, 2013

By Bob Shaffer, Coordinator
Central Valley Joint Venture

In 2006, a new Implementation Plan to guide regional migratory bird conservation was unveiled by the Central Valley Joint Venture partnership.  Relative to our initial 1990 plan, which was focused soley on waterfowl, the 2006 Plan was expanded to include other important bird groups.  In addition to waterfowl, population or conservation objectives were also developed for shorebirds, waterbirds, and riparian birds.  This was a significant step for the partnership, because it expanded the vision and habitats in which conservation delivery was targeted.

The time has come to review the accomplishments and goals of the 2006 Plan, and begin the process to update it once again.  Much has changed since the last Plan was completed.  Our partners have made considerable progress on restoring and enhancing habitat.  Our understanding of migratory bird populations and habitat needs has improved dramatically, information that will be critical to updating population and habitat objectives in the revised Plan.  In addition, the scope of the new Plan will further expand to include grassland birds, which were not included previously.

The revised Plan will also address threats that have emerged or become more prevalent in recent years.  Both the demand and price for water have increased, making it more challenging to keep wetlands wet and productive.  Models predicting the impacts of climate change have improved, providing information about future snow pack and water availability, vegetation changes, and sea level rise in the Delta and Suisun basins.  Concerns about threatened and endangered fish species, controlling vectors such as mosquitoes, and regulations that affect water diversion and discharge will complicate habitat management in the future. These various challenges will also be considered during the revision of the Implementation Plan.

Various Joint Venture working groups are meeting to consider the scope and content of the new Plan.  Our goal is to have the revised Plan completed by December 2014.  If you have questions or would like to provide input during the Plan revision, please contact Joint Venture Science Coordinator Greg Yarris: greg_yarris@fws.gov.