Governance Committee

Agenda Highlights:

• Review progress on the PRRIP Extension Science Plan and assess how Extension science learning supports management decisions and potential Second Increment planning beyond 2032.

• Examine Extension Big Questions (EBQs), including remaining knowledge gaps, confidence in current understanding, and the usefulness of information for short- and long-term decision-making.

• Discuss integration of science, land management, and water management to inform Program actions and negotiations.

• Review status and effectiveness of Land Plan and Water Plan implementation, including available resources, management alternatives, and Extension goals.

• Evaluate target species monitoring and responses (Whooping Crane, Least Tern/Piping Plover, Pallid Sturgeon) and efforts to establish baselines for non-target species.

• Assess water needs for channel maintenance, habitat management, and species support, including geomorphology, vegetation control, migration stopover habitat, and wet meadow hydrology.

• Review predator management strategies and their effectiveness in improving Least Tern/Piping Plover productivity.

• Explore opportunities for science tool development and modeling, including potential application in a Structured Decision-Making (SDM) framework.

• Synthesize lessons learned from water and land management actions, using the whooping crane (WC) as a focal case study.

• Identify priorities and discussion topics for future ISAC engagement, including planning for the July 2026 meeting.

PRRIP 2026 Q1 GC Meeting Agenda Highlights:

• Review and approve prior meeting minutes, Advisory Committee updates, and key Program reports.
• Executive Director update, including the 2025 expenditure summary, PRRIP website relaunch, PRRIP public outreach efforts, and PRRIP Procurement items.
• Discuss the 2026 Platte River Basin hydrology outlook and potential water supply implications for PRRIP.
• Consider and vote on key PRRIP Water Plan actions, including water exchange agreements and Elwood Outlet feasibility.
• PRRIP Science Plan updates, including 2025 tern/plover monitoring, passive sediment augmentation alternative findings, a PRRIP publication, and an update from the USFWS on the Whooping Crane Recovery Plan.
• Receive the PRRIP 2025 Land Work Report, discuss Second Increment conservation land crediting, and consider a land access agreement.
• GC Executive Session on strategic land matters and EDO future direction.
• Public comment opportunity and a preview of upcoming 2026 GC Meetings.