Justin Lavene

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.

Held IN PERSON at the Executive Director's Office, Kearney, NE, with virtual attendance option.

Held IN-PERSON in Kearney, NE

July 7^th is planned as a field day focused on ISAC learning more about PRRIP land management, water management, target species, and PRRIP science.

July 8^th is planned as an Open Session at a location TBD in Kearney, NE. All PRRIP participants are invited to attend.

July 9th is planned as a Closed Session at a location TBD in Kearney, NE. The Closed Session will be for the ISAC and PRRIP EDO staff only.

This will be a VIRTUAL meeting via Microsoft TEAMS. Those interested in attending in person are welcome at the Executive Director's Office in Kearney, NE.

Held IN PERSON at Executive Director’s Office, Kearney, NE with virtual attendance option.