BRACKISH WETLAND: Population/Habitat Objectives

The status, distribution, and requirements of priority species associated with fresh/brackish wetlands are poorly known within the region. This is primarily due to the difficulty of surveying this habitat type and the secretive nature of the priority species. Before any specific objectives may be formulated, it is first necessary to collect basic status and distribution information on these species. However, general objectives should focus on identifying and maintaining lands that contain significant complexes of fresh/brackish wetlands that have the capacity to support this species suite.

Objective 1) Restore and maintain a stable population of King Rails.

Justification: Although their status is not well known within the region, there are indications that King Rails are declining within the planning unit. This species is a good indicator for the tall emergent habitat that is shared with American and Least Bitterns.

Assumptions: Providing and maintaining habitat to restore the King Rail population will provide adequate habitat to stabilize and maintain American and Least Bitterns.