We believe identification efforts also should include abundance of grassland and should include the entire PPR, not just the U.S. portion. Knowledge of distribution of both wetland and grassland habitats at the landscape scale would enable managers to better target areas for treatment. In addition, this information would provide a much needed framework for prioritizing areas for protection of threatened habitats. We believe managers should conduct some type of periodic assessment at the landscape scale of predator populations, at least canids. Queries of farm operators and rural residents could provide additional information on canid distribution.
Evaluation is an important component of management.
If the management goal is to enhance duck production, evaluation should focus on changes in duck recruitment. As conditions change and become less favorable for duck production, emphasis can be redirected. In this manner, the dynamic nature of the PPR can be exploited as conditions dictate. Simultaneous effort to reduce impacts of non-canid species in these areas might provide additional benefits to ducks. We believe there is little rationale to expend resources for management beyond normal operations in areas where wetland conditions are poor for breeding ducks.