Executive Summary

Plan of work outlines implementation of a spatially explicit monitoring and evaluation project to document landscape change influencing the RockyMountain population (RMP) of greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida; herein cranes) by mapping range wide fragmentation rates in keystone summer and staging habitats. The study will link regional crane population data to patterns of land-use change and annual wetland condition over time and space (1996 –present) to identify key stressors that drive demographic trends on private and public lands. Results will provide decision support to Flyways and partners that inform species management through evaluation of habitat conditions that structure crane populations. Deliverables will provide information to prioritize conservation actions that strategically address landscape level stressors and maximize the long term viability of RMP cranes.