Agencies Preparing For Arrival Of Least Terns

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Preparations for the return of an endangered species to Oklahoma lakes are taking flight.<br/><br/>The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Oklahoma Department

Monday, June 4th 2007, 10:27 pm

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Preparations for the return of an endangered species to Oklahoma lakes are taking flight.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and others will be working together to protect least terns, which are included in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and are on the Endangered Species List.

Officials say the terns have begun arriving in the state.

Historically least terns nest on islands and sandbars associated with major river systems in Oklahoma. Those areas are often affected by the network flood control lakes operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The birds lay their eggs in shallow depressions in the sand and gravel. High or low water levels can threaten the nests.

Officials say water levels and releases at Eufaula, Kaw, Keystone and Texoma lakes will be manipulated within a predetermined safe range of opreation to protect the birds and their habitat.