Information has been received that Whooping Cranes occur along Birdwood creek in the immediate vicinity of the R-Project. Three of these birds were observed April 19, 2004 along the creek, about 0.5 mile south of the preferred r-project line crossing, according to Fish and Wildlife Service records.
Whooping Cranes are an endangered species, and the Nebraska Public Power District is required by state and federal laws to conduct an environmental assessment to evaluate how the r-project may affect this bird as well as other listed species.