Review suggests future actions that aid conservation efforts. This includes modeling Hine's emerald population dynamics, a high priority. Additionally, more information about key measures of population demographics is required. Areas of research include smallest possible population sizes and current population sizes. Also, the genetic diversity between populations is important to study. Restoring Hine's emeralds to lasting population sizes allows the ESA to downgrade the species from endangered to threatened. To do this, however, up-to-date population data is crucial. Conservation Conservation status Hine's emerald dragonfly was first proposed as an endangered species in October, 1993. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cited three main reasons why Hine's emerald warrants federal protection. Fragmented habitats and small, highly-distributed populations were significant concerns. By January 1995, Hine's emerald was officially added to the ESA and listed as an endangered species. Last assessed in 2008, the Hine's emerald dragonfly was the only dragonfly species included in the Endangered Species Act. The Recovery Plan by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was published in 2001. Its ultimate recovery goal is “[restoring the dragonfly] to viable populations”. The plan established the Northern Recovery Unit and Southern Recovery Unit. To be downgraded in the Endangered Species Act, certain criteria must be met. Each Recovery Unit must contain at least three subpopulations with 500 reproducing adults for at least 10 years. Additionally, there must be two breeding sites per subpopulation. These areas must have federally protected habitat. In the Recovery Plan, the Fish and Wildlife Service suggests various ideas to increase Hine's emerald survivorship. This includes watershed protection and deed restrictions. Land acquisition and nature preserve creation are also potential ways to protect the species. The Fish and Wildlife Service details the importance of managing existing populations and researching demographic changes. To do this, there must be searches for undiscovered Hine's emerald populations as well as organized education programs. Additionally, the Recovery Plan outlines the importance of protecting and maintaining known populations and habitats. Augmentation programs and evaluations of recovery progress must be conducted. The Recovery Plan's objective is clear: "assure the long-term viability by arresting or reversing the decline of Hine's emerald populations and addressing its threats to survival". In the Five Year Review conducted in 2013, four major criteria for reclassification are listed. First, each Recovery Unit must meet the population requirements as specified in the initial Recovery Plan. At the time of publishing, some populations in