Public Comment Period Extended for Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge
OutdoorHub 01.14.13
Public Comment Period Extended for Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge Draft Conservation Plan *Comments accepted until February 28, 2013
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is extending the public comment period for the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge’s (Refuge) Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (draft plan) to February 28, 2013, providing a total of 90 days for public review and comment.
The draft plan was developed to provide scientifically grounded guidance for improving the Refuge’s habitats for the long-term conservation of migratory birds and native plants and animals. Three alternatives for management over the next 15 years were analyzed. The Service’s preferred alternative includes more active habitat management projects such as invasive species removal, projects in forests to manage for old growth characteristics, removal of unneeded roads, enhancement of the freshwater impoundment on the Dawley Unit, and research studies that answer refuge management questions.
Public uses currently occurring on the Refuge were evaluated as to their impacts on wildlife, public safety, user conflicts, and feasibility of management within available budget and staff. Proposed public use changes include new limits on boat landing hours. The existing uses of jogging and horseback riding were evaluated in accordance with the Appropriateness Policy (http://www.fws.gov/policy/603fw1.html) and the draft analysis found that jogging is not appropriate due to wildlife disturbance and therefore should no longer be allowed. The Service has also preliminarily determined that horseback riding should no longer be allowed due to safety concerns and user conflicts. There would be more emphasis on enhancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of the refuge’s natural and cultural resources through both on- and off-refuge interpretation and education programs. There would also be more emphasis on working with existing partners and developing new partnerships to accomplish objectives.
The full draft plan and the latest planning update may be accessed online at http://www.fws.gov/washingtonmaritime/dungeness.
