Alligator River/Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge P. O. Box 1969 Manteo, North Carolina 27954 Contact: Bonnie Strawser - 252-473-1131 Back to News Home Page

News Release

February 2, 2006

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge's Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment Available for Public Review/Comment

Photo credit: cover by FWS; photo by Jeff Lewis

The Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is available for public review and comment through March 6, 2006. The plan may be obtained via the internet at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/planning/DraftDocs0106.htm (or link from http://www.fws.gov/peaisland) or by contacting the refuge office at 252-473-1131 ext 230.

Today, Refuge Manager Mike Bryant announced the availability of the Public Review Draft of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan. Public review and comment are encouraged during the official thirty-day comment period, which ends on March 6, 2006. Copies of the plan have been mailed to persons who requested them. The plan is available on-line at http://www.fws.gov/southeast/planning/DraftDocs0106.htm, and copies may be obtained by contacting the refuge office. Also, there will be two open houses to give the public an opportunity to talk with refuge staff about the plan.

"We've had public meetings twice over the past five years to seek public input. When completed, the plan will serve the refuge for 15 years with 5-year reviews," commented Bryant. Bryant continued, "This public review draft includes the alternatives, identifies a preferred alternative, and contains the Environmental Assessment and Compatibility Determinations for the plan. Additionally, we'll also provide information about the completed Fish and Wildlife Service Intra-Service Section 7 Consultation which helps us meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. These documents will then become a part of the final plan."

Refuge staff will be available at two "Open House" settings to receive comments on the plan: Saturday, February 18 from 10 am until 2 pm at the Pea Island Refuge Headquarters (6.5 miles south of Oregon Inlet on Hatteras Island) and Wednesday, February 22 from 5 - 9 pm at the Refuge Administrative Office (708 N Hwy 64 Business, Manteo, NC). The public is invited to visit during an Open House, call in comments to 252-473-1131 ext 230, email to bonnie_strawser@fws.gov, or mail to Alligator River NWR, P. O. Box 1969, Manteo, NC 27954.

For additional information, please contact the refuge office at the above number.