Merritt Island CCP How can I stay informed? (pdf) Merritt Island NWR   (currently underway) St. Johns NWR   (schedule to begin in 2005) Lake Wales Ridge   (scheduled to begin in 2005) Please contact us with any questions or for more information. Cheri Ehrhardt 321.861.2368 (phone) 321.861.1276 (fax) merrittislandCCP@fws.gov http://merrittisland.fws.gov/ Merritt Island NWR C.C.P. Merritt Island NWR Complex PO Box 6504 Titusville, FL 32782-6504 Merritt Island NWR

What is a Comprehensive Conservation Plan? It is the policy of the US Fish and Wildlife Service to manage all lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System in accordance with an approved comprehensive conservation plan, as required under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. These plans outline a vision for each refuge; guide management decisions; and outline goals, objectives and strategies to achieve the visions and purposes of each refuge unit. The plans will provide other agencies and the public with an understanding of the management strategies to be implemented. These plans further the missions of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System Generally, a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP): Is a 15-year refuge management plan, Serves the purposes of the refuge, Describes the desired future conditions of a refuge, Provides consistency and continuity, and Provides long-range guidance and management direction for a refuge manager. CCP Process: Conduct Preplanning Conduct Public Scoping Prepare a Draft CCP Conduct Internal Review Hold a Public Review and Comment Period Create a Final CCP Approve a Finding of No Significant Impact Implement and Monitor the CCP over 15 Years Review & Revise the Plan within 15 Years For more information on the National Wildlife Refuge System: General Information US Code, Title 16, Chapter 5A, Subchapter III, §668dd General Planning Questions? The Citizen's Wildlife Refuge Planning Handbook (by Defenders of Wildlife) FWS Planning Policy (see Part 602, Refuge Planning) FWS, Southeast Region's Planning