Leopold WMD NEPA
Service Invites Public Comments on
Draft Environmental Assessment for Implementation of
a Chronic Wasting Disease Management Plan at
Leopold Wetland Management District in WisconsinThe Service is seeking public comments on a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) which considers adoption of a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Plan for Leopold Wetland Management District. The DEA looks at various alternatives for the surveillance and management of CWD on Service lands within the District boundaries.
The EA considers three alternatives for the surveillance and management of CWD on Service owned lands that fall within the various CWD Management Zones established by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The preferred alternative includes acceptance of many of the measures identified in the State plan. Those measures include Disease and Population Management measures, Surveillance and Coordination measures, Testing and Handling of CWD Suspect Animals, and Baiting and Feeding measures. A second alternative (No Action) considers ceasing any type of active surveillance or management that may be used to address the incidence of CWD on District lands. Deer hunting would still be allowed on District lands based on State regulations and the Service policy of prohibiting baiting and feeding would still be enforced. The final, most conservative, alternative considers closing all District lands to white-tailed deer hunting while also ceasing any type of active surveillance or management that may be used to address the incidence of CWD on District lands. The Service policy of prohibiting baiting and feeding would still be enforced.Copies of the DEA and CWD Management Plan are available below or can be reviewed at the District headquarters located outside of Portage, Wisconsin at W10040 Cascade Mountain Road. A copy of the EA may be requested by calling the District at 608-742-7100. Public participation is an important component in the Environmental Assessment process. The Service is encouraging interested individuals to review the DEA and District CWD Management Plan and submit comments. The Service is accepting written comments on the DEA through August 13, 2004. Written comments can be mailed to: Leopold WMD, Attention: CWD Management Plan EA Comment, W10040 Cascade Mountain Road, Portage, WI 53901 or submitted via electronic mail to: LeopoldCWD@fws.gov
Draft Environmental AssessmentCWD Managment Plan (note: an old version of the plan was shown prior to 3:45 pm on 7-12-2004)
Appendix I - Disease Eradication and Herd Management Zones of Wisconsin (map)
Appendix II - District Lands Within the Disease Eradication and Herd Management Zones
Appendix III - 2003 - 2004 Wisconsin Wildlife Baiting and Feeding Regulations (map)
Appendix IV - Points of Contact
