Final Environmental Assessment
Implementation of a Chronic Wasting Disease Management Plan at Leopold Wetland Management District in Wisconsin Approved
The final Environmental Assessment (EA) which evaluated adoption of a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Plan for Leopold Wetland Management District was approved on September 24, 2004 when the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed. The preferred alternative was selected, which included 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.
The EA had considered 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. A second alternative (No Action) considered ceasing any type of active surveillance or management that may be used to address the incidence of CWD on District lands. Deer hunting would have been 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 considered closing all District lands to white-tailed deer hunting while also ceasing any type of active surveillance or management that may have been used to address the incidence of CWD on District lands. The Service policy of prohibiting baiting and feeding will still be enforced.
Copies of the final EA, FONSI, 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. or writing to: Leopold WMD, Attention: CWD Management Plan EA Comment, W10040 Cascade Mountain Road, Portage, WI 53901.
Final Environmental Assessment
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
