Where in the Plan Are We?
These are the steps that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service follows in comprehensive conservation planning; the step that Swan Lake NWR has reached is highlighted:
- Preplanning: Plan the Plan
- Initiate Public Involvement and Scoping
- Review Vision Statement and Goals and Determine Significant Issues
- Develop and Analyze Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action
- Prepare a Draft CCP and NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Document
- Prepare and Adopt Final CCP
- Implement Plan, Monitor and Evaluate
- Review and Revise the Plan
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Under Way
Next Steps
The Refuge
For More Information
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Under Way
Work continues on the comprehensive conservation plan (CCP).
The planning effort began in January 2007. Progress slowed somewhat with the departure of two staff members, including the Refuge Manager, however Refuge staff have continued to work on developing management alternatives that will evaluated in a draft environmental assessment.
A project update was released in September 2007 describing the status of the CCP and reporting on the comments received during public scoping.
The CCP will determine management policies for the Refuge and ensure that the Refuge fulfills its established purpose and mission. Completing a CCP often requires 2-3 years.
The planning project was launched with an open house on January 11, 2007, at the Swan Lake NWR Visitor Center. Approximately 75 people attended to share their ideas on the issues and opportunities that should be addressed in the plan. Topics that were discussed at the open house included:
- Waterfowl hunting
- Wildlife observation
- Habitat management
As the plan progresses there will be more opportunities to meet with Refuge staff and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service planners, including an open house when a Draft CCP is completed.
Next Steps
After Refuge staff have developed management alternatives, work will begin on an environmental assessment that evaluates how well each alternative meets the Refuge's goals. Following completion of the environmental assessment, the Draft CCP will be prepared and released for public review.
The Refuge
Located near the confluence of the Grand River and the Missouri River in north-central Missouri, Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1937 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The 10,795-acre Refuge is a wintering area for Canada Geese and Mississippi Flyway duck populations. During fall migration, more than 100,000 ducks pass through the Refuge. Major habitat management programs currently include cropland management, water management, and to a lesser extent grassland and forest management. The Refuge has nearly 7,000 acres of wetlands, and Silver Lake includes 3,050 acres of open water. Every year, 17,000 people visit the Refuge to hunt, fish, hike, observe wildlife and participate in environmental education programs.
For More Information
For more information on the Swan Lake NWR comprehensive conservation plan or if you would like to submit a comment, please send a note either via e-mail or through the mail, or call the Refuge at:
Telephone: 660/856-3323
TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay)
Address:
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Attention: CCP Comment
16194 Swan Lake Avenue
Sumner, MO 64681.
