Background
The development of a step-down plan for the Gibbs Lake Waterfowl
Hunting Management Plan was identified in Objective 4.4 of the
Final Environmental Impact Statement/Comprehensive Conservation Plan
(EIS/CCP) for the Refuge, finalized August 24, 2006.
The initial completion date of October 1, 2006 is being extended
to accommodate more public involvement in the development process
(see below).
Goals of the objective are to:
- Reduce competition and conflict in securing preferred hunting sites
- Reduce pre-emptive use of choice hunting sites
- Reduce crowding
- Reduce skybusting (shooting at birds out-of-range) and resulting
crippling loss of
downed birds
- Improve the quality of the waterfowling experience
- Be fair, simple, and efficient to administer and manage

Based in part on the comments received during the second workshop,
a draft plan will be written and made available to the public in
October 2007. After a 60-day public comment period,
comments will be reviewed and a final plan completed and approved.
The public also will have the opportunity to comment on any
regulation changes developed for the Gibbs Lake area during the
30-day comment period that is part of the rulemaking process.
This rulemaking will take place in mid-2008. Any changes will be
implemented beginning with the 2008 waterfowl hunting season.

You are invited to submit comments on the Gibbs Lake
Waterfowl Hunting Management Plan by writing or email :
Gibbs Lake Plan
Upper Mississippi River Refuge
51 East Fourth Street, Room 101
Winona MN 55987