See the CCP
The CCP is provided here in portable document format (pdf). You will need Acrobat Reader to view the files; Acrobat Reader is available as a free download from Adobe.
The CCP is a large document; to accommodate a variety of internet capabilities, the document is also provided by chapter.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (6.5 MB)
Environmental Assessment (2.4 MB)
CCP by Chapter:
CCP Approval (496 KB)
Contents (72 KB)
Executive Summary (788 KB)
Chapter 1: Introduction and Background (708 KB)
Chapter 2: The Planning Process (427 KB)--
Chapter 3: Refuge Environment and Current Management (5.7 MB)
Chapter 4: Management Direction (892 KB)
Chapter 5: Plan Implementation (164 KB)
Appendix A: Finding of No Significant Impact(2.1 MB)
Appendix B: Glossary (39 KB)
Appendix C: Species Lists (771 KB)
Appendix D: Regional Conservation Priority Species (257 KB)
Appendix E: Deferred Maintenance and Improvement Projects (29 KB)
Appendix F: Compliance Requirements (62 KB)
Appendix G: Compatibility Determinations (149 KB)
Appendix H: Appropriate Use (58 KB)
Appendix I: References Cited (65 KB)
Appendix J: Crane Meadows NWR CCP Communication List (38 KB)
Appendix K: List of Preparers and Contributors (45 KB)
Appendix L: Oak Savanna Definition (47 KB)
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 Crane Meadows 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
Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Completed
Future Management Direction
The Refuge
For More Information
Crane Meadows NWR CCP Completed
Staff and regional planners have completed the CCP for Crane Meadows NWR. The CCP establishes a vision and outlines the goals, objectives and strategies to achieve that vision.
The CCP is currently only available in portable document format on this web site. Paper copies are being printed and will be available in area libraries. The CCP will also be available in pdf format on compact disk. We expect to have paper and electronic copies available in November.
The CCP charts a course for future Refuge management that the Service believes will improve wildlife habitat and ensure that Refuge management is consistent with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Future Management Direction
Over the next 15 years, Refuge staff will work toward the following:
- Existing prairie and woodland acreages will be reduced in favor of creating a diverse array of upland savanna and wetland habitats.
- Biological inventory and monitoring for wildlife species of conservation concern, guilds of birds, native plants, and invasive species will increase.
- The Refuge will increase its participation in water monitoring efforts and work to improve upstream water resources that affect the Refuge.
- The Refuge will acquire more land from willing sellers within the Crane Meadows NWR approved acquisition boundary as funding becomes available.
- The Refuge will offer specific, managed hunts and evaluate opportunities for fishing on the Refuge and, as they are acquired, on new Refuge lands.
- More visitor services facilities will be available in more places on the Refuge.
The Refuge
Established in 1992, Crane Meadows NWR is located southeast of Little Falls in central Minnesota. The Refuge preserves a large, natural wetland complex that includes Rice Lake and Skunk Lake, Platte and Skunk Rivers, Rice and Buckman Creeks, and many sedge meadow wetlands. The area harbors one of the largest nesting populations of Sandhill Cranes in Minnesota, and it is an important stopover for many species of migrating birds.
Habitat types that occur on the Refuge include native and restored tallgrass prairie and oak savannas in addition to a variety of wetlands.
The Refuge has an authorized boundary of 13,540 acres. Currently, the Refuge includes 1,800 acres of scattered parcels. Wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities include the 3.7-mile Platte River Hiking Trail.
For More Information
For more information on comprehensive conservation planning for Crane Meadows NWR, you are welcome to e-mail, call or write to the Refuge. The addresses and numbers are:
E-mail the Refuge at: CraneMeadows@fws.gov
Write to the Refuge at:
Crane Meadows NWR
19502 Iris Road
Little Falls, MN 56345
Call the Refuge at: 320/632-1575
TTY: 1-800-877-8339
