See the CCP
The comprehensive conservation plan and the Environmental Assessment (EA) are provided in portable document format (pdf). To see them, you need Acrobat Reader software, and it is available for free on the Adobe website.
February 2006 Project Update (132 KB)
Full CCP (2.6 MB)
Final Environmental Assessment (703 KB)
CCP by Chapter
Table of Contents (
KB)
Chapter 1: Introduction and Background
(503 KB)
Chapter 2: The Planning Process (170
KB)
Chapter 3: The Refuge Environment and
Management (1.3 MB)
Chapter 4: Management Direction (328
KB)
Chapter 5: Plan Implementation (118
KB)
Appendix A: Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) (19 KB)
Appendix B: Glossary (31 KB)
Appendix C: Species List (151 KB)
Appendix D: Compatibility Determinations (19
KB)
Appendix E: Compliance Requirements (41
KB)
Appendix F: Refuge Operating Needs System
(RONS) (36 KB)
Appendix G: Mailing List (26 KB)
Appendix H: List of Preparers (20 KB)
Appendix I: Resource Conservation Priority
Species (40 KB)
Appendix J: References (26 KB)
Appendix K: Response to Comments on the Draft
CCP (41 KB)
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Completed
The Refuge
Program Highlights
To Receive a Copy
Where Are We in the Planning Process?
Comprehensive Conservation Plan Completed
A planning effort that has involved neighbors, non-government organizations, local officials and many interested citizens has concluded with the approval of the comprehensive conservation plan for Sherburne NWR.
The comprehensive conservation plan is intended to outline how the Refuge will fulfill its legal purpose and contribute to the National Wildlife Refuge System's wildlife, habitat and public use goals. The plan articulates management goals for the next 15 years and specifies the objectives and strategies needed to accomplish these goals. While the planned future condition is long-term, we anticipate that the plan will be updated every 5 to 10 years based on information gained through monitoring habitat and wildlife, as well as recreational usage.
The Refuge
Located approximately 50 miles northwest of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area and 30 miles southeast of St. Cloud, Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge illustrates the transition from tallgrass prairie to forest. Established in 1965, the 30,665-acre refuge is a mosaic of rare oak savanna habitat, wetland habitat and big woods habitat.
Two federally-listed threatened species are found on the Refuge; approximately six pairs of Bald Eagles nest on the Refuge, and gray wolves are sometimes found on the Refuge but are not considered to be residents. There are nine state-listed species, including seven special concern species: plains pocket mouse; snapping turtle; w.hognose; gopher snake; Bald Eagle; gray wolf; and rhombic-petaled evening primrose. Two state-listed threatened species are also found on the Refuge, the Trumpeter Swan and the Blanding's turtle.
Planned Program Highlights
Upland Habitat Management and Restoration
Refuge staff will focus on managing a large area of upland habitat as oak savanna. Eventually, Sherburne NWR could become one of the largest oak savanna restorations in the Midwest.
New Approaches to Wetland Management
Refuge staff will manage wetlands with the intent of maximizing their value to water birds in migration.
Expanded Partnerships
Creating partnerships is a central theme throughout the CCP. Working with nearby communities, industries, tribal, state and local governments, private citizens, and nongovernmental organizations will enhance the Refuge's ability to meet the goals, objectives and strategies laid out in the CCP.
Expanded Visitor Services
Plans include building a new Visitors' Center in addition to improving interpretive signs, building an observation deck for wildlife viewing, and building a wetland boardwalk to enhance wetland studies.
Improved Hunting Opportunities
The Refuge intends to ask hunters about their satisfaction with their hunting experience on Sherburne NWR. The Refuge intends to add a spring turkey hunt for hunters with disabilities.
To Request a Copy
If you would like to receive a paper copy of the CCP, please call the Refuge at
763/389-3323. Individuals with hearing impairment can contact the Refuge through the
Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. You can also write to the Refuge
at:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
17076 -- 293rd Avenue
Zimmerman, MN 55398
Where Are We in the Planning Process?
These are the steps that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service follows in comprehensive conservation planning; the step that the Sherburne 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
