Why we are here:
The Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife
Refuge was first established in 1999 when 42 acres were acquired by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to protect coastal wetlands, tributaries to
Lake Superior and native fish populations. Since then, we have acquired 204
acres and have begun a Coaster Brook Trout stocking program. We have also
started to restore habitats within the Refuge lands based on goals laid out for
the refuge when the Refuge was established. Before we move ahead with any other
habitat restoration, we would like to have a clear plan describing what refuge
habitats should look like in the future.
Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife
Refuge is one of over 540 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. This
system is a network of public lands set aside for fish and wildlife. The
Service's mission is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish,
wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the
American people. Our purpose and mission are clear, but we must decide locally,
and with the help of interested parties, how this mission is followed at the
Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge. We plan to evaluate the goals
written when the Refuge was established, and determine how to best meet these
goals on-the-ground. This evaluation and our decisions will be written into a
habitat management plan.
As we develop this habitat management
plan and make decisions for the future, we want to hear suggestions, ideas and
concerns. Many people are directly and indirectly affected, both positively and
negatively, by our actions as we grow and develop the refuge. Many people have
a long history with the area and the land, and have suggestions about what we
should do. We want to hear those suggestions. We also want to hear about
concerns people have, so we can do our best to address those concerns.
What is a Habitat Management Plan (HMP)?
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An overall plan of action to guide
work and restoration on Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge.
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Goals and objectives, written and
approved, to guide management decisions on the refuge to make sure plants and
animals will be here for the future and that contribute to the health and
longevity of Whittlesey Creek and Lake Superior.
Why are you writing a HMP?
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Restoration efforts have been
underway since the formation of the refuge.
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This plan will help guide future
efforts toward broad goals rather than one piece of land at a time. A
landscape scale plan will help prevent mistakes and better provide for fish,
wildlife, and area residents.
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This plan allows private landowners
and other land managers to understand our goals and efforts.
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We hope to encourage open
communication and areas for partnerships in northwestern Wisconsin.
What has
the refuge been doing?
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Acquiring land from land owners willing to sell.
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Assessing fish populations in Whittlesey Creek.
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Assisting partners with a rehabilitation project for
coaster brook trout.
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Conducting studies and assessments of Whittlesey Creek
and the land around it.
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Begun restoring wetland and upland habitats.
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Compiling historic information and oral interviews
concerning the Whittlesey Creek area.
Will the HMP include private land within
the proposed
refuge boundary?
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Yes, to develop management strategies for the area as a
whole.
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Work will only be done on federally owned land.
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However, landowners seeking assistance to improve fish
and wildlife quality on their land may contact us for help.
Didn't you already write a couple of
plans?
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Interim Comprehensive Conservation
Plan establishing the broad goals as the refuge was formed which laid the
ground work for what the HMP will consist of.
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Public Use Plan allows us to
open acquired refuge land for wildlife dependant recreation. These objectives
will also overlap with the HMP.
How do coaster brook trout fit into
this effort?
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Coaster brook trout are one of the
many things on the refuge that we are concerned about and that will be
addressed.
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Their experimental stocking and
monitoring will continue in accordance with the rehabilitation plan written
for Whittlesey Creek.
What resources are you looking at
including in the plan?
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Key habitats and species will be
identified and plans written to manage for them accordingly.
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Any wildlife that cross borders:
Interjurisdictional fish and migratory birds
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Endangered, threatened or species of
concern such as sora rails.
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Numerous fish and wildlife will
benefit from habitat restoration beyond the focal species.
Are you looking at historic
conditions and past land use?
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Yes, we have been collecting and will
continue to compile historical documentation and oral residential accounts.
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Please contact us if you have
anything to share.
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Results will be available to the
public
What about roads?
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Roads and restoration projects can
directly and indirectly affect each other.
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The refuge will continue to work with
state, county, and township partners to address road needs.
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Our hope is that through open
communication and continued partnerships road upgrades and projects would
address fish and wildlife considerations that are consistent with the goals
written into the HMP.
What happens after the plan is
written?
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The plan will guide work and
restoration on the refuge.
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As new technology or biologic
information becomes available the Service practices 'adaptive management' which allows managers to continue with approved objectives, but allows for
variation in the means of how to fulfill them.
How do I convey information,
suggestions, ideas or concerns?
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Please contact us!
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Phone: (715)685-2678
How can I find out more specific
information about topics involved in the HMP or documents previously written?
How do I contact the refuge?
How can the public be involved after
the plan is written?
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Continued support of the refuge, its
programs, and policies.
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Volunteer for projects on the refuge.
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Get involved with area organizations
that partner with and support the refuge.
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Participate in the 'Partners for Fish
& Wildlife' programs.
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Promote sound land management
decisions on both private and public lands.
