News Release
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Will Host Public Meetings on Coastal Barrier Resources System Pilot Project Units
June 29, 2009
Vanessa Kauffman
703-358-2138
vanessa_kauffman@fws.gov
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will conduct several virtual town hall meetings on the recently submitted Report to Congress: John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Digital Mapping Pilot Project. The Service is soliciting public input on the report and draft maps during a 120-day public comment period that closes on August 5, 2009.
The Service will hold the public meetings via webcast and teleconference on July 14-15, 2009. This will provide an overview of the pilot project effort and offer an opportunity for questions and answers by the public and press. Members of the public planning to participate must register at .
The draft maps presented in the report will not become effective until they are enacted by Congress. The Service will conduct a public review and finalize the pilot project maps as directed by the Coastal Barrier Resources Reauthorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-226). Comments on the report and draft maps can be submitted until August 5, 2009, by mail to the Coastal Barriers Coordinator, Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 860A, Arlington, VA 22203 or electronically to CBRAcomments@fws.gov.
The list below has a breakdown of the states and counties with pilot project units that will be addressed during the virtual public meetings. There will be a question and answer session at the end of each webcast.
July 14, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 (noon) p.m.
Delaware (Sussex Co.)
Louisiana (St. Bernard Parish, Lafourche Parish, Terrebonne Parish, St. Mary Parish)
July 14, 2009
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
North Carolina (Currituck Co., Dare Co., Carteret Co., Onslow Co., Pender Co., New Hanover Co.)
South Carolina (Georgetown Co.)
July 15, 2009
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 (noon) p.m.
North Florida (Nassau Co., St. Johns Co., Volusia Co., Brevard Co., Manatee Co., Hillsborough Co., Pinellas Co., Dixie Co., Franklin Co., Bay Co., Walton Co.)
July 15, 2009
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
South Florida (Indian River Co., St. Lucie Co., Martin Co., Palm Beach Co., Broward Co., Monroe Co., Collier Co., Lee Co., Charlotte Co., Sarasota Co.)
Accommodations can be made for anyone with special needs for access to the public meetings.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit /www.fws.gov.