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Sand dunes at Parker River NWR. Credit: USFWS

Parker River and Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuges

Parker River and Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuges, Essex County, MA; Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement Begins

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are pleased to announce that we have just begun the development of a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental impact statement (EIS) for Parker River and Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuges. We have prepared a Notice of Intent (NOI) to advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. We are also announcing public meetings and requesting public comments. (More on the CCP process)

Parker River and Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuges
The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1942 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. Parker River NWR occupies 4,662 acres on the southern three-fourths of Plum Island, a 9-mile long barrier island off the northeastern coast of Massachusetts. Parker River NWR is a vital stopover site along the Atlantic Flyway for waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. The primary purpose of the Parker River NWR is to preserve and manage habitat for a diversity of species, particularly migratory birds and wintering American black ducks.

Parker River Refuge also administers Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuge, an unstaffed satellite Refuge off the coast of Rockport, Massachusetts. Thacher Island NWR encompasses the northern 22 acres of the 50-acre island and was established in 1972 to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. The Refuge is managed to protect migratory birds, endangered species and other wildlife and their habitats.

Public Meetings
We will give the public an opportunity to provide input at public meetings in Ipswich, MA at the Crane Estate on March 22 and in Newbury, MA at the Newbury Fire Hall on March 23, 2011.  There will be additional opportunities to provide public input once we have prepared a draft CCP.

Date	Time	Location
March 22, 2011	7- 9 p.m.	The Crane Estate 290 Argilla Road Ipswich, MA 01938
March 23, 2011	7- 9 p.m.	Newbury Fire Department Fireman’s Memorial Hall, 3 Morgan Ave. Newbury, MA 01951

Please join us! You will have an opportunity to browse the displays, speak with refuge staff, and provide any comments that you have as we begin the planning process. We look forward to seeing you there!

To ensure consideration, please send your written comments 30 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. We ask that comments be received by April 11, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments or requests for more information by any of the following methods.

E-mail: northeastplanning@fws.gov. Include “Parker River CCP” in the subject line of the message.
Fax:  978-465-2807 Attn: Graham Taylor
U.S. Mail:  Parker River NWR, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA 01950
In-Person Drop-off: You may drop off comments during regular business hours or call for an appointment (978-465-5753) at Parker River NWR, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, MA 01950

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Melberg, Planning Team Leader, at 978-443-4661 or carl_melberg@fws.gov

Public Availability of Comments 
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment - including your personal identifying information - may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.