MEDIA ALERT

 Please include this listing in your published calendar of upcoming events.

For immediate release:              For further information, contact:

October 17, 2005                    Jonathan Schafler, Refuge Manager at 302/684-8419

 
Service Seeks Public Involvement in Developing 

Long Range Plan for Prime Hook Refuge

 What:                     The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold three public meetings in Delaware during November 2005 to hear public comments and provide information on a comprehensive conservation planning effort at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.  The Refuge includes over 10,000 acres of valuable fish and wildlife habitat in the southeastern area of Delaware, and is an important link in the chain of national wildlife refuges located along the Atlantic Flyway.

 When/Where:         Tuesday, November 8                 Milton Fire Department (upstairs)

Open House: 3-5 pm                     116 Front Street

                              Meeting:  6:30-8:30 pm                Milton, Delaware

Wednesday, November 9            Department of Natural Resources

Open House: 3-5 pm                       and Environmental Control

Meeting:  6:30-8:30 pm                (DNREC auditorium)

89 Kings Highway

                                                                                    Dover, Delaware                   

Thursday, November 10 Lewes Public Library (upstairs)

Open House: 3-5 pm                     111 Adams, at Kings Highway

Meeting:  6:30-8:30 pm                Lewes, Delaware

 Who:                      The meetings are open to the public.  Afternoon open house sessions (3-5 pm) provide the chance to interact with refuge staff and have questions answered in an informal setting.  The evening meetings (6:30-8:30 pm) will begin with a brief presentation of the refuge and the planning process, and will be followed by having the public submit comments, suggestions and questions.  If unable to attend, the public may still submit comments by calling 302/684-8419 for mail or e-mail addresses.

 
Why:                      The Service is beginning its comprehensive conservation planning effort at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.  This effort will provide a unique opportunity for local involvement in determining the direction of management for the next 15 years at the Refuge. The plan will address fish and wildlife habitat conservation, recreational and educational opportunities, and public access. The Service will hold additional public meetings in the future, and before the plan becomes final.

 
The Service is the federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing the nation’s fish and wildlife resources for the continuing benefit of the American people. There are 545 national wildlife refuges, totaling over 96 million acres, which provide important habitat for native plants and animals including migratory birds, threatened and endangered plants and animals, and certain marine mammals and fish. When appropriate, refuges are open for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation.

-FWS-