Public meetings are scheduled and public comments are requested by December 16, 2011

The Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex has scheduled a series of public meetings to present preliminary draft management alternatives developed as part of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Bandon Marsh, Nestucca Bay and Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges). During these public meetings, staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will present preliminary draft versions of three management alternatives they developed for each NWR to guide management during the next 15 years. The preliminary alternatives were designed to achieve the Refuges’ purposes, the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to meet policy requirements while addressing issues and ideas raised during public scoping last fall.

Everyone is invited to attend the following public meetings:

Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Place: Bandon Community Center, 1200 11th Street SW, Bandon

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Date: Thursday, November 10, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Place: Lincoln City Council Chambers, 801 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Place: Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City

The objective for each meeting will be to present information on the proposed alternatives and to discuss your ideas or concerns. We need your input to complete our analysis and proceed with the development of the Refuge Complex’s 15-year comprehensive conservation plan. You can share your ideas by attending one of the public meetings and/or by submitting written comments. Comments on the alternatives should be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed by December 16, 2011, to Roy Lowe, Project Leader, Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2127 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR 97365; fax number (541)867-4551; or e-mail Oregoncoastccp@fws.gov. For more information please call the Refuge Complex office in Newport at 541-867-4550, or go to www.fws.gov/oregoncoast.

A Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) is a 15-year plan that guides a NWR’s management decisions, and identifies long-range refuge goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving the purposes for which the refuge was established. During the CCP planning process, many elements will be considered, including wildlife and habitat protection and management, and public use opportunities. More information about the CCP process is available at www.fws.gov/pacific/planning/.