COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED
In response to requests, we have extended the comment period through May 11, 1998.
SUBMITTING COMMENTS
There’s still plenty of time to ask questions and submit comments on this proposal. Please call one of the numbers on the “Who to Contact” list, or send us a letter or e-mail message. Make sure that we receive your comments by May 11, the end of the public comment period.
Please provide written comments to Charles J. Houghten, Chief, Planning and Mapping Branch (ARW-RE), 911 N.E. 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97232-4181. Please send e-mail comments (with “South Bay” typed in the subject line) to r1planning_guest@fws.gov or complete the comment form available from our website at www.r1.fws.gov/planning/plnhome.html.
WHAT’S NEXT
After the comment period closes, we will send you another Planning Update that summarizes the comments received on the draft documents. Your comments and those of others will be considered in the development of the final environmental assessment and land protection plan, which will reflect comments, requests for information, and ideas that are within the scope of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service mission and the proposed action in South San Diego Bay. Please note that unless you have specifically requested a copy of the full final documents, we will be sending you only a summary.
A NOTE ON OUR MEETING FORMAT
The open house/public workshop format we used for our February meetings was new to many people. We now use this format for many of our public comment meetings because it allows us to receive comments, suggestions, and corrections from a greater number of people. Many people are uncomfortable speaking before large groups and are more willing to provide comments in a conversational setting. While projects are at the draft proposal stage, many other people may need to ask questions before forming opinions. We assure you that all of the comments we receive at the workshops are fully considered, whether they are spoken, recorded on a flip chart, or written on a comment sheet.
If you attended any of the workshops, we would like to thank you for participating. The environmental assessment will be much improved as a result of your comments.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SOUTH BAY
In April, diving waterfowl such as scaup and scoter are still numerous in the open waters of South San Diego Bay. Grebes are very abundant now. Look for three grebe species: western, eared, and horned. This month you are especially likely to see long-billed curlew, willet, whimbrel, sanderling, turnstones, blackbellied plover, and “peeps” (see below) feeding on the mudflats at low tide. Many gulls and terns that nest in South Bay have returned, and can be spotted in the open waters and in the salt ponds. A large flock of dabbling ducks, including shovelers and pintails, is still present in the salt ponds.
WHAT MAKES A “PEEP”
Birders use the term “peep” to refer to shorebirds that they cannot identify. Some biologists use the term more specifically to refer to any of five species of sandpiper that belong to the genus Calidris. Many shorebird species are difficult to name at long distances because they are small, they move quickly, and they appear very similar. All peeps have a name, and if we can get close enough we can identify them.
TERN WATCHER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please help us protect the endangered and threatened birds that that lay their eggs on the open beach at Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Tern Watcher volunteers distribute flyers to beachgoers and tell them how to avoid stepping on nests, eggs, or hatchlings of the California least tern and the western snowy plover. The Tern Watcher program runs from April through August (nesting season for both species). No experience is necessary; we will train you. Call Barbara Simon at (619) 575-2704 or (619) 575-3613 if you’re interested. Ask us about other volunteer positions!
PLANNING SCHEDULE
Formal comment period ends May 11, 1998
Final Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan, Public Notice of Decision Released Summer 1998
WHO TO CONTACT
Information on the Proposed South San Diego Bay Unit
Dean Rundle, Refuge Manager
Andrew Yuen, Deputy Refuge Manager
San Diego NWR Complex
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2736 Loker Avenue West, Suite A
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 930-0168, FAX (760) 930-0256
Rebecca Young, Refuge Manager
Tijuana Slough NWR, Sweetwater Marsh NWR
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
301 Caspian Way
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
(619) 575-2704, FAX (619) 575-6913
Information on Refuge Planning and Compliance
Abbey Kucera, Fish and Wildlife Biologist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
911 N.E. 11th Ave., 3rd Floor West
Portland, OR 97232-4181
(503) 231-6839 or (800) 662-8933, FAX (503) 231-6161
Information on Land Acquisitions
Jane Scott, Realty Specialist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2736 Loker Avenue West
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 930-9209, FAX (760) 930-0256
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