Refuge conservation plans are called “comprehensive conservation plans” (CCPs). Conservation planning for the Gravel Island National Wildlife Refuge is currently underway as part of the Great Lakes Islands Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) which include several island refuges in Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron.

Because they face similar resource and public use issues, the Service will develop a single comprehensive conservation plan for the five refuges.

Comprehensive conservation planning will set wildlife, habitat and public use priorities and guide management decisions on theses refuges for the next 15 years. All aspects of island refuge management will be addressed, including fish and wildlife habitat, public use, and current management activities. 

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997: The NWRS Improvement Act defines a unifying mission for all refuges, including a process for determining compatible uses on refuges, and requiring that each refuge be managed according to a CCP. The NWRS Improvement  Act expressly states that wildlife conservation is the priority of System lands and that the Secretary shall ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of refuge lands are maintained. Each refuge must be managed to fulfill the specific purposes for which the refuge was established and the System mission. The first priority of each refuge is to conserve, manage, and if needed, restore fish and wildlife populations and habitats according to its purpose.