Comprehensive Conservation Planning

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is working on a long-term management plan for the refuge. This plan, called a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), will serve as a guide for managing the Wichita Mountains WR over the next 15 years.

The first step in the CCP process is an open public scoping period to gain insight into concerned citizens' thoughts and opinions about this process and the directions the Refuge will take for the next 15 years. This period provides an opportunity for individuals to ask questions, express ideas, and talk to Refuge employees. As part of this process, public scoping meetings were held in Medicine Park, Saddle Mountain, Cache and Lawton.

The Refuge would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their support and assistance in setting up these meetings: City of Medicine Park, the owners of the Old Plantation Restaurant, Paul Fisher, the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society of Cameron University, the community of Saddle Mountain, the Saddle Mountain Fire Association, the Cache Chamber of Commerce, and the city of Cache.

Members of the public unable to attend public meetings or uncomfortable with making comments in a public forum can also submit written comments, by email or regular mail, or provide oral comments over the telephone.

The Refuge is compiling the comments received to date. We would like to thank all those that participated as your assistance is invaluable to this process and we encourage continued public participation. We will post the summarized comments as soon as they are completed. The Refuge will then begin developing the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan which will be made available fo rpublic review. This process will take several months.

CCP Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the Refuge doing a CCP? In October 1997, Congress passed the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (Refuge Improvement Act). This law establishes the mission of the Refuge System, develops a new process of determining compatible public use activities on refuges, and requires us to prepare CCPs for each refuge.

2. What will be the outcome of the process? The Refuge will have a management document that will guide all activities for the next 15 years.

3. How long will the CCP process take? Generally the entire process will take two years or longer. This is a complete review and evaluation of all management and public activities on the Refuge. We want to make sure all activites are addressed correctly and completely.

4. May I submit comments after the official review period has ended? Absolutely! We value every opinion we receive and will incorporate all comments, regardless of the date received, into our decision making process.

5. What are the steps involved in the CCP?

Step 1: Scoping Phase. Refuges hold open houses and distribute surveys to the public to help identify all possible concerns and issues regarding the refuge. At this time, refuge employees collect data on such things as fish and wildlife resources, environmental education needs and costs.

Step 2: Formulate Plan. Refuge staff outline key issues and concerns, as well as long-term goals for the refuge. Next, they analyze alternative ways to protect fish and wildlife, resolve concerns and meet goals.

Step 3: Write Draft Plan. The draft plan identifies management alternatives and examines the effects each would have on wildlife and habitat, visitation and public use, and refuge acquisition and expansion. Once the draft plan is written it is distributed within the Fish and Wildlife Service for internal review. Then, the draft is ready to be distributed to the public. Often times, refuge staff will send out press releases and hold open houses and presentations on various issues.

Step 4: Revise Plan. After hearing from the public, refuge employees analyze the comments, revise the plan and issue the final CCP.

Step 5: Implement Plan.

6 . How can I be involved? The most important aspect of involvement is knowledge. The Refuge needs to know what issues and concerns the public has, and the only way to do that is if you contact us. Whether it is in writing, over the phone, via email or regular mail, send us your comments.

Next, review the Draft CCP when it is available and provide any additional comments for consideration in the Finall CCP.

Please contact the Refuge if you need further information or to give us your thoughts.