The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.
Refuge conservation plans are called “comprehensive conservation plans” (CCPs). The purpose of a CCP is to specify a management direction for the Refuge for the next 15 years. The goals, objectives, and strategies for improving Refuge conditions—including the types of habitat we will provide, partnership opportunities, and management actions needed to achieve desired conditions – are described in the CCP. The Service’s preferred alternative for managing the Refuge and its effects on the human environment, are described in the CCP as well.
Current Status:Thank you for your participation in the initial scoping process for the San Luis NWR, Merced NWR, and Grasslands WMA Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP). Although the scoping period for the CCP closed in 2008, there will be additional opportunities for input in the future.The Complex is currently finishing an administrative draft of the CCP before it is made available as a draft for public review and comment. When ready, the draft will be posted on this page for public review.Planning Documents Available Online:Each file below will take a few minutes to download, read, or print using Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF).Planning Updates:Planning Update 2 (0.6 MB)Planning Update 1 (1 MB)Project Contacts:Kim Forrest, Refuge Manager San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex PO Box 2176Los Banos, CA 93635 209/826-3508, phone 209/826-1441, fax Kim_Forrest@fws.govMark Pelz, Refuge Planner U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service CA/NV Refuge Planning Office 2800 Cottage Way, W-1832 Sacramento, CA 95825 916/414-6504 phone 916/414-6497 fax Mark_Pelz@fws.gov
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.