The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a draft Fire Management Plan for Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge now through January 13, 2012. Once approved, the plan will direct the use of fire for managing habitats and responding to wildfires on the refuge for the next five years.
The draft Fire Management Plan follows recommendations established in the approved Environmental Assessment and Interim Comprehensive Management Plan written for Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge in January 1999. The draft plan is available on the Internet at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fire/.
Printed copies can also be obtained by calling Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge at 573-876-1826; by faxing a request to 573-876-1839; or by writing to
Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
4200 New Haven Road
Columbia, MO 65201
Written comments on the Plan can be mailed to Jestin Clark at Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, faxed to the fax number above, or sent via e-mail to jestin_clark@fws.gov. Comments should be received by the Refuge by the close of business January 13, 2012.
The Big Muddy NFWR currently consists of 16,700 acres of bottomland and upland habitat. There are nine refuge units spread along the lower Missouri River between Kansas City, Mo. and Saint Louis, Mo.

