Lake Havasu City, Arizona – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) concluded the formal public comment period for the draft Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Recreational Boating Compatibility Determination (CD) on June 13, 2016. After receiving and reviewing a substantial number of comments seeking reconsideration of the draft CD, the Service has decided more deliberation is required before a final CD is developed.
“After reflecting on input we received at public meetings and the great numbers of letters and comments submitted, I have reached the conclusion that more communication is needed before any additional changes are introduced at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge," said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, Southwest Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “I have decided to withdraw the current draft CD at this time to allow for further discussions with the community and other stakeholders.”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will provide the framework for ongoing dialogue with the community and interested parties. A representative from the Service’s Southwest Regional Office will lead the coordination effort with city officials and other vested parties and develop possible collaborative measures that ensure natural resource conservation is managed consistently with compatible recreational uses. This coordination will provide the foundation for the Service to develop a revised draft CD to share with the public.
The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
