The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has released for public review the final comprehensive conservation plan and environmental impact statement (CCP/EIS) for the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, which conserves and manages land for wildlife and people within the 7.2 million-acre Connecticut River watershed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The final plan can be accessed at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Silvio_O_Conte/what_we_do/conservation.html
The Service has identified Alternative C as the preferred alternative. This alternative will serve as the operational framework for refuge programs and to focus the Service’s support of private land stewardship within the larger watershed area. Under this alternative, actions have been identified that will best meet refuge legislated purposes and goals through a balanced approach for wildlife and habitat conservation, recreational public uses, and strategic land conservation within a landscape context. While it is a 15 year plan, the Service will continue to engage the public, States, and interested stakeholders as step-down plans, such as habitat management and public access, are developed.
The final CCP/EIS includes minor changes and clarifications based on input received during a 90-day comment period on the draft plan in 2015. A summary of changes can be found in our newsletter posted at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Silvio_O_Conte/what_we_do/conservation.html
The CCP/EIS is available for a 30-day review period, ending January 17, 2017, to allow Tribal governments, Federal and State agencies, the public and other stakeholders that submitted substantive comments on the draft plan an opportunity to review changes and our responses to their comments. Once the Service’s Northeast Regional Director ensures all compliance requirements are met, a Record of Decision will be signed and the Service can begin to implement the plan in partnership with the states, stakeholders, and the public.
The Conte refuge is a national model for conserving land for wildlife and people at a landscape scale. It was authorized in 1995 to protect the diversity of native species of plants, fish, and wildlife and their ecosystems within the Connecticut River Watershed. The natural environment within the 7.2 million acre watershed is extremely diverse and expansive. Refuge lands are managed to support wildlife and habitats of conservation concern, such as federally listed species, migratory birds and fish,wetlands. The refuge also supports research, education, and recreation.
