5397001
Public Review and Comment on Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on the Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access for Temporary Disturbances and Minor Impacts on Conservation Easements in the Midwest Region. This draft document evaluates the compatibility of proposed activities that may cause temporary, minor disturbances while supporting necessary public infrastructure needs across conservation easements in the Midwest Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from June 10, 2026 to July 9, 2026. Comments, questions, or concerns can be sent to: R3Planning@fws.gov

Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area is 66 acres of upland oak savanna, established in 2016 and open to the public for some recreation opportunities. The refuge strives to protect, restore and manage ecological processes within the Kankakee River Basin, benefiting many species of plants and animals, while also providing high quality wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities for all visitors.

Visit Us

While there are a number of activities for visitors at Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area, the most popular are wildlife watching and hunting for deer and turkey. Visitors may also find photography opportunities in the grasslands and woods.

Location and Contact Information

      For National Wildlife Refuges

      To report a wildlife violation, call 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477).

      Our Species

      The riverine wetlands and oak savanna of Kankakee National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area are home to a variety of resident and migratory wildlife. Black-crowned night herons use the area’s wetlands, rivers and wet agricultural fields as resting and feeding places. Red-headed woodpeckers, rare in most of the midwest today, are more common on the refuge where the insects and nuts they eat are abundant. The regal fritillary, a beautiful bright red-orange and black butterfly, is often found in the refuge’s larger open grasslands, wet fields, remnant tallgrass prairie, damp meadows and marshes.