"Through the planning process, refuge staffs and local communities will strengthen bonds and deepen their mutual understanding," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Director Jamie Rappaport Clark. "Each Comprehensive Conservation Plan will lay out a clear vision for that refuge. Active involvement of anyone who has a stake in those resources in imperative to our success."
The National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997 requires that all units of the Refuge System be managed with an approved CCP by 2012. CCPs identify overarching wildlife, public use, and management needs. They describe desired future conditions, and provide long-term guidance and management direction. The policy provides guidance, step-by-step directions, and requirements for all CCPs. Sixty-nine CCPs are currently underway with 32 scheduled for completion in 2000.
The policy directs all refuges to seek public input as they prepare plans that will guide decisions on all aspects of refuge operations over 15 year cycles. It calls for each refuge to provide an opportunity for active public involvement during the preparation and revision of CCPs, including coordination with other Federal agencies, state fish and wildlife and other state agencies, Tribal and local governments, adjacent landowners, and interested members of the public.
In addition to satisfying a legal requirement, the final Comprehensive Planning Policy represents a major step towards realization of Fulfilling the Promise, a long-term road map developed by the Service and its partners as guidance for strengthening the National Wildlife Refuge System. Fulfilling the Promise envisions national wildlife refuges as
