The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has begun a planning effort to protect additional fish and wildlife habitats by establishing and/or expanding the boundaries of the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Complex consists of five existing national wildlife refuges in Lee and Charlotte Counties, Florida: Pine Island, Matlacha Pass, Bay, Caloosahatchee, and J. N. "Ding" Darling.
While an initial study area has been identified, the boundaries of the refuges will be determined during the preparation of an environmental assessment. Public involvement will be an important element in this process. As an initial step, the Service will host three public informational meetings in Southwest Florida. Each meeting will include approximately 30 minutes of public information, followed by two hours of public participation where members of the community will be encouraged to ask questions and give comments.
The public is invited to attend any or all of these meetings, which will be held at the following times and locations:
| May 22, 2001 - 7:00 p.m. | Fishers of Men Lutheran Church 10360 Stringfellow Rd., St. James City, Pine Island; |
| May 23, 2001 - 9:30 a.m. | J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel; and |
| May 23, 2001 - 7 p.m. | Ramada Inn & Suites at Amtel Marina 2500 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers. |
Additional information on the refuge proposal is available through a fact sheet published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Persons interested in participating in the public informational meetings or receiving copies of the fact sheet and future updates should write to Mr. Charles R. Danner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuges, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 30345, 1-800-419-9582; or call the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex at 941-472-1100.
