Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge announced plans to continue adding new and improved boating amenities at its Playport Marina facility. New services include the installation of a double walled above ground gasoline tank for use by boaters on Crab Orchard Lake. In addition to the gasoline services, the Service has issued a contract for the construction of two additional boat docks to accommodate houseboats.
The new gas tank and additional upgraded facilities will ensure that visitors have access to the services they need while recreating on the refuge, said Chief of Refuges for Region 3 Nita Fuller. The gasoline services will be available this fall.
According to Fuller, upgrading and adding facilities at the Playport Marina will alleviate the loss of services that may be caused by the closing of Images Marine. Images Marines lease will expire in December 2000 and not be renewed. The marina will continue to operate through the rest of this years boating season.
The refuge is in the initial stages of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) development process and will hold any additional plans or developments to either the Images or Playport sites until the CCP process moves further along. The CCP process involves gathering public comments and environmental data to help develop a long-term management plan for the refuge. The first public information meetings to discuss future management of the refuge are expected to begin this fall.
