These alternatives are being presented to help the local community understand that the Service is trying to incorporate all public comments and consider a wide range of management alternatives to develop its CCP. "Management decisions will affect where, when and how people can enjoy the refuge," said new Refuge Manager Rick Frietsche. "We want interested citizens to take a look at what we have so far and let us know if we have missed anything. Right now, the Service does not consider any of these a preferred alternative. No decisions have been made, but we are beginning to move into the decision making phase and if people have comments, we want to hear them before we get too far along in the planning process."
In 1997, the U.S. Congress mandated that a CCP be prepared for each of the more than 535 refuges within the National Wildlife Refuge System. These long-term plans will guide management decisions and identify refuge goals, objectives, and strategies for achieving the Refuge System mission. The plans provide other agencies and the public with a clear understanding of the desired conditions of the refuge and how the Service will implement management strategies. Crab Orchard Refuge began developing their CCP in 1999 and expects to complete it in early 2003.
"I want to ensure everyone has a chance to be aware of, and comment on, these management plans so there are no surprises," said Frietsche, adding that the Service is not legally required to provide public review or accept public comments at this phase of the planning effort. "Even though Im not required to do this, I want to involve all our partners throughout the entire process so we can address issues early. This refuge benefits all of us and I want to discuss any issues before they become problems."
The next step in the CCP process is for the Service to review and further develop each of the four alternatives based upon public comments, biological data, and the Service and refuge missions. Once enough information has been gathered, the Service will select a "preferred" alternative and analyze its impacts in detail. Once this is completed, the Service will compile all information in a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Comprehensive Conservation Plan and distribute these documents for public review and comment.
"I realize it is unlikely we will please everyone," added Frietsche. "But, I want to work with the state of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, recreation groups, environmental groups, agriculture, industry and other interested citizens to develop a plan that meets as many public needs as possible while still fulfilling all the purposes for which this refuge was established."
The Service is encouraging individuals and organizations to submit written comments by Nov. 1, 2001, to: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Attn: CCP Comments, 8588 Route 148, Marion, IL 62959; or via the Internet at: http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/cotop.htm ; or by e-mail to: conwr-ccp@fws.gov .
Basic Information on each of the four alternatives:
Alternative A - Existing Management
Under this alternative, current management techniques at the refuge would continue. "This alternative is a legal requirement and provides a base of comparison for all other alternatives," said Frietsche. "We need to look at what is happening now to help us understand how any changes we may implement would affect the future."
Alternative B - Recreational Land Exchange
Under this alternative, management emphasis would be on reducing habitat fragmentation and reconciling conflicts between the Refuges recreation purpose and the Refuge System mission by focusing on wildlife-dependent recreation on the refuge while still providing a full spectrum of recreational activities in the area.
"This alternative recognizes that a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge is not a park or other high-intensity recreation area," said Frietsche. "Refuges are excellent at many things, but providing the public with the type and volume of non-wildlife-dependent recreational activities currently prevalent at Crab Orchard isnt necessarily one of them." The main point of this alternative is to offer increased recreational opportunities by exchanging land in the developed northwestern portion of Crab Orchard lake for undeveloped land at another location.
Alternative C - Open Land Management
Under this alternative, management emphasis would be on open land habitats, satisfying the refuges recreation purpose as much as possible within Service budget priorities, and expanding priority wildlife-dependent recreation. "The intent of this alternative," said Frietsche "is to emphasize management of open land habitat, such as grassland and agricultural land, for the benefit of wildlife...particularly birds."
Alternative D - Forest Land Management
Under this alternative, management emphasis would be on unfragmented forest habitats, satisfying the refuges recreation purpose as much as possible within Service budget priorities, and increasing the quality of priority wildlife-dependent recreation without increasing facilities. "This alternative focuses on the historical prevalence of forests throughout much of the area," said Frietsche. "By focusing our management on forests, we are better able to meet the needs of forest interior species. However, there will still be enough grass and agricultural lands within the refuge to provide for geese."
Note to Editor:
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Manager Rick Frietsche is available to provide members of the media with interviews or refuge tours. If you are interested in an interview, a refuge tour, or need more information about the management alternatives, please contact the refuge at: 618/997-3344 x304
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses more than 535 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
For further information about programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region, please visit our website at http://midwest.fws.gov
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