The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comments on a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. The CCP is a Congressionally mandated management plan and, once completed, will guide refuge management decisions for the next 15 years. Copies of the Draft CCP are available for review on the Service website at: http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/necedahtop.htm , at the refuge visitor center located four miles west of Necedah, Wisc., on Hwy. 21, and at Wood and Juneau County Public Libraries. The Service has also developed an executive summary which can be obtained at the refuge headquarters or by calling the refuge at 608-565-2551
Public participation is a critical component in the development of this management plan. The Service is encouraging interested individuals to review the Draft CCP and submit comments. The Service is accepting written comments on the Draft CCP until Nov. 20, 2001. Written comments can be mailed to: Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Attention: CCP Comment, W7996 20th Street West Necedah, WI 54646. Written comments can also be submitted via the Internet at: http://midwest.fws.gov/planning/public.htm
The CCP addresses all aspects of managing the 43,656-acre refuge located in central Wisconsin. Highlights of the plan include increasing the breeding population of waterfowl and other migratory birds (including the establishment of a migratory population of the federally endangered whooping crane); protecting endangered species; increasing biological diversity; constructing fishing piers; completing an outdoor learning center and building a new visitor center.
The CCP also addresses ensuring the continued protection of fish and wildlife habitats on and around the refuge. "This CCP recognizes that the refuge is not an island," said Refuge Manager Larry Wargowsky, "It is just one piece of the surrounding community. One of the management goals addressed in the plan is our desire to work with local landowners who want to voluntarily protect and enhance the wildlife habitat value of their land." One project under this goal is called the Yellow River Focus Area Project. Under this project the Service hopes to provide willing landowners with the technical and financial assistance needed to protect and enhance their private property.
Although the Yellow River Focus Area is only one component of the entire CCP, it has attracted a great deal of attention and caused concern for some local landowners. "I cant stress enough that this and all other private land projects the Service conducts are completely voluntary," continued Wargowsky. "I am asking that concerned citizens read the plan, make their own informed decisions and submit any comments they have on how we might improve the plan.
