The FMP was originally associated with the Refuges draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and its associated Environmental Assessment. However, finalization of the CCP is taking longer than originally anticipated and the FMP must be finalized before any spring burning can occur. Therefore, a stand alone draft EA has been developed for the FMP. Public participation is an important component in the Environmental Assessment process. The Service is encouraging interested individuals to review the Draft EA and FMP and submit comments. The Service is accepting written comments on the Draft EA through March 15, 2002. Written comments can be mailed to: Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Attention: Fire EA Comment, W7996 20th Street West Necedah, WI 54646.
The EA considers four alternatives for managing and restoring open landscape on the Refuge. The preferred alternative is to continue the management practice of conducting prescribed burns to maintain and restore open habitat. A second alternative considers ceasing any type of active management to preserve these landscapes. A third alternative considers preserving open spaces through mechanical mowing and a fourth alternative considers preserving open spaces through the use of herbicides. The FMP addresses the technical procedures of conducting prescribed burns in a safe and controllable manner.
Prescription burning has been a successful management tool for improving wildlife habitat at Necedah NWR for more than 40 years. Migratory waterfowl as well as the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly benefit from burning. Prescription burning reduces accumulated vegetation to reduce the threat of wildfires and private property damage.
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 94-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 70 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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