The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has begun seeking comments from the public on proposed alternatives for developing public use facilities on the Rapids Lake Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) in Carver County, Minnesota. On March 15, the Service’s internet site and e-mail connections were closed by court order for an unspecified length of time. Therefore, access to proposed projects location maps is no longer available via the Refuge website and public comments can not be received via electronic mail. As a result, the Service has decided to extend the period of time in which comments will be accepted regarding the proposed projects. Written comments will now be accepted through April 12, 2004.
The public is asked to mail their comments to Linda Malz at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55425 or send via facsimile at 612-725-3279. Copies of proposed project location maps are still available at the Refuge address noted above or can be requested by telephone at 952-854-5900. The Service apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.
As presented earlier, four alternatives are being offered to the public for review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, preliminary to developing an Environmental Assessment. The public, if needed, can also receive descriptions of these four alternatives by visiting or calling the Refuge. Written comments are being accepted on the strengths or weaknesses of the various alternatives or suggestions for additional alternatives. A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) will be written after any initial public comments have been received concerning these proposed projects. Once completed, copies of the draft EA will be made available for formal public review and comment.
