<p>The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), invites the public to review and comment on a draft generic Environmental Assessment (EA) for the construction of public water access sites in Minnesota. The draft EA evaluates several alternatives, including the proposed alternative that would continue developing and renovating access facilities on lakes and rivers using Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration funds. These funds come from federal excise taxes on fishing tackle and motorboat fuels.
The DNR has determined that there is a need to continue to construct new and renovate existing boating facilities on lakes and rivers to provide adequate access for fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing, and nature study activities. New and improved facilities are necessary to meet increased demand for recreational facilities generated by increased boat ownership. Other benefits include enhanced safety for users, improved accessibility for disabled users, and improved access for fisheries management purposes and law enforcement.
The proposed alternative would address this need by continuing the current program of developing and renovating 3-5 facilities annually, on lakes and rivers, with federal funding support. Officials believe that the proposed alternative will ensure that public needs for safe recreational boating and fishing facilities will continue to be met. The other two alternatives considered are continued project work at a diminished level of activity without using Federal funding, and an alternative with no new public construction/renovation work, instead depending on private efforts to meet the publics needs.
The EA was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that applies to the actions of all federal agencies. This project is proposed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for funding through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The draft EA is available on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website at: http://midwest.fws.gov/NEPA. Additionally, copies may be obtained from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Central Office, Box 52, 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155-4052, Attn: Mr. Kim Lockwood, Trails and Waterways Division (telephone 651/297-4954). Written comments should be sent to Lockwood via mail at the above address, via email:kim.lockwood@dnr.state.mn.us or via fax to 651/297-5475. Comments should be received by Lockwood no later than September 9, 2002.
