The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced completion of the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge River Recreation Management Plan for that portion of the National Wild and Scenic River that flows within Refuge boundaries near Valentine, Nebraska.
The need for a comprehensive river management plan was identified in the Fort Niobrara Comprehensive Management Plan of 1999. Since that time, the Service has worked with cooperating agencies and researchers to develop scientific data for use in the development of the plan. The River Recreation Management Plan provides for recreational use on the River; is compatible with the purposes for which the Refuge was established and with National Wildlife Refuge System goals and policies; and, complies with other federal laws including The Wilderness Act and The Wild and Scenic Rivers Wild and Scenic Rivers
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 established the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and authorizes Congress to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for their appropriate use and development. The act encourages river management that crosses political boundaries and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection.
Learn more about Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. In addition, the river plan protects the natural resources of the Refuge and preserves the wilderness character of the Fort Niobrara Wilderness Area adjacent to the River. The plan also promotes public understanding of and appreciation for Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuges wildlife and recreational values.
"We thank all those who participated in the planning process, assisted the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in identifying concerns, and presented options for management of river recreational use of the Niobrara River on the Refuge," said Royce Huber, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Complex Manager. "Public participation made this a better plan and many of these recommendations were incorporated into the final plan.
The River Recreation Management Plan is available to the public at the following locations: the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge Complex Office, Valentine, NE; on the internet at http://fortniobrara.fws.gov/rivere and at the Sawyer memorial Library in Valentine.
On Wednesday, February 16, 2005, the Refuge will be holding an informational meeting for all businesses and individuals interested in providing commercial outfitting services on the Refuge at the Fort Niobrara NWR Visitor Center from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. (CST). Requirements for all commercial outfitters, who desire to provide river floating services to Refuge visitors in 2005, will be discussed at that time. Refuge staff will also be available to answer questions.
Applications for providing commercial outfitting on the Refuge and Launch Pass Bid forms can be obtained at the Fort Niobrara NWR Visitor Center. Parties desiring to provide commercial outfitting services on the Refuge must complete both forms and return them to Fort Niobrara NWR no later than 4:00 p.m. (CST) February 24, 2005. Sealed bids received by the deadline will be opened February 28, 2005 at 7:00 P.M. (CST) at a public meeting to be held at the Refuge Visitor Center. Refuge river launch passes will then be allocated based upon the high bid received as described in the River Recreation Management Plan.
