Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge Manager Dean Rundle announced today that the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a sign plan for the future refuge. "During the public process to produce our Comprehensive Conservation Plan, the Service committed to providing the public with basic information about site history, cleanup, and safety at each public access point," said Rundle.
Today, the Service is seeking public input on the language for its signs. A draft refuge step-down management plan, which includes proposed signage, will be available for public comment beginning on Tuesday, May 9, and the Service will accept public comments through June 9, 2006.
The draft plan will be posted for public review and comment on the refuge headquarters web site at: http://rockymountainarsenal.fws.gov. The Service will also place copies of the draft plan in public libraries in Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield and Boulder. Comments can be sent by e-mail the web site, or mailed to: Refuge Manager, Bldg. 111 - RMA, 7200 Quebec Street, Commerce City, CO 80022. All comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 9.
In 2001, Congress designated the future use of Rocky Flats as a National Wildlife Refuge following cleanup of the site by the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE). The physical work to clean up the site was completed in 2005. DOE, with oversight from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment expects to complete all final cleanup decision documents later this year. The Service anticipates accepting a transfer of land from DOE, and establishment of the refuge in early 2007.
"Our comprehensive plan calls for opening one short trail for visitors, to the historic and picturesque Lindsay Ranch site, during the first year following refuge establishment. Although we anticipate it will be several years before the refuge is fully open to the public, the Service is keeping its promise to the Rocky Flats Stewardship Council and other stakeholders to involve the public in this decision-making process now.?
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