The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has revised its timeline for coming to a decision on a proposed land exchange between the Service and Doyon, Limited, within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. The Service released a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed land exchange in January 2008, and accepted public comments through May 19, 2008. The Service received over 100,000 comments on the proposal.
The projected date for a decision on the proposed exchange has been adjusted from fall, 2008 to the fall, 2009. The delay results from additional time needed to obtain final appraisals. Appraisals are needed in the EIS to provide assurances that the exchange is an equal value exchange. Appraisals must be completed, reviewed, and approved by DOIs Appraisal Services Directorate (ASD) before they are released for use in the EIS. The ASD is a part of Interior's National Business Center with the Office of the Secretary. For an updated schedule and other information related to this project, please visit http://yukonflatseis.ensr.com/yukon_flats/default.html.
The proposed equal value land exchange involves 110,000 acres of Refuge lands that may hold developable oil and gas reserves, and oil and gas rights to an adjacent 97,000 acres of Refuge lands. In exchange, the Refuge would receive a minimum of 150,000 acres of Doyon lands within Refuge boundaries, and Doyon would reallocate 56,500 acres of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act land entitlements within the Refuge to lands outside the Refuge. Should oil and/or gas development eventually occur on lands that Doyon acquires from the government in this proposal, funding for additional land acquisition for National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska would be generated.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with othersto conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and theirhabitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and naturalresources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. Formore information on our work and the people who make it happen, visitwww.fws.gov.
