The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and the environmental assessment (EA) for Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Cayuga, Seneca, and Wayne Counties, New York. The document describes the proposal for managing the refuge for the next 15 years and evaluates each alternative being considered.
Throughout the CCP process, the planning team solicited comments from the public on managing the refuge and its programs. After considering public input, three alternatives were developed and evaluated. A full description of each alternative being considered and its potential environmental impacts is available in the draft CCP/environmental assessment.
Alternative B is the Service-preferred alternative for the refuge. In line with the refuge’s purpose, vision and goals, this alternative calls for an active approach to habitat restoration, and expands public use opportunities on the refuge. It also suggests increased staffing and the construction of two new administrative buildings on the refuge.
Public meetings will be held at the refuge on June 4, 2012 at 3395 U.S. Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY 13148. To accommodate different schedules, the meeting will have two sessions, one in the afternoon from 2 to 4pm and repeated in the evening from 6 to 8pm. During each session, there will be a short presentation on the draft plan, followed by an open house with informal opportunities to speak with Service staff and provide comments on the draft CCP/EA. Comments will be analyzed and addressed in the final CCP.
The document will be available for public comment from May 22 through June 21, 2012. It can be found online athttp://www.fws.gov/northeast/planning/Montezuma/ccphome.html. Paper copies can be requested by sending an e-mail to northeastplanning@fws.gov, please put Montezuma NWR in the subject line. Copies or an in person viewing or pick-up can be arranged by calling 315-568-5987, writing to Andrea VanBeusichem, Visitor Services Manager, Montezuma NWR, 3395 U.S. Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, or sending an email to Andrea_VanBeusichem@fws.gov. Comments on the draft plan should be addressed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035, Attn: Lia McLaughlin. Comments can also be sent by email tonortheastplanning@fws.gov, fax to 413-253-8468 or by calling 413-253-8575.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 12, 1938 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge provides resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for thousands of waterfowl and other migratory birds. Montezuma Refuge is situated in the middle of one of the most active flight paths in the Atlantic Flyway.
