5397001
Public Review and Comment on Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on the Draft Programmatic Compatibility Determination for Rights‑of‑Way and Rights to Access for Temporary Disturbances and Minor Impacts on Conservation Easements in the Midwest Region. This draft document evaluates the compatibility of proposed activities that may cause temporary, minor disturbances while supporting necessary public infrastructure needs across conservation easements in the Midwest Region. The draft Compatibility Determination will be available for a 30‑day public comment period from June 10, 2026 to July 9, 2026. Comments, questions, or concerns can be sent to: R3Planning@fws.gov

The 705 acre Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1947 as a breeding ground for colonial waterbirds such as Caspian terns and black-crowned night herons. It is comprised of nine islands in Lakes Michigan and Huron. Gull, Pismire, Hat and Shoe Islands are part of the Beaver Island Archipelago in Lake Michigan and are managed by Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Sugar, Crooked and Scarecrow Islands located in Thunder Bay near Alpena, Michigan and Big and Little Charity Islands located in Saginaw Bay are managed by Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is closed to the public to protect sensitive colonial nesting waterbirds and the federally threatened plant species found on the islands.

Visit Us

Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public.

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      More than 150 species of birds and four species of mammals have been observed using the islands. These islands support numerous species of colonial nesting waterbirds such as ring-billed and herring gulls, double-crested cormorants and Caspian and common terns. Other bird species found breeding on these islands, include spotted sandpipers, killdeer, and a variety of waterfowl, raptors and songbirds.