DENVER - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) regarding the State of Nebraska’s proposed Helmuth Marsh property disposal and modification of the Wetland Reserve Program easement in Lancaster County, Nebraska. The Service’s decision to approve the disposal and modification constitutes a Federal action subject to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy of 1969, as amended (NEPA). This Draft EA has been prepared to comply with NEPA provisions to assess potential impacts on the human environment. Public comments will be accepted for a 30-day period ending February 23, 2020.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) will submit an amendment to Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program requesting approval for the disposal of Helmuth Marsh property and modification of the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) easement. The Helmuth Marsh property was purchased, in part, with federal grants originally provided by Section 6 and SWG to NGPC through the Recovery Land Acquisition Program, and was distributed by NGPC to Pheasants Forever for the purpose to provide the protection, restoration, and enhancement of a habitat that is vital to the survival and recovery of rare and endangered wildlife like the Salt Creek tiger beetle, and to maintain and enhance existing wildlife populations for the people of the State of Nebraska as well as the United States.
A copy of the Draft EA, which include details of the proposed action and the alternatives considered, is available online. Those without internet access may request copies by calling the Services’ Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program at 303-236-4414. Comments will be accepted until February 23, 2020 and should be sent to: Chief, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver, CO, 80225.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen in the West, visit our website, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Instagram.
