Public comment period opens for proposed expansion for Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge

We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are pleased to share the Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge Draft Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment which evaluates alternatives for a proposed expansion of the refuge, and we’d like to hear what you think. At this time, we are seeking comments that will help to shape the final planning document. Once a final plan has been developed, it will be made available to the public.

You’re invited to participate in related open houses and public meetings February 23, 2023 through February 25, 2023. The regional planning team will be available to answer your questions and take your written comments during an open house, followed by an additional hour during which a public meeting will be held to allow you to voice your opinions as well. Although open houses will be followed by public meetings at each location, you are welcome to attend one or both portions of the gatherings as your schedule allows.

Open houses and public meetings:

• February 23rd from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. open house, followed by a public meeting from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Chester Public Library, downstairs meeting room (733 State Street, Chester, IL)
• February 24th from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. open house, followed by a public meeting from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Cairo Public Library (1609 Washington Avenue, Cairo, IL)
• February 25th from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. open house, followed by a public meeting from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park Headquarters (339 St. Marys Road, Ste. Genevieve, MO)
• February 25th from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. open house, followed by a public meeting from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Audubon Center at Riverlands (301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO)

The draft planning documents can be viewed at this link. You are not required to attend an open house or public meeting to submit a comment. Please submit your written comments between January 17th and March 10th, 2023, if you would like them to be considered in the plan development. Refuge Manager Jared Nance (573-847-2333, ext. 3) and lands planner Ashley Kraetsch (612-713-5154) are glad to answer any additional questions.

Comments can be sent to:

Ashley Kraetsch

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region

Division of Conservation Planning

5600 American Blvd West, Suite 990

Bloomington, MN 55437-1458

or email: r3planning@fws.gov