We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are seeking public review and comments regarding a draft environmental assessment for continuing aerial herbicide application at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The refuges have historically implemented aerial herbicide application as part of integrated pest management efforts.
The primary need for aerial herbicide application is to reduce and control dense populations of invasive and undesirable plant species, to set back succession in areas where prescribed fire or ground application of herbicides is not practical or cannot be conducted on a frequent basis, and to maintain refuge facilities and infrastructure, thus fulfilling the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.) “... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”
The draft environmental assessment reviews two alternative approaches for herbicide application on the refuges:
Alternative A – Continue use of aerial herbicide treatment (No action and preferred alternative)
Alternative B – Discontinue aerial herbicide treatment
You are invited to review and comment on the draft environmental assessment document. The document is available starting May 23, 2023, and comments are being accepted until June 12, 2023. Please contact the refuge at 734-365-0219 or r3planning@fws.gov to request documents in alternative formats.
Latest Press Releases
