The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comments regarding a draft environmental assessment for continuing the remeandering of the Little Yellow River at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has historically implemented riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian restoration activities as part of their wetland habitat improvement efforts.
The primary needs for river restoration are to reclaim its meandering river bed creating access to its former floodplain that could improve wetland functioning with more consistent streamflow, improved water temperature and quality, groundwater recharge, flood storage and provide an increase in wetland habitat diversity. River restoration meeting these needs would fulfill the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA), 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 river restoration on the refuge: the preferred alternative of taking action to remeander the Little Yellow River by continuing current riparian restoration efforts, the other alternative is to take no action by discontinuing riparian remeandering efforts on the refuge.
You are invited to review and comment on the draft Environmental Assessment document. The documents are available starting August 28, 2023 and comments are being accepted until September 28, 2023. Documents are available on the refuge website. You can contact the refuge at 608-565-2551 or necedah@fws.gov to request documents in alternative formats.
