Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Draft Management Plan Released
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Draft Management Plan Released
Public comments sought until May 15, 2013
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge’s Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (draft CCP/EIS), a proposed 15-year refuge management plan. The 60-day public comment period begins March 15, 2013 and ends May 15, 2013. Public comments on the draft CCP/EIS will be addressed in the final document, which is scheduled for completion in fall or winter 2013.
The Service evaluated four management alternatives in the draft CCP/EIS, analyzed refuge management goals and objectives, and identified scientifically grounded strategies for improving wildlife habitats and providing recreational opportunities. Public comments submitted during the planning process are addressed in the draft document. The draft CCP/EIS and a summary, called Planning Update 5, are posted on the Refuge’s Web site at www.fws.gov/deerflat/refugeplanning.html. Printed and CD-ROM copies of the draft are available at Idaho public libraries in Boise, Caldwell, Homedale, Marsing, Nampa, and Payette.
Refuge staff will continue to engage the public in the CCP planning process by accepting speaking invitations from stakeholder organizations, and by hosting six public open houses at the refuge’s visitor center. Open house dates and times are:
- Friday, March 29: 12 p.m. to 3p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, March 30: 10 a.m. to 3p.m.
- Friday, April 26: 12 p.m. to 3p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, April 27: 10 a.m. to 3p.m.
Comments and requests to obtain a copy of the draft CCP/EIS on CD-ROM can be sent by any one of the following methods. Email: deerflat@fws.gov; Fax: Attn: Jennifer Brown-Scott, (208) 467-1019; or U.S. Mail: Jennifer Brown-Scott, Refuge Manager, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, 13751 Upper Embankment Road, Nampa, ID, 83686.
