Written By
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is committed to its federal responsibilities and values the importance of engaging with the public in the management of Federal lands and waters. We invite community members to provide input regarding a draft compatibility determination for the Saginaw Bay Pipeline Company Right-of-Way Renewal within the Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Management Area, managed under the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
The Saginaw Bay Pipeline Company has requested the renewal of a Right-of-Way permit for an existing 16-inch natural gas pipeline located within the Kirtland's Warbler Wildlife Management Area boundary. The pipeline will continue to operate under existing conditions, with any necessary maintenance approved by the refuge manager on a case-by-case basis.
Compatibility determinations are the result of a thorough review process by the refuge manager, who assesses whether a proposed use aligns with the purpose for which the refuge was established. If deemed compatible, the use may be permitted; if not, it will be prohibited. In accordance with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy issued in October of 2000, compatibility determinations are made available for public review and comment.
The pipeline's location spans two parcels within the Kirtland Warbler Wildlife Management Area in Ogemaw County, Michigan. The 25-foot wide pipeline right-of-way is situated between St. Helen Trail Road and New York Central Railroad.
Maps of the Pipeline Location:
Figure 1: This map shows the location of the affected Kirtland's Warbler Wildlife Management Areas, Ogema Tracts 17 and 32.
Figure 2: Tract 32, Township 23 North, Range 1 East, Section 32, NE ¼ NE ¼
Figure 3: Tract 17, Township 23 North, Range 1 East, Section 29, E ½ SW ¼
Comments can be submitted to Refuge Manager Sara Siekierski at sara_siekierski@fws.gov. For questions or feedback, please reach out at 906-630-2015. Input received within the next 30 days will be particularly valuable for incorporation into the final document, though feedback is welcome at any time.
Contact: Sara Siekierski
Refuge Manager
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Phone: 906-630-2015
Email: sara_siekierski@fws.gov
