Syracuse.com - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service adopts Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge plan

[HuntingNY-News]

The plan,among other things focuses on includes expanding public use opportunities, including the development of two discovery areas and an observation tower, and developing new wildlife observation trails.

The following is a press release:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Regional Director has approved the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (Montezuma NWR, the refuge), according to Refuge Manager Tom Jasikoff.

In May 2012, we released the draft CCP and Environmental Assessment for the refuge for public review and comment. Based on the comments we received, we completed a final CCP.

This plan will serve as a 15-year blueprint for managing wildlife and habitats, and enhancing public use programs and infrastructure on the refuge and easement.

“This plan represents several years of effort among the Service, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, other Federal and State agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders.It builds off of established partnerships working to conserve the exceptional resources of the region. We feel that this final plan provides the best balance in sustaining or improving the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the refuge. It also provides the best balance of expanding recreational opportunities that are in high demand with limiting impacts to wildlife and habitats,” said Jasikoff.

Jasikoff explained that the Service adopted the draft CCP and Environmental Assessment’s preferred alternative (alternative , with minor modifications that respond to public comments.

A few highlights of the final 15-year plan include the following:

-Expanding public use opportunities, including the development of two discovery areas and an observation tower, and developing new wildlife observation trails.

-Increasing shrubland acreage to about 400 acres and continuing to maintain grassland habitat. Expanding emergent marsh and riparian forest restoration efforts to maintain foraging and breeding habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds.

- Offering new environmental interpretation programs and materials. Working with partners to develop environmental education materials and outdoor laboratory opportunities to augment teachers’ existing curricula and meet New York State learning standards.

- Developing new partnerships with organizations that will help expand the environmental education and interpretation program and accomplish biological monitoring, research, and habitat management goals.

- Expanding the refuge’s approved acquisition boundary by 1,223 acres.

The plan and other related information can be found online. Paper copies and CD-ROMs can be requested by mail or in person at Montezuma NWR Headquarters at 3395 US Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY 13148; by phone at (315) 568-5987; or by email.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog