Refuge needs feedback on conservation plan

The Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge has completed a draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and has posted the document for public comment.

“We want lots of feedback from the public,” said Refuge Planner Jackie Ferrier.

The CCP is a 15-year plan that functions essentially as a management blue print, outlining goals, issues and strategies for refuge management. Ferrier said the CCP also provides the public a look into the future of managing habitat and protecting wildlife at the refuge.

The 820-page document can be viewed at Westside Outdoorsman on Tehama Street in Willows and at the public library on Lassen Street. Copies are also available at the Refuge office or on their Web site, www.fws.gov/sacramentovalleyrefuges.com.

Refuge planners have worked on the CCP for about three years, Ferrier said.

In 1997, the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act was enacted. The law requires U.S Fish and Wildlife Service to prepare a CCP for every national wildlife refuge nation wide.

“The meetings are a great opportunity for people to help define the refuge in the future,” Ferrier said.

Contact Rob Parsons at 934-6800 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.

Public meetings to discuss the Draft CCP/EA have been scheduled for the following dates and locations:

August 6

6-8 pm

Sacramento NWR

752 County Road 99W

Willows

August 7

6-8 pm

Colusa Industrial Properties

100 Sunrise Boulevard

Colusa

August 11

6-8 pm

1425 Veterans Memorial Circle

Yuba City