Iowa Wetland Management District Seeks Public Input on Future Management at Series of Open Houses

Open Houses (3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.):

• February 13: Clear Lake, Lakeview Community Room, 10 North Lakeview Drive
• February 14: Algona, Water's Edge Nature Center, 1010 250th Street
• February 15: Spirit Lake, Dickinson County Nature Center, 2279 170th Street, Okoboji
• February 16: Jefferson, Milwaukee Railroad Depot, 507 East Lincoln Way

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will be hosting four open houses to request input from the public in developing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Iowa Wetland Management District (District). The District was established in 1979 as part of Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge; however, Iowa Department of Natural Resources shares management responsibilities on many of the District’s public lands. The primary purpose for establishment of the Wetland Management District was waterfowl production and migratory bird conservation.

The CCP will set wildlife, habitat and public use priorities and guide management decisions on the District for the next 15 years. The official public scoping period begins January 30, 2012 and will last 30 days. This scoping period is a time in which the District actively solicits comments from partners, stakeholders, local communities, neighbors, visitors and the public.

Although comments are welcome from anyone at any time during the planning process, they are most useful if received during this 30 day period. The open houses are just one way for you to participate in scoping and have your ideas on management of the District considered during the planning process.

The Service needs public input to questions like these:

• How would you like to see the habitats and wildlife managed on the District?
• Should public use and visitation be allowed and encouraged on the District?
• What do you think are the most important management issues facing the District?

If you have input to share, but cannot attend the open houses, please send comments to:

Tim Miller, Project Leader                 Phone:  515-928-2523
Union Slough NWR                           Fax:      515-928-2230
1710 360^th Street                         Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Titonka, IA 50480

For more information on the Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visit http://midwest.fws.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

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