UPDATE! Today is the last day to submit comments on proposed changes to the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge. When finalized, the plan will be the guideline for management of the Refuge into the coming years. Information about the CCP is below as well as the contact info for submitting comments.
CLICK HERE to read what the Montana Farm Bureau has submitted.
CLICK HERE to read what has been sent in by a group of citizens in Garfield County.
Different strategies for management for the CCP fall into the following three categories. In each of these alternatives, “we” refers to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Alternative A—No Action. Few changes would occur in the management of existing wildlife populations and habitat. Wildlife-dependent public and economic uses would continue at current levels.
- Alternative B—Wildlife Population Emphasis. We would manage the landscape, in cooperation with our partners, to emphasize the abundance of wildlife populations using balanced natural ecological processes such as fire and grazing by wild ungulates and responsible synthetic methods such as farming and tree planting. Wildlife-dependent public use would be encouraged, and economic uses would be limited when they compete for habitat resources.
- Alternative C—Public Use and Economic Uses Emphasis. We would manage the landscape, in cooperation with our partners, to emphasize and promote the maximum compatible wildlife-dependent public use and economic uses while protecting wildlife populations and habitats to the extent possible. Damaging effects on wildlife habitat would be minimized while using a variety of management tools to enhance and diversify public and economic opportunities.
The draft document is available for download at: https://www.fws.gov/cmr/planning. Written comments should be submitted by December 10, 2010 to Laurie Shannon, Planning Team Leader, P.O. Box 25486, Denver, CO 80225-0486. Emails can be submitted to cmrplanning@fws.gov. For more information about the plan, visit: https://www.fws.gov/cmr/planning or call: (303) 236-4317 or (406) 538-8706.
Charles M. Russell NWR was first established in 1936 as the Ft. Peck Game Range for the purpose of sustaining large numbers of sharp-tailed grouse, pronghorn, and other wildlife. In 1963, the Range was designated as Charles M. Russell Range. In 1976 the “Range” became a refuge and the Service was granted full management authority. The refuge is now administered as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s premier network of lands and waters managed for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and their habitats. It encompasses 1.1 million acres of land and water in north-central Montana and is the largest national wildlife refuge in Montana.
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. The Service is both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for its scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on the Service’s work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Posted by Kaci Switzer & Haylie Shipp
