sardog1
New member
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2003
- Messages
- 2,579
- Reaction score
- 231
Feds have published a Draft Conservation Plan and EIS for managing Lake Umbagog Wildlife Refuge. Their preferred alternative ("Focal Species Habitat Management") focuses on protecting "the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of Umbagog Lake and its associated rivers and tributaries. Its second priority is to conserve the upland mixed forest and associated species. Management will focus on enhancing habitats for selected refuge focal species: species of regional conservation concern whose habitat needs generally represent the needs of many other federal trust resources. Alternative B would also improve the quality of our wildlife-dependent recreation programs, and strengthen our partnerships with state and local entities offering similar programs in the area. Another partnership would focus on developing a Land Management Research Demonstration (LMRD) program for applying the best available science in management decisions that affect wildlife resources in the Northern Forest.
"This alternative includes expanding the refuge as part of a network of conservation lands by acquiring 49,718 acres from willing sellers: 65 percent in fee simple and 35 percent in easements. Those habitats are important for conserving refuge focal species and other federal trust resources. Alternative B also proposes a new refuge headquarters and visitor contact facility. Refuge staffing and budgets would increase commensurately."
FYI -- the Refuge currently includes 20,513 acres, so the preferred alternative would more than triple its size.
"This alternative includes expanding the refuge as part of a network of conservation lands by acquiring 49,718 acres from willing sellers: 65 percent in fee simple and 35 percent in easements. Those habitats are important for conserving refuge focal species and other federal trust resources. Alternative B also proposes a new refuge headquarters and visitor contact facility. Refuge staffing and budgets would increase commensurately."
FYI -- the Refuge currently includes 20,513 acres, so the preferred alternative would more than triple its size.
