Feds looking for your input on Wisconsin waters

Seems to me that while Federal agencies are still under rational control, you might want to take advantage of these comment opportunities about Wisconsin waters while you can. Feel free to pass on to friends and your favorite environmental organization:

612-713-5385

November 4, 2016 Contact:  Craig Kelling, Craig_Kelling@fws.gov

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks comments on draft environmental assessment for public access site development and renovation projects on navigable waters for the State of Wisconsin The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment. The project purpose is to develop public access sites on navigable waters in the State of Wisconsin, as well as to renovate or rehabilitate existing public access sites in the state to ensure safe boating access for the public. Under the authority of Chapter NR 1.90, Wisconsin Administrative Code, it is the goal of the State of Wisconsin to provide, maintain, and improve access to navigable waters of the state. Under this law, the Department of Natural Resources shall work with local units of government, other state and federal agencies, and citizens, to acquire, develop, maintain and improve public access sites. The draft environmental assessment evaluates several proposed action alternatives and funding options to address this goal, including no action, dependence on private sites to provide access, and continued use of Federal Sport Fish Restoration funding to improve access in Wisconsin. ​The purpose of this environmental assessment is to look at the feasibility and environmental consequences associated with each alternative, as it pertains to site selection and review process for development, renovation, and rehabilitation of public access sites on navigable waters in Wisconsin. This environmental assessment was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act that applies to the actions of all federal agencies. The draft environmental assessment is available online at: http://www.fws.gov/ midwest/news/documents/ WisconsinBoatEA2016-2020.pdf Hard copies or additional information regarding the environmental assessment may be obtained from Heidi Nelson, Wisconsin DNR Federal Aid Coordinator, at 608-266-5687. Comments can be submitted via email to: heidi.nelson@wisconsin.gov  or by traditional mail to: Heidi Nelson, MB/8, 101 S Webster St. P.O. Box 7921, Madison Wisconsin, 53707-7921. ​Comments need to be received by December 4, 2016.

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 http://www.fws/gov.  Connect with our Facebook page at facebook.com/usfwsmidwest, follow our tweets at twitter.com/usfwsmidwest, watch our YouTube Channel at youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at flickr.com/photos/usfwsmidwest .